What is the meaning of Romans 3:22? And this righteousness from God - Paul has just declared that “the righteousness of God has been revealed apart from the law” (Romans 3:21). - The phrase points to a right standing that originates entirely with God, not from human effort (cf. Isaiah 61:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21). - Because God is holy and just, only He can supply the righteousness He requires; any self-made righteousness falls short (Romans 3:10–12). comes through faith - Faith is the open hand that receives what God freely provides (Ephesians 2:8–9). - It is trust, reliance, dependence—never merit (Galatians 2:16; Romans 4:3–5). - By design, faith excludes boasting and magnifies grace (Romans 3:27). in Jesus Christ - The object of saving faith is a Person, not a creed or ritual (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). - Jesus’ sinless life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection fulfill every demand of righteousness (Romans 8:3–4; 1 Peter 3:18). - To believe “in Jesus Christ” is to transfer trust from self to Him alone (Galatians 3:22). to all who believe - The offer is genuinely universal: anyone, anywhere, who believes receives this righteousness (John 3:16; Acts 16:31). - God’s saving provision is abundant, not limited to a select few (Titus 2:11; Romans 10:11–13). - The only prerequisite is faith; no cultural, social, or religious pedigree is required (Isaiah 55:1). There is no distinction - Jew and Gentile alike share the same need and the same solution (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:28). - The ground is level at the foot of the cross, dismantling every barrier of ethnicity, status, or history (Colossians 3:11). - God’s way of salvation unites believers into one family where favoritism has no place (Ephesians 2:14–18). summary Romans 3:22 proclaims that God graciously provides His own righteousness, received solely by faith in Jesus Christ, and offered equally to every person without distinction. Our works could never earn it; Christ has fully accomplished it, and simple trust in Him secures it for all who believe. |