"RIGHTEOUSNESS"

DEFINITION#1: ROMANS 3:21

RIGHTEOUSNESS: God's standard of perfection. - (Deuteronomy 32:4)

As you read God's commandments in Exodus 20:1-20 and Christ's sermon on the mount in Matthew 5-7, you will see that God's standard of right is absolute PERFECTION. In fact, Matthew 5:48 says:

"BE YE THERFORE PERFECT, EVEN AS YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT."

Absolute perfection is "Holiness" and only God possesses holiness. The Bible says God is Holy (Isaiah 6:3 and Isaiah 57:15); but according to Isaiah 64:6:

MAN'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AS FILTHY RAGS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

As we turn our attention to the book of Romans we find these same truths taught their in more detail. Romans 1:18 through 3:20 basically teaches two doctrines:

1. God must judge and condemn the sinner because He (God)is Holy and His justice demands it!

   Even in society, we cannot let people get away with breaking the law. There must be justice. So it is with God.

   Romans 1:18 -

   "FOR THE WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED FROM HEAVEN AGAINST ALL UNGODLINESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS OF MEN WHO HOLD THE TRUTH IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS."(Also see Romans 2:12, 16)

2. Every person is a sinner!

   There is no sense in denying it. We must all admit we've done things wrong. The Bible says so!

   Romans 3:9 -

   "...THEY ARE ALL UNDER SIN."

   Romans 3:19 -

   "...EVERY MOUTH MAY BE STOPPED, AND ALL THE WORLD MAY BECOME GUILTY BEFORE GOD."

   Romans 3:20 -

   "...THERE SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED IN HIS (God's) SIGHT."

   Romans 3:23 -

   "...ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD."

Therefore, since God is holy and must judge the sinner, and since every person is a sinner, then mankind has a problem. With respect to this problem, Paul now reveals the solution to the dilemma that man is in. The solution is in the "GOSPEL" which was given to Paul by God - Romans 1:16; 2:16.

In Romans 3:21, Paul starts to unfold God's solution:

"BUT NOW THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD WITHOUT THE LAW IS MANIFESTED BEING WITNESSED BY THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS."

"BUT" -

This begins the great solution to man's sin problem. Man is a sinner but...

"NOW" -

Indicates that the problem has been resolved and that the solution is being revealed to mankind for the first time.

"THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IS MANIFESTED" -

This does not mean that God's righteousness was not known before. It means God's standard of right (the perfection of God) is now being made available to mankind by the gospel.

God has given to man His holy laws, but man was not able to keep them. Some people hope they will get to heaven by keeping the "Ten Commandments," but the point of Romans 3:19,20 is that if people would read those laws and be honest with themselves and God, "EVERY MOUTH" would be stopped and each person would have to acknowledge that they have broken God's laws. In fact, the reason God gave the "Law" was to point out to man his sinful condition and his need of a Savior which is the Lord Jesus Christ.

The problem is that man lacks the righteousness that God requires for entrance into heaven. But now, that righteousness is made available to man -- from a source outside of himself. God's righteousness is being offered to mankind as a gift.

PRACTICAL POINT:

Since it is GOD'S STANDARD OF PERFECTION that is required for entrance into heaven, then our works cannot save us. In fact, our righteousness is not a part of the solution here at all. The scriptures point us to Jesus Christ and His Righteousness.

Another thing, since we are all sinners, and our righteousness is as filthy rags, then our works cannot save. In fact they will only condemn us!

How can man reach God's standard of perfection?