But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:21-22
Given, Not Gained
We are wired to earn our keep. From the classroom to the workplace, the world operates with a simple, unbreakable rule: you get what you earn. And our fallen flesh assumes God’s kingdom must work the same way. We look at God’s holy law and view it as a ladder we must climb to achieve his favor. We think we can gain his favor through better behavior, deeper sincerity, or more fervent promises to “do better next time.”
But the law was never meant to be a ladder; it’s a mirror. It reflects our profound inability to be holy, showing us that our best efforts are stained with sin. If our standing before God relied on what we can gain through our own obedience, we would be utterly lost.
But then Saint Paul was inspired to write two wonderful words, “But now,” which announce a radical shift. A righteousness (perfection) from God has been revealed entirely apart from our law-keeping. It’s not a wage gained by our work; it’s a freely given reward to the spiritually bankrupt. This was always God’s plan, proclaimed throughout the Old Testament. God demands absolute perfection from us. And then, through his Son, Jesus Christ, he gives us exactly what he demands.
Jesus lived the spotless life you could not live, fulfilling God’s law in your place. He suffered the penalty for your failures on the cross. His perfect record has been transferred to your account. Notice the crucial verb in Paul’s explanation: this righteousness is given. You can’t gain what you’ve already been given through faith in Jesus.
Understand: faith isn’t your contribution to salvation. It isn’t a good work that tips the scales in your favor. It’s simply the empty hand of a beggar receiving a gift purchased with Jesus’ blood. You don’t have to gain God’s love today or ever. In Jesus, it’s already been given.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for fulfilling the law in my place. When I am tempted to rely on my own works, quiet my proud heart and point me to you. Grant me the confidence of knowing that your perfection is fully given to me. Amen.
