God is Just and the Justifier

Key Verse: “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." Romans 3:26  

1. Introduction
   • The conundrum of how a just God can save sinners
   • Why did Jesus have to die?
   • A core teaching on this in Romans 3:9-28
2. Chapter 3:9-24
   • The terrible sinfulness of all men (v.9-20, 23). Our knowledge of sin brings a recognition of guilt (v. 19).
   • The righteousness of God (v. 21-22) and the meaning of justification.
   • “By his grace” (v. 24). This is his gift. It is a balance of grace & truth.
3. Chapter 3:25
   • The meaning of propitiation
   • Faith in his blood – How does Jesus fit in? A man of spotless character who condemned sin.
4. Chapter 3:26-28
   • God is just and the justifier of all who believe
   • Justified by faith
5. Final conclusion

Previous episodes that provide background to this subject:

• Sin in Five Verses
• Sin Entered the World
• The Curse on the Serpent
• The Virgin Birth
• The Word was made Flesh

Quote by Robert Roberts:

“God’s method for the return of sinful man to favour required and appointed the putting to death of man’s condemned and evil nature in a representative man of spotless character, whom He should provide, to declare and uphold the righteousness of God, as the first condition of restoration, that He might be just while justifying the unjust, who should believingly approach through him in humility, confession and reformation” Robert Roberts, Diary of a Voyage, pg. 68