THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD THROUGHOUT ROMANS

Pauls letter to the Romans is a wonderful encouraging message for many believers; in it are the foundations of the Christian faith. The book of Romans reveals the answers to important questions and supplies information on many topics, such as salvation, judgment, spiritual growth and the righteousness of God. The issue of the righteousness of God is common throughout the book of Romans. In fact, it is threaded through every section of the basic outline of this epistle.
1. The gospel as the power of God revealing His righteousness (1:1-17) 2. The judgment of God as a consequence of His righteousness (1:18-3:20) 3. Gods righteousness as provided through Jesus Christ (3:21-4:25) 4. Gods righteousness bringing hope and victory (5:1-8:39) 5. The righteousness of God available to everyone (9:1-11:36) 6. The transforming power of the righteousness of God (12:1-15:13) 7. Gods righteousness expressed in the individuals and churches related with Pauls ministry (15:14-16:27)

Throughout history Romans has impacted and influenced the live of individuals as they came to understand Gods righteousness as it is laced throughout the entirety of this letter. A few examples include John Wesley, theologian and founder of the Methodist movement. Also, the great German theologian Martin Luther and St. Augustine of Hippo whose life was transformed when he read Romans chapter 13, Porphyrys method failed to rid Augustine of desire for worldly honor or for sexual gratification. But reading Romans 13:14 brought Christ as a moral authority to give him a new will. In a sudden moral conversion he abandoned his teaching position and all desire for an advantageous marriage.

Augustine withdrew with some close friends, relatives, and his mother, to a friends villa at Cassiciacum to pursue truth.1

Pauls epistle to the Romans has transformed the lives of many but it has also helped transform, or maybe a better term would be reform the world, speaking of the Reformation period (1517 A.D.). Martin Luthers reading of Romans in light of Gods righteousness helped to launch the Protestant Reformation. As it has in the past, the righteousness of God that is revealed in Romans continues to change lives still today because it is the power of God for salvation (1:16). Paul wrote the letter to the Romans in approximately 57 A.D. during his third missionary journey; probably while in the city of Corinth. His audience is the Christians at Rome who consist of Gentile believers and also many Jewish believers. One of the unique things about this Epistle is that Paul did not plant the church in Rome nor had he ever yet visited there. It was likely that the Christians in Rome were familiar with Paul however; in this letter Paul is introducing himself. He was writing to the church in Rome to address two people groups (Gentiles and Jews) and addressing the problem that was occurring between the two sides of believers. When Paul talks about the message of salvation, and the righteousness of God, he does it in a way that relates and speaks to both of these very different peoples. The phrase Righteousness of God (dikaiosyne theou) appears 8 times in the book of Romans (1:17; 3:5, 21, 22, 25, 26, 10:3a, 10:3b). It is necessary to pin down the likely meaning of the phrase that the Apostle Paul intended. Moo explains that Pauls meaning of Gods Righteousness dikaiosyne theou means that God is placing people in a right standing as a fulfillment of His promises made in the Old Testament prophecies through the ones faith,

Douglas, J. D., Comfort, P. W., & Mitchell, D. Who's who in Christian history. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House, 1997

The gospel brings salvation to people because it reveals Gods promised way of putting people into right relationship with himself. Gods righteousness, as Paul uses it here, implies Gods faithfulness to his promises, and it culminates in the status of being in the right when it is met with faith2. In 1:1-17, the subject of Pauls discussion is The gospel as the power of God revealing His righteousness. In the first five verses of this first chapter he begins by writing his introduction which is common in all his epistles. He then explains that he is an Apostle set apart for the Gospel (vs. 1), it was promised beforehand through His prophets (vs. 2), and that it is concerning His Son (vs. 3). He does this to secure and to establish the authenticity of the gospel. Paul begins first by mentioning his apostleship which can be found in many other passages including Galatians 1:11-24. Here, in Galatians, Paul explains that God had set him apart even from my mothers womb (vs. 15) so that he could preach this gospel among the Gentiles (vs. 16). Moo illustrates the importance of Paul in his ministry to the Gentiles, Pauls call to minister to Gentiles is well known. While Jews never were excluded from Pauls apostolic sphere of service, God chose him to be the point man in bringing the good news of Christ to the Gentiles.3 Next, Paul writes that the gospel was promised beforehand through His prophets. He verifies this point by using a large amount of Old Testament passages throughout the entire letter; especially passages from Genesis, the book of Psalm, and Isaiah. Lastly, Paul claims that the gospel concerns His Son who descends from King David and that He is declared the Son of God as a result of the resurrection from the dead. This is reminding of how Paul declared the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, where he claims that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Paul also reminded the

