But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.Imagine a light bulb that appears to have been used over and over again. It seems useless, cold, and dead. Paul's argument from 1:18 to 3:20 appeared to be headed toward complete uselessness. It started to look like he was knocking on wooden coffins and yelling "YOU'RE DEAD!"
Now picture that old light bulb start to flicker. That is what the next few verses are like. Paul loves to beat the horse of depravity before revealing the glory of redemption. In Ephesians 2:4 fashion Paul says "But now..." and that's all one needs to hear. Sure there is some tough sledding ahead but there is hope.
"After having shown God the judge and executioner, as it were, he now shows the God of love, who reaches out His arms to sinful men in the hope that they will come to Him and be saved." -John MacArthur (New Testament Commentary Series: Romans).
"These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." -Jesus (Luke 24:44)
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