Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification (13)
[Romans 3:21-31]
We are contemplating nine subtopics under the overarching theme of "Comprehensive Doctrine of Justification." The first subtopic is "The Necessity of Justification." Since "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23), every person, including Gentiles (1:18-32), those who judge others (2:1-16), Jews (2:17-3:8), and all humanity (3:9-20), absolutely needs justification. The second subtopic is “The Originator of Justification," which is God the Father. God the Father justifies. Romans 3:21 states, "But now apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify." The third subtopic is “The Foundation of Justification," which is solely Jesus Christ. God the Father declares sinners righteous based on the blood and atonement of Jesus Christ. The fourth subtopic is “The Method of Justification." We receive God's justification only through faith. Romans 3:22 says, "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile."
Today, focusing on Romans 3:22, I want to meditate on the grace given and seek to receive it: "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile."
The "righteousness of God given to all who believe" shows "no distinction"! In Matthew 15:21-28, when Jesus entered the region of Tyre and Sidon, a Canaanite woman approached Him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly" (vv. 21-22, Modern Korean Bible). Although this Gentile woman was considered an outsider, she believed in Jesus as the Messiah (Christ) and approached Him, trusting that she would receive an answer. Jesus replied, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel... It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs" (vv. 24, 26). This response might seem like Jesus was discriminating against her, as Jews of that time often looked down on Gentiles. However, Jesus did not truly discriminate against her. When the Canaanite woman replied, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table," Jesus commended her faith, saying, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted" (vv. 27-28, Modern Korean Bible). The Bible then notes that her daughter was healed instantly (v. 28).
The righteousness of God given to all who believe in Jesus Christ shows no distinction!
- The reason is that God is righteous and does not show partiality.
Psalms 119:137 declares, "Righteous are you, Lord, and your laws are right." John 17:25 further states, "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me."
- The reason is that the righteous God is the God of "all who believe."
Romans 3:28-30 affirms, "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith." God does not discriminate as the God of Jews (the circumcised) who believe in Jesus and Gentiles (the uncircumcised) who believe in Him.
- The reason is that all God's acts are righteous.
Psalms 145:17 declares, "The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does."
- The reason is that the righteous God desires everyone to obtain salvation.
Ezekiel 18:23 and 32 state, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? ... For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!" (Modern Korean Bible) God delights when the wicked turn away from their sinful paths and choose life. 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is declared righteous by God without discrimination (Rom. 3:22, Modern Korean Bible). The lyric verse 1 of hymn “Whosoever Heareth, Shout, Shout the Sound”: Whosoever heareth," shout, shout the sound! Spread the blessed tidings all the world around, Tell the joyful news wherever man is found, Whosoever will may come." We should share the good news of Jesus Christ, the gospel, without discrimination. The reason is that our God does not discriminate against anyone and invites everyone to come. Responding to this divine invitation with the gift of faith given by God's grace (Eph. 2:8), we come to the Lord, and through the moving of the Holy Spirit, we believe in Jesus Christ, receiving the righteousness (justification) of God and praying for eternal life.