2 3

Moo, Douglas J.. Encountering The Book Of Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. 47 Moo, Douglas J.. Encountering The Book Of Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. 43

church at Corinth that this is, in fact, the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1) and that this message is of first importance to him as an Apostle (vs.3). In verse 15, Paul mentions that he is eager to preach this gospel to those in Rome. The importance of the message again is reminding of 1 Corinthians 15 and Pauls eagerness. In verses 16-17, Paul writes what many recognize to be the overall theme of the book of Romans The Gospel and the Righteousness of God4. This theme is explicit and sharp in these next two verses, I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith5. Paul states that he is not ashamed of the gospel this is to be understood in the context of suffering. Schreiner writes, The asseveration that Paul is not ashamed in Rom. 1:16, therefore, refers both to his willingness to confess the gospel in public and the overcoming of fear. These are not empty words in Pauls case since he had already endured much suffering (2 Cor. 11:23-27).6 Paul counted the cost and knew the consequences for preaching the gospel, but as he affirmed, he was not ashamed. He continued to preach it unashamedly because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. As an Apostle, Pauls purpose was to deliver and make known this power to the lost and unevangelized peoples. The Greek word used here for power is dynamis, the word

4 5

Moo, Douglas J.. Encountering The Book Of Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. 44 The Holy Bible : New International Version. (electronic ed.) (Ro 1:1617). Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 1996 6 Schreiner, Thomas R.. Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1998. 60.

we use in English for dynamite. This word helps us to grasp the fullness of the intended meaning and the incredible power of the gospel message. Paul explains why it is so powerful and prevailing in verse 17; it is because the righteousness of God is revealedby faith. This is the first time the phrase dikaiosyne theou is used in Romans. The gospel concerning the Son reveals the righteousness of God. The gospel makes Gods righteousness, knowable and available. Paul said faith comes by hearing (10:17). It is provided by God and places repentant believers in a right standing. Paul makes sure to explain through this letter that this righteousness was promised in the Old Testament. He quotes Habakkuk 2:4 to reinforce the importance of faith, The righteous will live by faith. The author wants the audience to understand that this has been Gods plans from the beginning. It is this righteousness that Paul says is by faith from first to last. Gods righteousness is available to unrighteous believers through faith. It doesnt remove the sinful nature from man but this righteousness from God is a gift imputed to the believer to be in the right standing. Ropes agreed that the believer is still a sinner but forgiven on account of acquittal, to those who believe is granted forgiveness, together with new powers of right conduct and Christlike character. This constitutes salvation." To this state into which such faith introduces man Paul applies the term "righteousness." He means not another and better form of moral excellence, but a state of acquittal without moral excellence, that is, of forgiveness7. The next section of the outline (1:18-3:20) also teaches the righteousness of God. The theme of this section is The judgment of God as a consequence of His righteousness. Verse 18 states that the wrath of God is revealed against everyone; God will not tolerate the sin of man. Because Gods righteousness is perfect there must be a consequence for disobedience to his will. At the end

Ropes, James. ""Righteousness" and "The Righteousness of God" in the Old Testament and in St. Paul." Journal of Biblical Literature Vol. 22 no. 2 (1903): 224.

