Big Idea: Faith is our only basis for justification before God.
Scripture Reading: Romans 3:21-31.
Three Radical Provisions of God:
1. God’s solution doesn’t depend on the Law: We are saved by something greater than the Law; righteousness is manifested apart from the Law, though witnessed by it.
2. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ: Justification comes by faith, not by works.
3. Christ’s substitutionary work on the cross: Salvation is accomplished through Christ’s public sacrifice, fulfilling both expiation and propitiation (atonement and satisfaction).
Conclusion: Jesus is our “Deus ex machina”—God came down not by a machine, but was raised up on a cross to save us.
Faith’s Implications (from Romans 3:27-31):
Faith excludes boasting in ourselves.
Faith excludes works of the Law as a means of salvation.
Faith includes both Jews and Gentiles.
Faith complements the Law, rather than canceling it.
Application:
Exult in God’s radical solution.
Exercise humility to avoid boasting.
Exalt Christ for perfectly fulfilling the Law.
Accept by faith the substitutionary work of Christ.
