Arguments for Justification #

Romans 3:19-31

Introduction

Outline for Chapter 3

Paul’s Answer to Objections (Romans 3:1-8)

Paul’s Assertion of Sin (Romans 3:9-18)

Paul’s Argument of Justification (Romans 3:19-31)

In verses 19-20, Paul is recapping what has been explained for the past few chapters. All of man is guilty before God! He has left no stone unturned in dealing extensively with the issue of sin, the knowledge of sin, for both the religious Jewish leaders and the Gentiles who were ignorant of sin.

19 – “all the world may become guilty before God.”

This completely sums up the first two chapters and first part of chapter 3 where Paul has dealt completely shown how man has voluntarily thrown himself into sin.

20 – The Law CANNOT justify, clearly gives knowledge and understanding of sin.

I want to focus our attention on verses 21-26 where the bulk of Paul’s message is turned to Justification by faith.

I. Declaration of God’s Righteousness (21-23) #

A. Shown (21) #

1. Manifested #

It is not shown under the law. He has already clarified that “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified”

2. Witnessed #

B. Offered (22) #

1. (22) “by faith” #

Salvation never has been acquired by works, it has always been by faith!
- Even under the law, they looked forward to the final sacrifice offered for their sin, Jesus.

2. (22) “unto all and upon all” #

The book of Romans is very clear that God’s Righteousness is offered to every person!
“for there is no difference” – wether Jew, or gentile

3. (22) “that believe” #

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Believe – expect or hope with confidence; to trust

C. Need (23) #

1. Every person NEEDS God’s righteousness. #

II. Direction for Justification of Man (24-26) #

A. By Grace (24) “justified freely by his grace” (24a) #

1. Grace – getting what you don’t deserve #

Free – no cost to us, no charge.
Unmerited favor – not earned
- The Jewish mind struggled to understand unmerited favor! - Abraham called out by Grace!
God’s grace – God showing unmerited favor to us

2. Redemption #

Redeem – to purchase back, to regain possession of by payment of a stipulated price

Eph. 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Heb. 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

B. Sent from God (25) #

Propitiation – 2. atonement or atoning sacrifice; specifically, the influence or effects of the death of Christ in appeasing the divine justice and conciliating the divine favor.

1. “through faith” - #

Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

2. Remission – pardon of transgression, #

C. Justifier (26) #

1. Jesus declared Righteous! - #

It was hard for Jews to accept the fact that Jesus is the Messiah!
- They expected him to come in all His Glory, as a great powerful King. He was, he didn’t display it as they expected!

2. Jesus declared the justifier #

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Romans 3:19