of chapter 1, Paul gives a list of reasons why God condemns men. Paul is likely speaking about the Gentiles in this passage. First, what may be known about God is plain to them (vs. 19), they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him (vs. 21), and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images (vs. 23). Therefore because of Gods perfect righteousness He gave them over. This is the consequence for not honoring and worshiping God who makes His righteousness knowable. Wiersbe points out, God gave them up! This is the revelation of the wrath of God (v. 18). The sins listed here are too vile to define or discuss, yet they are practiced today around the world with the approval of society. People know that sin will be judged, yet they take pleasure in it anyway.8 Three times in this section Paul writes that God gave them up (vv. 24, 26, 28). He gave them over to in the sinful desires of their hearts (vs. 24) this is idolatry and the physical sexual sins they practiced. He gave them over to to shameful lusts (vs. 26) this is the lusts of homosexuality that men and women yearn for as Paul explains. He also gave them over to to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done (vs. 28); they are given over to their way of thinking. Since they do not want to consider God and his righteousness, the Lord gives them over to their thinking so that they are not capable of thinking about God clearly. God essentially gives man what he desires; this is the wrath of God. Henry explains, They say to the Almighty, Depart (Job 21:14), and they therefore do not retain God in their knowledge because it thwarts and contradicts their lusts; they do not like it9. God is the standard of what

Wiersbe, W. W. Wiersbe's expository outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books. 1997. 365 Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume. Peabody: Hendrickson. 1996. (Ro 1:19-32).

righteousness is and offers it to men. Those who reject this offer of right standing with God face His wrathful judgment. God has nothing else to offer unrepentant sinner except His righteous wrath. Through chapter 2:1-3:8, Paul teaches that the Jews are also sinners, the same as Gentiles and all peoples. Gods righteous judgment is upon everyone and He judges with righteous principles. Verse 1 states, Therefore, anyone of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things10. John Calvin, the great reformer, explains, For thou, judging, doest the same things: so it is literally; but the meaning is, Though thou judgest, thou yet doest the same things. And he says that they did them, because they were not in a right state of mind; for sin properly belongs to the mind.11 Although the Jews didnt like to hear it, it was true; Gods righteousness is impartial to all peoples. In 3:5, the phrase righteousness of God is used for the second time. But if our unrighteousness brings out Gods righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Paul is explaining that God has demonstrated His righteousness through the weakness and unrighteousness of man. But Paul is countering an argument that they (the audience) would likely make. If the unrighteousness of man allows God to save, brining Him the glory, then how can God judge? Paul repeats a similar question in verse 7 and the obvious answer is no; God will judge sin according to His righteousness. Utley said, Paul did not explain or answer the charge in detail but forcefully condemns the accusation. It is

10 11

The Holy Bible : Holman Christian standard version. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers. 2003. (Ro 2:1) Calvin, John. "Commentary on Romans." Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Available from http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom38.html. Internet; accessed 12 August 2010.

possible that the objection to a free undeserved justification by faith was that it would lead to lawlessness or just more unfaithful disobedience12. The next section (3:21-4:25), Paul writes about Gods righteousness as provided through Jesus Christ. Again, the phrase righteousness from God appears in verses 21, 22, 25, and 26 of this chapter. In verse 21 Paul explains that Gods righteousness dikaiosyne theou is available apart from the Law. Then in verse 22, he claims that this righteousness, which is apart from the Law, is available through faith in Jesus Christ. Schreiner clearly states, The second half of verse 21 guards against a possible misinterpretation of the salvationhistorical shift. The saving righteousness of God has become a reality through the work of Jesus Christ, not through the Mosaic law13. This is the distinction which Paul wants the Jews living in Rome to understand about Gods righteousness. The Old Testament prophets have always claimed that righteousness is from God (1:2). Pauls abundant use of Old Testament Scripture in Romans shows that Gods salvationhistorical scheme was consistent and fulfilled through Jesus Christ. The phrase righteousness of God in verses 24-25 are preceded by the famous memory verse for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (vs. 23). This is includes both people to whom Paul is writing; Jews and Gentiles. However, verse 23 is continued in verses 24-25, being justified as a gift by His grace. Every person has fallen short but able to be justified or put in the right standing with God because Gods righteousness is a gift by His grace.

