(Rom 3:22) “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”   Faith: not  the acknowledging in the mind as true, but acting, responding to that truth. In this case, the act is the response of heart that says, “I’m sorry for what my sin cost the Lord Jesus your Son. Please forgive me and save my soul.” You see, the truth needs to affect the heart: (Rom 10:10) “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;”  The heart will say, “I want Jesus more than the sin.”

(Rom 3:22) “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”   Faith. How is it that some can speak of having faith but lack the heart of genuine salvation: the change of heart that comes through the new birth. Reason: a misunderstanding of the word, “faith”. They see faith as believing the words spoken. No. Bible faith is not only believing but acting upon that which is believed.  More on this subject tomorrow.

(Rom 3:21)  “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;”  Not only does the law testify against our conscience, but the prophets do the opposite, they testify of a coming “redeemer” and of a new covenant. The Lord never, ever speaks of a negative without giving us hope – a positive. The Lord does not desire our harm, but our good – if we will just come to Him His way.

(Rom 3:21)  “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;”  The true focus of this chapter is, “How can a person be saved?” By the law? No. All have sinned and the law is the witness. This verse is the beginning statement of how to be saved. The “righteousness of God now manifested” is Jesus Christ. More on this subject – tomorrow. 

(Rom 3:20) “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”  “Justified”: have not sinned. We have each broken the law, so it has condemned us. This is why we each need a Savior. By the way, once saved, this principle remains true: “Our salvation was by Jesus alone. We cannot aid in keeping it for we still break this law condemning us. It is “all” the merit of Jesus’ sacrifice that saves! 

 (Rom 3:19) “ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”  The purpose of the law is to reveal to our hearts – we have sinned. We are guilty. Conclusion: I deserve punishment. What do I do now? I look to Jesus Who bore my punishment on Calvary’s cross. I, in regret and thankfulness ask God’s forgiveness. He then gives freely the gift of everlasting life.  

(Rom 3:18) “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  Believers seem to have abandoned the thought of fearing God. “He loves me.”  Saved and now adopted, God has become my Father. As a father, He does without fail correct His Own (Heb 12:6-8). Fact – fear motivates obedience. Why are so many unfaithful even in the smallest matter? They do not fear Him and….if truth be known, are not really thankful for salvation. 

(Rom 3:18) “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  The flesh of sinful man blinds him to eternity. It lives only to fulfill its desires today. Thus, he fears not God, giving eternity no thought for the pleasures of today. The lost need two things: 1) a person to speak directly to them of sin, righteousness, and judgment accompanied by 2) the Holy Spirit’s opening of their understanding, testifying that these things are true.  

 (Rom 3:17) “And the way of peace have they not known:”  Yesterday we laid this out in its context. Today consider the topic of “peace of soul”. One can only have true peace of soul when one has been forgiven all sins before God. This comes not as a simple confession, a “sweeping it under the rug” type of thing. It comes from a genuine sorrow of heart over those sins, for those sins not only rob us of peace before God, but they also killed the best person who ever walked the face of this earth – Jesus. Think: our Holy God is not only forgiving the transgressions, but also the price it cost – the sufferings and death of His Son.  

(Rom 3:17) “And the way of peace have they not known:”  Context: peace with fellowman, instead the shedding of blood. Remember, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” ( 1Jn_3:15) If you harbor hatred in your heart for someone; if you just cannot bring yourself to forgive; you need to check the genuineness of your salvation. You say, “I just cannot”. Friend, with the saved nothing is impossible if they wish to truly please the Lord.