JUSTIFICATION THROUGH FAITH

Romans 3:21-31

Key Verse: 3:24

“And are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

* GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MAN’S FAITH IN THE SON (21-26)

1. Read verse 21. What is “a righteousness from God” to which the Law and the Prophets testify? (See Gen. 3:15; 22:18; Isa. 9:6,7) What did God do instead of punishing sinners? How is the “wrath of God” (1:18) different than “a righteousness from God”?

2. How can we obtain this righteousness (22)? From whom does it come? To whom is it available (22)?

3. What is the result since all have sinned? What does “fall short of the glory of God” mean? (23)

4. Read verse 24. What does “redemption” mean? (Exodus 6:5,6) How does God redeem man from sin (Eph. 1:7,8 1Pe. 1:18,19) What is “justification”? How is this different from self-justification?

5. Read verse 25. What is a “sacrifice of atonement” ?(Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:12,14,22; 1Jn 1:7b) What is the role of Jesus’ blood in the

salvation of all fallen mankind?

What does it mean that God is just (26)? What reveals God’s love? (26b, John 3:16)

* ONLY ON THE PRINCIPLE OF FAITH (27-31)

6. Why should we not boast even though we are justified (27,28)? Who is God (29,30)? In what respect does the principle of faith strengthen the law (31)? Why is only faith in Jesus- and nothing else – necessary?