12

Utley, R. J. D. Vol. Volume 5: The Gospel According to Paul: Romans. Study Guide Commentary Series. Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International. 1998. (Ro 3:7-8). 13 Schreiner, Thomas R.. Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1998. 180

Paul finishes the second part of verse 24, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; everyone who believes stands in the right with God because of His gift of righteousness. Jesus made this possible because He was the propitiation when He was punished for sinners. Gods wrath was propitiated or satisfied when Christ blood was shed for the sins of man. Paul finishes verse 25, This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed. God demonstrates His righteousness through believers faith in Jesus Christ. In chapter 4, Paul gives Scriptural examples of justification by faith. He quotes Genesis 15:6 to show that because of Abrahams faithfulness, righteousness was credited to him (vs. 3) even before circumcision was instituted. The fact that Abraham was claimed righteous by God before circumcision is powerful for the Jews to hear. Lawrence explains, Abraham was credited with righteousness before his circumcision, that unique sign that marked a person off as a Jew in Old Testament times. Thus Gentiles can look to Abrahams experience as a precedent!14 Paul also uses King David as another example of righteousness through faith by quoting Psalm 32 (vs. 7). Verse 13 sums up the concept that Paul is trying to make, It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. Plainly said, the righteousness of God comes by faith the same way as Abraham and David received it. The next section (5:1-8:39) shows how Gods righteousness brings hope and victory. Schreiner says about this section, Paul argues in Rom. 5-8 that those who are right with God are the

14

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) Wheaton: Victor Books. 1991. 740

inheritors of the future promises made to Israel. Since these promise are theirs, the new people of God have an unshakable hope15. Chapter 5 explains this hope and victory in the midst of our fallen state in a fallen world. The hope is Gods righteousness. In verse 1, because the believer is justified by faith, there is peace with God because of the work of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Verse 2 teaches that the justified believer stands in this grace and we rejoice in this hope. The hope is because of the righteousness of God given as a gift to unrighteous men. Paul compares and contrasts Adam who brought sin into the world with Jesus Christ, the second Adam, who brought righteousness into the world (vs. 12; 18; 19). Jesus was able to bring this righteousness into the world because it belongs to Him; He is righteous, because He is God. Moo includes, The second Adam, Jesus Christ, through his righteous act of obedience to the Father on the cross, has overcome the disastrous results of Adams sin16. Chapters 6-8 speak about the freedom and release from sins bondage because of Gods righteousness given as a gift. In 6:23, Paul writes the popular verse For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. In chapter 8, Paul declares that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Gods righteousness prevents this condemnation; the believer is perfect in His sight. This freedom from bondage is unparalleled and incomprehensible; the Creator of the universe frees men on account of His own righteousness through faith.

15 16

Schreiner, Thomas R.. Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1998. 180 Moo, Douglas J.. Encountering The Book Of Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. 103

The next section of Romans (9:1-11:36) shows that The righteousness of God is available to everyone. Paul had just finish the last chapter saying that nothing is able to separate the believer from Gods love; implying that the power of Gods righteousness is unfailing, everlasting and victorious. In chapter 9 Paul shows how the Old Testament promises brings salvation to Israel yet still includes all peoples. In verse 24, Paul says that Gods people are from the Jews and the Gentiles. He quotes Hosea 2:23, I will call them my people who are not my people; and I will call her my loved one who is not my loved one, In 10:3 we find the last uses of the phrase righteousness of God; it occurs twice in this verse. Paul explains that the Jews did not know Gods infinite righteousness and were making an attempt to establish their own righteousness. The righteousness of man fails to meet Gods standards. As Paul had quoted Psalms and in 3:10-12, As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. This is Pauls point in 10:3-4 that the Jews were trying to create their righteousness through the law as opposed to Gods righteousness dikaiosyne theou through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul says that he is preaching the word of faith (vs. 8). The word of faith is found in the next two verses (910) in and if - then statement. In verse 9, Paul writes, If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. He makes clear what this means in verse 10, with the heart a person believes resulting in righteousness (Gods righteousness), and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Everyone who believes and confesses that Jesus Christ is the resurrected Lord God will be saved. The righteousness of God is imputed to believers through faith because of the work of Jesus Christ. Walvoord explains this passage well,

