How does man become righteous in the sight of God?

Rev. Roderick Heck, M.T.S., M.Div. Pastor Theologian

The Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans brings us to the understanding that we cannot achieve righteousness with God through our good works or by our adherence to the Law.

In Rom. 3:21-23, Paul argues that righteous in the sight of God cannot be achieved (manifested) by the law but must be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. He points to the Law and the Prophets as testaments of this fact. He further argues that the righteousness of God is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. In this context he is speaking of both Jew and Gentile for which he says there is no distinction because each has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.

In Rom 3:24-25, Paul continues his argument by stating that both Jew and Gentile are justified (declared or made righteous in the sight of God) by God’s grace. This justification is a gift through the redemption in Jesus whom God put forth as a propitiation by his blood which is received by faith.

At this point a study of the word “propitiation” is appropriate. The Woodhouse English-Greek Dictionary translates the word “propitiation” to “Appeasing”, “Atonement” or “Something that propitiates.” “Propitiate” translates to “Appease.”  So, a possible translation of “propitiation” in Romans 3:25 is “whom God put forward as a [appeasement] by his blood, to be received by faith.” The question now becomes who or what did God put forward as an appeasement. That question is answered in v. 24 which reads “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”.  This means that Christ Jesus was put forward as an appeasement for the sins of all who believe (v. 22).

In Rom 3:26, Paul concludes his argument by stating that God showed his righteousness that he might be just (always doing what is right without partiality or prejudice) and the justifier (to free from blame; declare guiltless; absolve) of anyone who believes in Jesus Christ.

We are made righteous in the sight of God simply through our belief in Jesus. This is a demonstration of God’s grace. He has done for us through the blood of Jesus what we could not do for ourselves.

God Bless.

Sign-up to receive notifications of new blog posts.

Partner with us as we take the transformative message of God's love, hope and salvation to the world.

Visit Our Gift Shop