From Romans – A Righteousness that is Higher than the Law
Orientation
We often imagine righteousness as a matter of keeping commandments, but this effort always falls short of God's own character.
- The Law outlines love for God and neighbor through prohibitions, but it is only a shadow.
- Human effort, no matter how sincere, cannot attain the righteousness of God.
- The standard is not a list of rules but God's own perfect character, which we as creatures cannot reach by striving.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)
— Romans 3:23
Clarification
The Gospel reveals a righteousness that is not about achieving a standard but receiving a Person—Jesus Christ.
- Righteousness is not a procedure we perform but a Person we are given.
- This divine righteousness is 'apart from the law,' manifested in Christ's love for His enemies and His work on the cross.
- It answers how a holy God can both judge sin and forgive sinners, displaying perfect justice and love.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:21-22)
— Romans 3:21-22
Structure
Biblical logic shows that Christ's death and resurrection fulfilled all righteousness, providing reconciliation that we receive by faith.
- Christ's love, enduring the cross, revealed a righteousness that surpasses the Law's demands.
- His work fulfilled all righteousness, not as legal compliance but as the ultimate expression of God's love and justice.
- We are reconciled to God by believing the gospel, receiving a righteousness 'out of God and based on faith.'
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)
— Romans 5:10
Weight-Bearing Prose
The core theological assertion is that the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel is categorically distinct from and superior to the righteousness described by the Law. The Law, while good, only sketches an outline; it cannot produce the substance of God’s own character in us. Human sinfulness is defined as falling short of God’s glory, a standard no law-keeping can meet. The Gospel reveals God’s righteousness ‘apart from the law’ (Rom 3:21). This righteousness is not an abstract standard but is embodied in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. His loving sacrifice for enemies on the cross fulfilled all righteousness, providing reconciliation and answering how God can be both just and the justifier. Paul’s definitive move is to count his own blameless legal righteousness as loss to gain Christ and be found in Him, possessing a righteousness from God that depends on faith (Phil 3:9). Any attempt to establish one’s own righteousness through works is to reject the righteousness of God and remain under the shadow, forfeiting the substance which is Christ Himself.
Integration
Your standing before God is not based on your effort to keep a standard, but on receiving Christ, who is your righteousness. The work is finished. The righteousness that pleases God has been fully manifested in Jesus and is given to all who believe. There is no pressure to advance or achieve a higher tier; you are already found in Him. This assurance is anchored in God’s record concerning His Son—His death for our sins and resurrection. Christ is our righteousness, sanctification, and reward. Rest here. The call is not to strive harder, but to continually receive and rest in the Person who has fulfilled all things for you. Your assurance is based on faith in this completed work, not on your fluctuating performance. He is your peace.