Romans 3:20-22
“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (v.20)
The law only condemns us. Jesus pointed this out in his sermon on the mount when He spoke about the sin of adultery beginning in the heart, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matt. 6:28) Under this interpretation, many would be guilty of breaking the law both then and today. But let's keep reading.
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.” (v.21)
Here Paul tells us that justification is apart from the law, not a part of the law. This means the law cannot free you; it can only bring you to the realization that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. So, where is the justification? Keep reading.
“Even the righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe.” (v.22)
Paul now gets to the point that justification is for all mankind and there is only one way to become justified, through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Everyone sins; everyone falls short of the glory of God. But, God sent a propitiation for us, to justify and redeem us. Hallelujah!
The Truth
“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16)
