Paul sums up the first three and a half chapters of Romans in just two verses. Romans 3:19-20.
“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth many be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.”
Paul shows us in the first three chapters of Romans mans standing before God:
- All men are under the Law: Romans 1-2
- By the works of the Law no flesh will be justified: Romans 2
- Through the Law comes the knowledge of sin: Romans 3
God’s Word Has Spoken
The Law, God’s word, has spoken, all are guilty, our mouths have been shut, and the whole world is accountable to God. All mankind rightfully deserves God’s wrath and judgment. we are helpless with no way of escape.
It has taken us weeks to work through these first few chapters of Romans trying to glean from these verses the standing of mankind before a Holy Righteous God. There are many hard truths in these verses that fly up against the flesh of man. Not easy passages to walk through at times. I know as I have studied these chapters my flesh has fought against God’s word. But in the end my mouth has been shut, and God’s truth prevails! Praise God for His guidance and teaching through the Holy Spirit!
Where do we go from here? All mankind according to these verses are shut up under the Law of God, they stand condemned, under His mighty hand of judgment, rightly deserving His punishment of eternity in the pains of hell forever.
But God’s Grace Word!
Paul begins Romans 3:21 with the word “BUT”. This my friends is a word of grace!!!! When a writer uses this word he is alerting the reader to a contrast. A contrast is a comparison of things that are different. Example: light and dark, hot and cold…etc. What is Paul contrasting in these next set of verses? Let’s read verses 21-23 and compare them to the writings in verses 19-20.
” But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
The Contrast:
The contrast in these verses are God’s Judgment and His Kindness.
- Judgment:All men are condemned and under God’s judgment: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The law has shut up all men under sin.
- Kindness: But apart from the law the righteousness of God has been manifested.
God’s judgment rests on all men BUT He’s provided a way of escape!
Our Hope: Jesus Christ
Apart from the Law God has provided a way of escape! God’s righteousness will be bestowed on those who through faith, believe in His Son Jesus for salvation!
Have you ever thought of “But” being a grace word?
Do you know christ as your personal Savior? Share Your Testimony today!
MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES
Why is it That Important to Memorize Scripture
Why I recommend the New Inductive Study Bible
I want to Know You… Studying the Attributes of God
Six Important Questions to Ask When You Study the Bible
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Thank you Lord that your righteousness is bestowed upon us!
Amen Caroline!!!!
“But God” that phrase always sticks out to me when I am reading that verse like an arrow to my heart. Love it. And love your blog design and graphics, very clean and simple.
Lauren, RunHoly.com
That phrase always sticks out to me as well Lauren! Thank you for your sweet words about my design! That is an encouragement. Been thinking about redoing a bit! Thanks for stopping by:) God Bless!
I love that phrase! I use it often:)
His righteousness is now OUR righteousness. May we live from it, not trying to live for it. 🙂
http://unveiledandrevealed.com
Praise God for His righteousness being given to us!!! Thanks Brianna:)
All that emptiness and guilt gone–He has made a way when none seemed possible! We are all sinners, BUT there is a way through Christ to all who believe. Amazing how He works things, yes?
It is amazing how He works things Deborah!! He is amazing!! Yes, He is the way, the only way!
It is so important to remember all the Grace God pours down on us – His Grace and Mercy are the best gifts on earth. Thank you for sharing your heart again
Marissa
Yes, it is of most importance, Marissa,that we remember all the grace God pours out on us!They are the greatest gifts coming down from the Father! Always a blessing to share! God bless”)
Ah, such good truth here. We got married on Friday 13th…turns out no one else wanted to, and seeing as we’re not superstitious we took the date and got a discount on everything because otherwise our venue, flower arranger, etc wouldn’t have got work! It worked for us!
Thanks Helen! God is so good how He works things out!!!! glad you stopped by today:) God bless!
It is interesting how God’s word can bring so much joy, healing, and yet convict so deeply. The more I’m in it, the more I see my life changing.
That is wonderful Jennifer!God is sanctifying you! It is such a joy and a faith booster when you see God working and changing us! You are right when you say God’s word brings great joy, and healing, and convicting as well. Only God’s word! I am so glad you stopped by today! I am enjoying your visits:) God Bless!
I saw this post in a link party earlier today and I loved it! What a great reminder about God’s love!
Thank you Danielle! He is so loving! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your kind words today! god Bless:)
Lisa this was most edifying. I’m always caught on that verse and phrase “but God” Isn’t it amazing how he showers us with his love, GRACE, and mercy. Such a blessing to remember each day. Thank you!
Yes, Brandi!The fact that God showers Grace, love, and mercy on us is so amazing!! Thank you for your sweet words! God Bless!
Amen! I wonder where I could have been without this grace manifested on the cross. I could have been trying and trying and failing over and over to follow God’s commandments. Hallelujah for the Cross! His Grace is indeed a blessing!
Yes, Nance, His grace is indeed a blessing! Thanks for stopping by today! Have a blessed one:)
Oh, what we would do without Jesus? So thankful for grace.
Amen, Melanie! What would we do without Jesus! I am also very thankful for His grace! Have a blessed day:)
Such great truth! I love the phrase “But God”. That can be used in so many situations that look bad or ugly…”but God” always reigns! Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome Anna:) God does always reign!!! I love the phrase also, it gets me through some tough times! thanks for sharing today!
I love this post! Some terrible news and descriptions in the previous verses… But God made a way through Jesus! But certainly is a grave term! Great encouragement and reminder. Love your blog!
Gotta hear the bad before we can understand the good! Thank you so much for sharing your encouraging words! Have a Blessed Weekend!
I love the way you lay out the truth! Thank you!
Thank you Tara! I hope it is beneficial! You are welcome:) Glad you stopped by today!
Woohoo!!! Praise God for the “but.” 😉 (And although I’m being goofy I also TOTALLY mean it too!!!) 🙂
WOOHOO!!! I will be goofy with you Susannah!!! God’s grace is something to be joyful about!! 🙂