THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD
Romans
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17, NIV).
These two verses compound the bulk of the entire letter of Romans. They introduce the theme of the letter which is: THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD AS REVEALED IN/BY THE GOSPEL. Throughout the book, Paul will trace the state of both Jews and Gentiles as he build his case for God’s righteousness that should be the basis for this divided group of believers to live together in harmony as the people of God.
There are five sections in the book of Romans. Each one of them can be condensed in one word and each one reveals the righteousness of God. Since this is the natural way the book of Romans is organized, we will trace the righteousness of God in these sections and words.
CONDEMNATION (1:18-3:20)
Paul says that the Gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone” (1:16). This statement infers the need to be saved. It is a need to be saved from condemnation.
God revealed Himself in the nature. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20, NIV). Because God has revealed Himself, the Gentiles cannot claim that they didn’t know. The evidence that they were shown was enough to point them to God and have them desire Him, but they chose “to suppress the truth” (1:18) and gave themselves in wild living. The evidence that they had was not enough to save, but it was enough to condemn.
God revealed Himself in the man’s conscience. “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.” (Romans 2:14-15, NIV). This is another revelation that God gave to the Gentiles, which they also chose not to respect. Therefore, God’s righteousness in condemning the Gentiles is shown clear. God has offered opportunity to them to respond, but they chose not to.
God reveled Himself in the Law. Paul’s argument in 2:17-28 is that the Jews’ privilege was that they were entrusted with greater revelation. It was the revelation of the Law. But what they did was that they worshipped the Law and not the God who gave the Law. Therefore, they rejected God’s Messiah and fell under condemnation. With greater revelation, they also had greater responsibility.
Both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. “What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one…” (Romans 3:9-10, NIV). Both Jews and Gentiles were given revelation. Both chose to reject the revelation. Both fell under condemnation. God’s righteousness is revealed in giving mankind opportunity, which they chose to reject. God’s righteousness is not negated by man’s refusal to respond.
JUSTIFICATION (3:21-5:21)
“But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:21-24, NIV). All have sinned and justly should have God’s condemnation. But God has made an offer to mankind in His Son Jesus. Sin requires a penalty to be paid (6:23) in order for God righteousness to be revealed. Jesus with the redemption that He offers (4:25), by buying us back through His blood satisfies God’s righteousness. So, even in the justification God’s righteousness is being revealed.
The means of justification is by placing faith in the Person of Christ and obeying His commandments for us. The principle of “justification by faith” is illustrated in the life of Abraham (Romans 4). Now Jesus offers us access into the grace and blessings of God (5:1-11) having negated the context of sin in which Adam had us born (5:12-21).
SANCTIFICATION (6:1-8:39)
Having been identified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection, now we can walk in the newness of life, which is the sanctity of God (6:1-14). We are no longer to be slaves to sin which entangles us and brought God’s condemnation in the first place but offer our bodies as “weapons of righteousness” (6:15-23). God’s righteousness is reflected in our sanctification. Jews who had the Law were not able to keep the requirements of it, pointing out to the need to look to faith in Christ as the grace-giver and Law-freer for the lives. If chapter 7 tells us anything about the sanctification process, it tells us that it is humanly impossible. God, who is righteous and holy, gives the Holy Spirit as the power-source to do what humanly is impossible but divinely attainable (Romans 8).
Belonging to God, now we can and should reflect the righteousness of God with the power of the Holy Spirit. God is righteousness is shown in that what we cannot achieve by human efforts, God enables by the power of His Spirit. He does not require of people to do something that He does do empower to do.
REJECTION (9:1-11:36)
In understanding God’s righteousness humans need to grasp a key concept to which they need to submit to: GOD IS SOVEREIGN! He has no obligation to show us why He does what He does in the way He does. We cannot demand Him to show us that (Romans 9).
When God rejected the Israelite nation it did because they had rejected Him. The promise He made to Abraham was a promise to bless all the nations and not just Israel. Paul’s argument is that God did not choose the nation Israel, but He chose the man of faith Abraham. God’s promise was that He would account to everyone who would by faith choose Him the righteousness of Abraham (10).
God’s rejection is only result of man’s choice. Israel chose not to follow God, and therefore was rejected. This was not a reason for Gentiles to brag about, for if they changed their way they could end up the same (11).
People like to think and claim that God is a God of love and He would not send people to hell. But, the failure of most people is to understand the message of 11:22, “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22, NIV).
Even in rejecting God is righteous, because He has given man opportunity to hear, to be justified and to be sanctified. If man chooses not to respond to God, then He is perfectly righteous when He rejects them.
APPLICATION (12:1-16:27)
God’s righteousness is shown in righteous living. This section of Romans is what is generally known as “practical living.” It is the translation into practice of what God has said in doctrine. God’s righteousness is shown in man’s offering of himself / herself as a living sacrifice to the Lord (12); in meeting the obligations that the Christian has to governing authorities (13:1-7), to brotherhood (13:8-10) and the eager waiting of the Lord’s return (13:11-14). God’s righteousness is made known in the way Christians treat Christians in regard to love and faith (14:1-15:13), the way they offer opportunity to respond to the Gospel to the world (15:14-33). It is seen in the faithful standing of Christians (16:17-19).
CONCLUSION
The Roman epistle screams God’s righteousness. In His sovereignty He has offered man opportunity to respond to revelation, escape condemnation, receive justification, attain sanctification and reflect righteousness. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36, NIV)
