What is the meaning of Romans 3:21? But now • “But now” (Romans 3:21) signals a dramatic turn in Paul’s argument. Up to this point he has shown that “every mouth may be silenced” under sin (Romans 3:19–20). • The words bring hope into a hopeless courtroom, much like “But God” in Ephesians 2:4 and the shift in Galatians 3:23–25. • A new era has dawned—the moment in history when God intervenes, not by tightening the demands of the Law, but by unveiling a rescue no one could earn. apart from the law • Righteousness is now offered “apart from the Law.” That means: – It is not obtained by keeping commandments (Romans 10:3–4; Philippians 3:9). – It stands outside human effort, because “by works of the Law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:16). • The Law still has value—it exposes sin (Romans 7:7) and points to Christ—but it cannot produce the righteousness it requires (Romans 7:4–6). the righteousness of God • This is not a human standard; it is God’s own righteous standing, the perfect holiness He both possesses and provides. – Revealed earlier in the letter: “The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith” (Romans 1:17). – Given to believers in Christ: “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). • It is a gift, not a goal we climb toward (Isaiah 45:24–25; Philippians 3:9). has been revealed • God’s righteousness “has been revealed”—past tense, accomplished. The unveiling happened in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. – John 1:17 contrasts Law and grace: “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – Hebrews 9:26 speaks of Christ appearing “once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” • What was promised long ago is now public, accessible, and complete (Titus 3:4–7; 1 Peter 1:20). as attested by the Law and the Prophets • Far from discarding the Old Testament, this revelation is “attested” by it. – Abraham “believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). – David rejoiced that the Lord “does not count his sin against him” (Psalm 32:1–2). – Isaiah foretold the Servant who would “justify many” (Isaiah 53:11). – Habakkuk declared, “The righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4), a verse Paul quotes earlier (Romans 1:17). – Peter sums it up: “All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins” (Acts 10:43). • The whole Old Testament story aims at this moment, confirming that righteousness by faith is no late-breaking novelty (Luke 24:27). summary Romans 3:21 announces the turning point of human history. After proving that no one can achieve righteousness by Law-keeping, Paul unveils God’s solution: a righteousness that belongs to God Himself, given freely through Christ, completely independent of our works yet fully confirmed by the Scriptures from Genesis to Malachi. In four concise words—“But now…has been revealed”—God opens the door for every sinner to be declared righteous by faith. |
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