The confession is an acknowledgement that God has been incarnated in Jesus (cf. v. 6), that Jesus Christ is God. Also essential is heart-faith that God raised Him from the dead (cf. v. 7). The result is salvation. The true order is given in verse 10: For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified (lit., it is believed unto righteousness), and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved (lit., it is confessed unto salvation).17 Paul continues in verse 13 to make certain that Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (The NAS version uses the translation Whoever will). As Walvoord stated above that anyone who believe is justified and anyone who confesses is saved. Paul quoted from Joel 2:32, which in Hebrew uses the word YHWH (Yahweh). Paul understood that he is referring to Jesus here as God the Jehovah of the Old Testament. The next section of Romans (12:1-15:13) Paul teaches about the transforming power of the righteousness of God. This righteousness that is of God changes lives. Paul explains in the first 2 verses of chapter 12, that God commands that every believer offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. He contrasts this by urging believers not to be conforming to the pattern of the world. Through Gods grace He has provided a free gift of His own righteousness by placing faith in Jesus Christ; now God commands that we live our lives as a sacrifice for His glory. In verse 2, we are to be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and prefect. God has not given us over to do those things which are not proper (1:28). The world wants to control our minds and conform us to its desires but God is renewing our minds to do what is good acceptable and perfect. God wants to transform our minds with His righteousness.

17

Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. 1983. (Ro 10:913)

In the last section, (15:14-16:27) as Paul addresses his brothers and sisters in Christ and those who are a part of his ministry. We see Gods righteousness expressed in the individuals and churches related with and effected by Pauls ministry. These are contemporaries of Paul who had experienced the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. At one point or another they were evangelized the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation because in it the righteousness of God is revealed (1:17). In 16:20, we see the glimpse of hope that he discussed back in chapter 5, The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The hope that is given, by grace, to all believers is the righteousness of God and the victory is sure because He is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ (vs. 25). In this letter to Romans, Paul has spoken of many topics, issues and theologies, yet throughout its entirely the righteousness of Gods is beautifully woven and laced as the theme. Salvation is unattainable without Gods righteousness given to men. It was Gods promise in the Old Testament and it was fulfilled through Jesus Christ and His substitutionary work on the cross at Calvary. Gods righteousness is offered by faith to whosoever (10:13) confesses and believes; this the unity that brings Jews and Gentiles together and eventually all nations, tribes, tongues before the throne in Gods kingdom (Revelation 7:9).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Calvin, John. "Commentary on Romans." Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Available from http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom38.html. Internet; accessed 12 August 2010. Douglas, J. D., Comfort, P. W., & Mitchell, D. Who's who in Christian history. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House, 1997 Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume. Peabody: Hendrickson. 1996. (Ro 1:19-32). Moo, Douglas J.. Encountering The Book Of Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) Wheaton: Victor Books. 1991. Ropes, James. ""Righteousness" and "The Righteousness of God" in the Old Testament and in St. Paul." Journal of Biblical Literature Vol. 22 no. 2 (1903). Schreiner, Thomas R.. Romans. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1998. The Holy Bible : Holman Christian standard version. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers. 2003. (Ro 2:1) The Holy Bible : New International Version. (electronic ed.) (Ro 1:1617). Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 1996 Utley, R. J. D. Vol. Volume 5: The Gospel According to Paul: Romans. Study Guide Commentary Series. Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International. 1998. (Ro 3:7-8). Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. 1983. (Ro 10:913) Wiersbe, W. W. Wiersbe's expository outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books. 1997.