Righteousness of God in Romans 3:22 Explained Theologically
Romans 3:22 states, "To wit, the righteousnesse of God by the faith of Iesus Christ, vnto all, and vpon all that beleeue" (Geneva 1599) [1]. This verse is central to Paul's argument in Romans, particularly following his extensive discussion of humanity's sinfulness (Romans 1:18–3:20) [5]. It reintroduces the theme from Romans 1:17, emphasizing how individuals can be made right with God [5].
The phrase "righteousness of God" in this context refers to God's method of saving sinners, which is not based on human works but on faith in Jesus Christ [4]. This righteousness is revealed in the gospel [2] and is a fundamental aspect of God's character, described as high, abundant, and everlasting [3]. It is also understood as the way God establishes people in a right relationship with himself [5].
The phrase "by the faith of Jesus Christ" is crucial. It signifies that this righteousness is obtained through belief in Jesus [1, 4]. This concept is often termed "imputed righteousness," meaning that Christ's righteousness is credited to believers [2]. Christ himself is considered the "Lord of our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6) and is made righteousness to his people (1 Corinthians 1:30) [2]. This righteousness is "without the law," meaning human obedience to the law contributes nothing to it [6].
The scope of this righteousness is "unto all, and vpon all that beleeue" [1]. This highlights its universal offer and its efficacy for those who exercise faith [4]. It signifies that God makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles in this regard [4]. The Old Testament Scriptures, including the Law and the Prophets, are seen as bearing witness to this justifying righteousness, even though it is fully disclosed only in Christ [6]. This divine righteousness is not merely a concept but is exhibited in God's testimonies, commandments, judgments, and acts [3].
Sources
- Romans “Romans 3:22 (Geneva1599) — To wit, the righteousnesse of God by the faith of Iesus Christ, vnto all, and vpon all that beleeue.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Righteousness Imputed — Predicted -- Isa 56:1; Eze 16:14. Revealed in the gospel -- Ro 1:17. Is of the Lord -- Isa 54:17. Described as The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 4:13; 9:30; 10:6. The righteousness of God, without the law. -- Ro 3:21. The righteousness of God by faith in Christ. -- Ro 3:22. Christ being made righteousness to us. -- 1Co 1:30. Our being made the righteousness of God, in Christ. -- 2Co 5:21. Christ is the end of the law for -- Ro 10:4. Christ called THE LORD OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS -- Jer 23:6. Christ brings in an everlasting righteousness -- Da 9:2”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Righteousness of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ps 7:9; 116:5; 119:137. Described as Very high. -- Ps 71:19. Abundant. -- Ps 48:10. Beyond computation. -- Ps 71:15. Everlasting. -- Ps 119:142. Enduring for ever. -- Ps 111:3. The habitation of his throne. -- Ps 97:2. Christ acknowledged -- Joh 17:25. Christ committed his cause to -- 1Pe 2:23. Angels acknowledge -- Re 16:5. Exhibited in His testimonies. -- Ps 119:138,144. His commandments. -- De 4:8; Ps 119:172. His judgments. -- Ps 19:9; 119:7,62. His word. -- Ps 119:123. His ways. -- Ps 145:17. His acts. -- J”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 3:22: Even the righteousness of God - That method of saving sinners which is not of works, but by faith in Christ Jesus; and it is not restrained to any particular people, as the law and its privileges were, but is unto all mankind in its intention and offer, and becomes effectual to them that believe; for God hath now made no difference between the Jews and the Gentiles.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 3:21: 3:21–4:25 Paul returns to the central theme of the righteousness of God that is revealed in Christ and is available to anyone who believes. The fundamental statement of this theology is in 3:21-26; Paul elaborates on it in 3:27-31 and illustrates it with the experience of Abraham in ch 4. 3:21-22 After a lengthy reminder of the power of sin (1:18–3:20), Paul returns to the theme presented in 1:17, the way to be made right with God (literally the righteousness of God). As in that verse, “the righteousness of God” is the way that God puts people in right relationshi”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 3:21: GOD'S JUSTIFYING RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, ALIKE ADAPTED TO OUR NECESSITIES AND WORTHY OF HIMSELF. (Rom 3:21-26) But now the righteousness of God--(See on Rom 1:17). without the law--that is, a righteousness to which our obedience to the law contributes nothing whatever (Rom 3:28; Gal 2:16). is manifested, being witnessed--attested. by the law and the prophets--the Old Testament Scriptures. Thus this justifying righteousness, though new, as only now fully disclosed, is an old righteousness, predicted and foreshadowed in the Ol”