Romans 3:21-26 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

²¹ But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— ²² the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ 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. ²⁶ 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.

The Greek word here for manifest is paneroo meaning to become known, to be plainly recognized, thoroughly understood. This in reference to the person of Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry. He was not recognized by everyone as the Son of God. That being said, then how is it the definition contains the description “thoroughly understood”? Because sight had to be mixed with faith in order to know the truth.

Another way of thinking about His manifestation is that God the Father sent the Son to show us how righteousness performs. Here in Romans 3 Jesus has already ascended to the throne of God yet in verse 26 Paul declares that His righteousness is shown at that present time.

John 16:7-10 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁷ Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸ And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; ¹⁰ concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;

Seeing His righteousness is now presented to us by the Holy Spirit.

Ecclesiastes 5:7 English Standard Version (ESV) For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.

When we learn the lessons of yesterday and choose to learn our lessons from the mistakes of the past rather than making them ourselves we will grow in Christ and begin to find those gifts the Lord has given.

Ephesians 4:8 English Standard Version (ESV) Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

Having our spiritual eyes and ears opened we begin to see things in a new light and know the truth when we hear it. There are gifts given to men to serve God, to honor Him and to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. The better we get at using these gifts the more we are in danger of becoming vain.

Ego allows an athlete to perform at the highest levels because he has confidence in his talent, training, and knowledge. Ego allows us to perform rather than fear failure. Ego says look at me.

These gifts Christ has endowed us with are not for our glory and we must understand if we begin to believe those gifts are ours to possess, then we may well find the ground upon which we stand to quake. The fear spoken of in Ecclesiastes 5:7 means to tremble as one who stands upon ground created and controlled by the living God. We often lose sight of that fact when everything seems to be going right.

None of us are immune to feeling pleased when everything is going well. We become confident in our walk and become less aware of Who we walk with in the Way. We can and often do step out in faith without hearing the command. “Stop wait.” Then we find ourselves moving in our own strength and ability.

There is no honor in “doing it my way.”