(Romans Series-9) Righteousness Manifested Apart From The Law

RIGHTEOUSNESS MANIFESTED APART FROM THE LAW

Romans 3:21–26 (Go to ESV Bible Verses)

Key Verse: 3:21 "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it."

1. Review Paul’s conclusion (3:19–20). How does the phrase “But now” mark a decisive turn in his explanation?
2. In verse 21, what are the two sources that testify to the righteousness of God? What does it mean that this righteousness is “apart from the law”?
3. In verses 22–23, what’s the specific way the righteousness of God is given, and who are the recipients? Why is there “no distinction” (22b–23)? What does it mean to “fall short of the glory of God”?
4. In verse 24, what three specific words/phrases are used to describe the manner in which a person is justified? What does it mean to be “justified” (24)? Why does Paul add “by his grace as a gift”? What does “the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” mean?
5. What does it mean that God “put forward” Christ Jesus (25a)? What is “propitiation”? How is it related to the wrath of God in 1:18? What does it mean to receive his blood by faith?
6. How did Christ’s death and shed blood “show” God’s righteousness, both in the past and present time (25b–26)?
7. What does this passage tell us about the character of God the Father? How can we have a right relationship with him? How do you respond to his gift of grace in Jesus?