Romans Chapter Three Lesson 37

3. In this context we have seen Psalms, and Isaiah quoted repeatedly;

The Word of God is God's moral straight edge; it is that by which man's conduct is to be measured and determined whether its good or evil.

Where is Paul going in Romans? The 4 major sections!

1. God's Wrath Revealed. 1:18-3:20 All under Sin; all condemned before Him!

2. Revelation of God's Solution - Salvation; Justification by faith explained in detail. 3:21-8:39

3. Revelation of God's Wisdom; seen in His dealing with Israel.

Israel's Past; ch-9

Israel's Present; ch-10

Israel's Future; ch-11

4. Revelation of God's Will for the Believer; Ch 12-16

Find what He desires of us as His children.

Justification by Faith in Christ 3:21-5:21

Outline: The immediate context that is before us;

1. 3:21-31 Justification defined

2. 4:1-25 Justification is illustrated.

3. 5:1-11 Results of Justification

4. 5:12-21 The foundation of justification

The whole concept of man having a standing with God is right here in this context!

In 1:18-3:20 we saw the revelation of the wrath of God on all ungodliness and unrighteousness.

In 3:21-8:39 we find the revelation of the righteousness of God.

- What is man doing in the flow of the context?? He is going from guilt condemnation, under wrath to grace, being justified by faith.

Thinking through this section, overview/outline: 3:21-31

- Justification by Faith in Christ: God's method of Salvation

#1. God's method of Salvation - Its Nature 3:21-23

a. As to its condition 3:21-22

1) it is apart from works 3:21

2) it is by faith 3:22

b. Who does it apply to 3:23

#2. God's method of Salvation; Its basis, what is it based on? 3:24-25

a. 3:24 Redemption.

b. 3:25 propitiation

Both of these come together here in that they are descriptive of Christ's work on the cross! [th4 forms the basis of salvation]

#3. God's method of Salvation; It's object or purpose 3:26

- to demonstrate the righteousness of God

#4. God's method of Salvation; It's results 3:27-31

a. it humbles man 3:27-28

b. It glorifies God 3:29-30

c. It confirms the law 3:31

Key terms in passage;

#1. Righteousness 21, 22, 25, 26

#2. Justify or some form of; 24, 26, 28, 30

We must understand the truth of this passage of the impossibility of any man or woman, however moral, however religious, however wonderful, however good they may think they are or those around them believe they are, that you will come to understand the impossibility of their standing in the presence of a righteous God unless they have a righteousness that is equal to His.

3:21-31 Justification by Faith in Christ defined:

God's method of Salvation [4 aspects in context]

1. Its Nature 3:21-23

a. As to its condition 3:21-22

1) it is apart from works 3:21

- "But now" Nuni. de. This short little phrase marks a major change in Paul's argument;

- Examples:

- Look at Eph 2:11-12 then vs:13

- Look at 1 Cor 15:16-20

Here in Rom. 3:21 the "but now" forms the bridge from the guilt of man that brings condemnation to the grace of God that brings salvation.

- The next word in the Greek text is the preposition "apart" [cwrij] is a very strong word, I believe it is used here in its absolute sense; meaning is absolutely apart from; without any relation to; idea = exclusion;

Back to Rom 3:

- Here in 3:21 Paul is saying that this righteousness of God is absolute and unequivocally apart from law, the door is slammed shut!

- "law" no,moj no article with it; just as in vs:20 therefore the emphasis is not on the moral and ethical code, the statutes of the M/L specifically but on any law code as a principle of life; which would include the M/L.