by Roby Ellis

[Scripture Reading: Romans 3:19-26]

Introduction

A. The third chapter of Romans probably comes closer than any other single chapter to summarizing Paul’s message.

B. One of the most extraordinary points about God’s plan for redeeming man lies in His ability to justify sinners while maintaining His own justice at the same time.

I. Man has a problem.

A. Man’s problem is sin (1 John 3:4).

B. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

C. The problem of sin is universal (Romans 3:9-23).

II. God has a solution for man’s problem.

A. God promised this just after man’s fall (Genesis 3:15).

B. The remedy is offered on the condition of faithfulness (Romans 3:21-22; 4:1-5).

C. This condition has remained the same for all men under every dispensation (Romans 4:1-3; Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 3:28-30).

III. God has justified Himself in offering man this remedy.

A. For centuries it remained to be seen how God would justify overlooking the sins of the faithful (1 Peter 1:10-12).

B. God has no need to explain His actions (Romans 3:4).

C. Nevertheless, God has explained the justice of His justification of man (Romans 3:24-25).

Conclusion

God’s grace has been extended (Titus 2:11). Christ’s blood has been shed (John 19:34). All that remains for you is to make application of the blood (Romans 6:3-4) and live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10).