21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. There are three crucial statements we find in this text. One, we are justified freely. Two, we are justified by faith. Three, we are justified by the blood of Jesus. Here are three questions we are going to address: Why is Free Justification so 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law? There are three essential statements in this passage: One, we are justified freely. Two, we are justified by faith. 3. We are justified by the blood of Jesus. Here are three questions we are going to address in the sermon: Why is it Essential to Have Free Justification? What is Free Justification? How Do We Get Free Justification? 1. Why Is It Essential To Have Free Justification? “But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” “Righteousness” - What does it mean? It's like a . It has all your accomplishments, accomplishments and experiences formally recorded. You typically would take a resume and give it to employer/uni with the following attitude: “I for this position.” “I should be .” Typically if resume is good enough you are accepted. What does God use to validate someone? What qualifies us for heaven? It's a moral record or or perfect record. This moral record (‘righteousness’) is perfect record (resume) which is: available as a it's offered to How does Validation Works in the World? In , , ... I need to excel in these and to receive validation for people around me. Validation or non-validation always comes from Parents, children, boyfriends, girfriends, workers and bosses look to be validated. What is the major problem with validation? Wordly validation resembles greater reality called 2 What is Free Justification? “… and being justified freely by His grace as a gift.” (24) Through gospel we bring to an end our striving to be validated be found acceptable to God. Being justified is more than Forgiveness let's you go. You are free of penalty you deserve. Justification let's you come. You are now welcome to God's loving presence. A badge of honour is put around your neck. How is this possible? Jesus made it possible. A Pitfall: I make myself little bit righteous (clean myself, I become more committed, surrendered Than God does the rest of making me righteouss 3. How Do We Receive Free Justification? “Where then is the boasting?” Free justification destroys boasting. While we need to repent of our sins, we realise that it's not enough. We need to repent of our jusitfication or our righteousness. We need to let God give us validation rather than seeking to be validated elswhere: In money, career, children, spouse, friend, a certain cause, sport… So we need to repent of our and also of our own