Apart From The Law
Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
We live in a "But Now" period in history. Whenever you hear that phrase "But Now," it means something has changed. In this case, in Romans, what changed?
A brand new way of righteousness has appeared on the scene. In fact, it is a righteousness of God apart from the Law. The Law and the Prophets witnessed this righteousness. They spoke about such a thing coming when they were alive on the earth, and they witnessed it when Moses and Elijah met with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Moses represents the Law, and Elijah represents the Prophets.
This righteousness was no ordinary righteousness that originates with men. It was God's very own righteousness that originates with Him. This brand of righteousness is received and possessed by faith in Christ Jesus.
Everyone has sinned and come up short in their own efforts. "But Now," they can be justified freely! To be justified is to be declared innocent, holy, not guilty, righteous. When I stand by faith righteous with God's very own righteousness in Christ, I am free of accusation and guilt. My shame is gone because I am righteous now. This is now my testimony because I am in Christ and Christ lives in me. Did I work to gain this marvelous standing?
Romans 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
The answer to the question is simply, absolutely not. A man is justified, made innocent, holy, and righteous apart from the deeds of the law. This is accomplished by faith in Christ Jesus and has nothing to do with my works. That means I cannot claim to be more justified or more holy than another who has placed their faith in Jesus.
Bragging rights have been removed in Christ unless the bragging is about Christ. No more looking down the nose at others from some warped idea that I obtained this righteousness by my own efforts. My righteousness was a free gift given to me when I believed in what Jesus did at the cross and that it was enough. A free gift apart from the law.
