The Price of Justification

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.

Romans 3:21 (MEV)

At the beginning of this letter, the Apostle Paul builds an irrefutable legal case against humanity. He examines the cases of the religious and the non-religious, the moralist and the rebel alike, and delivers a universal verdict: all are guilty. He concludes in verse 20 that "no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law." It is a state of total spiritual bankruptcy. The courtroom doors are locked, the Judge is seated, and the sentence is death. But then we come to verse 21. And it contains two of the most beautiful words in all of human history: "But now..."

While we were unable to rise up to God, He came down to us. Here, Paul presents a radical concept: a righteousness that stems neither from our performance, nor from our adherence to rules—that is, God’s laws—nor from our spiritual "résumé." He asserts that this new righteousness is independent of the law. It is a gift of a completely different nature. It is not a reward for a job well done; it is a status that God Himself grants us. It is His own perfect righteousness credited to our account. This righteousness is granted to all who believe, regardless of your past, your background, or your failures.

Paul uses three powerful, life-transforming terms to explain how God remains perfectly just while loving us perfectly:

Justification: the declaration made in the divine courtroom that your record has been completely wiped clean. Redemption: we were slaves to our sin, and Jesus paid the ultimate price to buy us back. Expiation or propitiation: on the cross, Jesus voluntarily took our place; He absorbed the just judgment our cosmic rebellion deserved.

Our justification is free to us, but it came at an incredible cost to God. It cost Him His only Son.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.