How does Romans 3:21 redefine righteousness apart from the law? Canonical Pivot: The Place of Romans 3:21 in Paul’s Argument Romans 1:18–3:20 establishes universal guilt; every mouth is stopped and “the whole world is accountable to God” (3:19). Romans 3:21 signals a decisive turn—“But now”—announcing a divinely initiated righteousness inaccessible by human effort, yet witnessed by the very Scriptures that exposed human sin. “Apart from the Law”: What It Does and Does Not Mean 1. Negative: Not grounded in circumcision, sacrifice, or Sinai stipulations (cf. Galatians 2:16). 2. Positive: Accomplished in Christ’s atoning death and resurrection (Romans 4:25). 3. Continuing function: The Law still defines sin (7:7) and drives sinners to grace (Galatians 3:24) but is no ladder to earn favor. Testified by “Law and Prophets” • Genesis 15:6—Abram “believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” • Psalm 32:1-2—David celebrates imputed righteousness apart from works. • Isaiah 53—Servant bears iniquities; many are “counted righteous.” • Habakkuk 2:4—“The righteous will live by faith,” cited in Romans 1:17. Dead Sea Scrolls (1QIsaᵃ) confirm pre-Christian expectation of vicarious suffering, underscoring textual stability. Christological Fulfillment God’s righteousness is revealed climactically in Jesus: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The empty tomb—affirmed by early creedal tradition (1 Corinthians 15:3-7) and multiple independent sources (e.g., Pᵗᵏ⁷⁵, Codex Vaticanus, Josephus Ant. 18.63-64)—is God’s public vindication of the sin-bearing Messiah, certifying the righteousness He now confers. Forensically Declared, Not Incrementally Earned Paul employs legal imagery: God acts as judge, pronouncing a verdict of “righteous” over believers (Romans 8:33-34). This differs from moral improvement (sanctification) and is instantaneous upon faith (5:1). Universality and Exclusivity “Through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction” (3:22). Jew and Gentile alike receive one and the same righteousness, nullifying ethnic, ritual, and moral boasting (3:27). Theological Coherence Across the Canon Jeremiah 31:31-34 promises a new covenant with internalized law and forgiven sin, realized in Christ (Hebrews 8:8-12). Ezekiel 36:26-27 speaks of a new heart and Spirit, correlating with Pauline teaching of the Spirit’s indwelling (Romans 8:9-11) that produces ethical fruit, not meritorious status. Answering Common Objections • Antinomian Charge: Paul immediately upholds the moral law’s ongoing relevance (3:31; 13:8-10). • James 2 Tension: James condemns profession without evidential works; Paul condemns works as means of justification. Both affirm faith that works. Practical Exhortation Rest in the finished work of Christ; abandon self-reliance; embrace faith that produces grateful obedience. In doing so one fulfills the chief end of man—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. |
    |