Jesus is our righteousness in Romans.
This book is Paul's theological masterpiece, but it is more than doctrine—it is
a revelation of Jesus. Layer by layer, Paul shows us how broken we are
on our own and how beautiful salvation becomes when it is wrapped in JesusChrist.
Romans is not a book of rules.
It is a book of rescue.
And the rescuer—every time—is Jesus.
Jesus, the Answer to Humanity’s Problem
Paul does not start light. He opens by showing the depths of
human sin, rebellion, idolatry, and self-destruction. It is a courtroom scene,
and the verdict is clear:
“There is no one righteous, not even one…” (Romans
3:10)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23)
But then—Jesus.
Right when it feels like we are doomed, Paul lifts up the
cross like a lifeline:
“But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God
has been made known… This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ
to all who believe.” (Romans 3:21–22)
Jesus is not the backup plan.
He is the only plan.
Jesus, Our Justifier and Peace
Romans gives us the gospel with both power and poetry:
“Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1)
Jesus makes peace possible.
Not just peace around us. Peace with God.
Jesus stands in the gap between our failure and God’s holiness—and He
bridges it with His blood.
Paul keeps pointing to Him:
- We
were powerless. Jesus died for us.
- We
were enemies. Jesus reconciled us.
- We
were condemned. Jesus made us righteous.
Everything we lost in sin—we regain in Jesus.
Jesus, the New Adam and the Grace Giver
Paul draws a powerful contrast:
Through Adam, death entered.
Through Jesus, life overflows.
“For if, by the trespass of one man, death reigned… how
much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace… reign in
life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17)
Jesus does not just clean the slate.
He gives us a new identity.
A new position.
A new way to live.
Where sin increased, grace abounded more.
That grace is not a theory. It is a Person.
Jesus is Grace.
Jesus, the Life in the Spirit
Romans 8 is the mountaintop.
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus…”
“The law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus…”
“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us…”
I read that chapter and feel it in my spirit:
Jesus changes everything.
He breaks the power of sin.
He sends His Spirit to live in us.
He assures us we are God’s children.
He intercedes for us.
He makes sure nothing—nothing—can separate us from the love of God.
Jesus, the Lord Over All
Romans ends where it began—with Jesus at the center.
Paul reminds us that whether Jew or Gentile, insider or
outsider, religious or rebellious… we all come to God the same way: through
faith in Jesus.
And he ends with this:
“To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus
Christ! Amen.” (Romans 16:27)
Jesus Is Our Righteousness. Receive Him. Rest in Him.
Rejoice in Him.
Romans reminds me that I cannot save myself.
I cannot earn God’s love.
I cannot clean myself up enough to be worthy.
But Jesus can.
And Jesus did.
He is my righteousness.
He is my peace.
He is my place of belonging.
So I say yes to the gospel again.
Yes to Jesus again.
Yes to the grace that runs deeper than all my sin.