Rom 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (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: (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

In Romans 3:21-26, the Apostle Paul reveals the profound truth that Christ is the manifestation of God's righteousness both in the heavens and upon us. This righteousness is manifested apart from the law. It is granted to us through faith in Jesus Christ. It stands in stark contrast to the futile attempts of humanity to attain be justified by any effort of their own.

The law, as Paul explains, serves a crucial purpose in exposing our sinful nature and our inability to achieve righteousness on our own. It reveals the righteousness of God's wrath and judgment on sin and highlights our desperate need for a Savior. The law acts as a mirror, reflecting our shortcomings and driving us to seek refuge in the grace and mercy of God.

The righteousness revealed in the Gospel, however, is a divine gift that is not based on our ability to do good works or put God in our debt or merit anything before God. Furthermore, God’s righteousness is not about us. It is actually centered on the vindication of God Himself, who, in His infinite love and mercy, declares sinners qualified for the blessing and sonship apart from anything in them that would qualify them. In paying the debt for our sins and righteously judging them in Christ, He carried out the sentence the law demanded and answered all accusation from devil, fallen angels and even religious men - how can God qualify lepers and prostitutes and bring them to HIs table when they so clearly do not deserve it? He is vindicated as the righteous one in His work in Christ.

Through faith in Christ, we are clothed in His righteousness, allowing us to stand before God justified and redeemed, despite our sinful nature.

The Gospel's message of righteousness is a declaration God's grace and the depth of His love for us. It is a testament to the fact that our salvation is not dependent on our own efforts, but on the finished work of Christ on the cross. As believers, we are called to embrace this gift of righteousness, resting in the assurance that we are now children of God, qualified for His blessings and destined for eternal life. This understanding of righteousness, apart from the law, liberates us from the burden of striving for perfection and allows us to live in the freedom and joy of God's grace, as we grow in our relationship with Him and serve Him with grateful hearts.

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me my need for your grace and mercy. I thank you for showing me that my attempts to attain righteousness through my own efforts are futile. Thank You for Your great love and mercy, which You have demonstrated through the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I believe in Him and trust in His sacrifice on the cross for my sins.

Thank You for the gift of salvation, which You have granted to me by Your grace through faith in Christ. I confess that I am not worthy of this gift, but I receive it with a grateful heart. Thank You for the righteousness that You have clothed me with in Christ, allowing me to stand before You justified and redeemed. I pray that You will continue to work in my heart and deepen my faith, as I seek to grow in my relationship with You and serve You with all my heart.

Thank you that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.