The righteousness of God has been manifested for all to see.

Romans 3:21-22 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; The apostle Paul in this verse introduced a righteousness of God that is apart from the Law. In other words, this righteousness, although recognized and testified to by the Scriptures, is God’s righteousness actually manifested or displayed for all to see. The righteousness of God in man isn’t a righteousness that comes from a man performing the Law. Instead, it is a righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. How is this righteousness manifested? It is manifested as God gives people faith to believe in Jesus Christ as their righteousness. Their faith in Jesus is how God manifests this righteousness. Paul wrote to the Ephesians of this work of God manifesting His righteousness. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Paul told the Romans that this righteousness is given to all who believe and there is no distinction between Jews and Greeks. If God gives a Jew faith to believe in Jesus for his righteousness, then God has given him a righteousness that satisfies the Law of God. If God gives a Greek faith to believe in Jesus for his righteousness, then God has given him a righteousness that satisfies the Law of God. God doesn’t have a different righteousness for the Jews than He has for the Gentiles. Having given us faith in Christ, not only does it mean that God has justified us in and through the death and resurrection of His Son, but this wonderful gift of faith carries with it the characteristic of love. Paul wrote that this faith works through love (Gal. 5:6). We know that we have believed in Christ by the power and grace of God because we have a new heart to love our brothers and sisters for the glory of God. Faith cleanses our hearts, our consciences, so we are free to serve God, not in the oldness of the law, but in the newness of the Spirit (Rom. 7:6). Today, serve God by living to love with Jesus in the power and newness of the Holy Spirit. What a privilege! What a joy! Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com