Romans 3:21-28

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

21 But now a the righteousness of God b has been manifested apart from the law, although c the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it - 22 the righteousness of God d through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. e For there is no distinction: 23 for f all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 g and are justified h by his grace as a gift, i through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God j put forward as k a propitiation l by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in m his divine forbearance he had passed over n 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 o 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 p apart from works of the law.

  1. Cross References
    Romans 1:17
    For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith.
  2. Cross References
    Romans 16:26
    But has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith -
    2 Timothy 1:10
    And which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
  3. Cross References
    Acts 10:43
    To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
    Romans 1:2
    Which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures.
    John 5:46
    For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.
  4. Cross References
    Romans 4:5
    And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.
    2 Timothy 3:15
    And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
  5. Cross References
    Romans 10:12
    For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
    Galatians 3:28
    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
    Colossians 3:11
    Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
  6. Cross References
    Romans 3:9
    What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin.
  7. Cross References
    Titus 3:7
    So that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
  8. Cross References
    Romans 4:4 - 5
    Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.
    Romans 4:16
    That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring - not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
    Acts 15:11
    But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.
  9. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:7
    In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.
    Colossians 1:14
    In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
    Hebrews 9:15
    Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
    1 Corinthians 1:30
    And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
  10. Cross References
    Ephesians 1:9
    Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
  11. Cross References
    1 John 2:2
    He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
  12. Cross References
    Romans 5:9
    Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
    Ephesians 2:13
    But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
  13. Cross References
    Romans 2:4
    Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
  14. Cross References
    Acts 17:30
    The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
  15. Cross References
    Romans 2:17
    But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the ...
    Romans 2:23
    You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaki...
    Romans 4:2
    For if Abraham was justified by works, he has s...
    1 Corinthians 1:29 - 31
    So that no human being might boast in the prese...
    Ephesians 2:9
    Not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
    2 Timothy 1:9
    Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, n...
    Acts 13:39
    And by him everyone who believes is freed from ...
  16. Cross References
    James 2:18
    But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.