CONFRONTING OUR SIN Living The Gospel Everyday Part 2 - Romans 3:21-26 01/19/24 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21–26 Righteousness - δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosuné) right, justice, justness, a divine rightness It encompasses both the legal standing of being declared righteous before God and the ethical conduct that flows from this new status. The term is central to Pauline theology, emphasizing that righteousness is not achieved by human effort but is a gift from God through faith Justify -δικαιόω (dikaioó) to declare righteous, to acquit The verb δικαιόω primarily means to declare someone as righteous. In a legal sense, it refers to the act of acquitting or vindicating someone, declaring them free from guilt or blame. Refers to God's act of declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. This justification is not based on the individual's merit but on the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. All - πᾶς (pas) all, every, whole, entire Sinned - ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanó) to sin, to miss the mark In the New Testament, it is used to describe the act of violating God's law or falling short of His standards. The term conveys the idea of moral failure or transgression against divine law. It is often used in the context of personal sin, highlighting the human tendency to deviate from God's will Fall short - ὑστερέω (hustereó) to fail, to be devoid of Propitiation - ἱλαστήριον (hilastérion) - a sin offering, by which the wrath of the deity shall be appeased Is used to denote a means of appeasement or atonement. It is often translated as "propitiation" or "mercy seat," referring to the lid of the Ark of the Covenant where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. In a broader sense, it signifies the place or means by which reconciliation between God and humanity is achieved, particularly through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Gospel Message But now the righteousness of God . . . Justice of God and justifying on display Faithfulness of Jesus . . . Obedience, sacrifice, and commitment lived out No distinction . . . Level playing field All have sinned and all fall short of the glory of God . . . “None righteous not even one” All means everyone at all times AND all are justified by His Grace Legally and relationally restored Through the redemption that is in Christ As our propitiation- Ultimate blood sacrifice to end all sacrifices, Satisfying the justice be just and justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus By faith in Jesus God redemptive work covers over me Me . . . the sinner and the failure now JUSTIFIED Righteousness of Christ is imputed on me I am the PROBLEM Adam’s shame and blame . . . Why do we fight so hard to hide our faults? Why are we so quick to make someone else responsible for our choices? As I am . . . Is imperfect . . . Is a failure . . . Is a sinner - I have missed the mark GRACE leaves me undone I’m good because of Jesus Admitting humbly “I am the problem” is the only means to experience the fullness of Gods GRACE All of Us are the PROBLEM Can we admit? “I totally failed can you forgive me.” “I was wrong and I’m so sorry” “I sinned against you, I’ve no excuse.” “Its my fault how can I improve” Can we extend the grace extended to us? Relationships (and churches) oddly grow stronger through moments of failure handled with humility and love