Reading Romans is like being invited into God’s
courtroom—and then surprised by mercy.
It is theology that sings.
Truth that saves.
And justice that does not crush but instead cleanses.
Paul walks us through the brokenness of humanity, not to
shame us, but to show us what makes righteousness so powerful.
Because in Romans, righteousness is not something we
achieve.
It is something we receive.
And that changes everything.
Righteousness
Is the Gift, Not the Goal
Paul lays it bare early on:
“There is no one righteous, not even
one...” (Romans 3:10)
Not one.
No matter how good we think we are.
No matter how many rules we keep.
No matter how “churchy” we sound.
But then comes the beauty:
“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)
That is the gospel.
Righteousness is not about us climbing up.
It is about Jesus coming down.
Living perfectly.
Dying willingly.
Rising victoriously.
And now, through Him—we are declared righteous.
Righteousness
Is Peace With God
One of the most comforting verses in all of Scripture is
this:
“Therefore, since we have been
justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ...” (Romans 5:1)
Peace with God.
Not suspicion.
Not silent treatment.
Not striving to stay in His good graces.
Peace.
The kind that quiets the soul.
The kind that assures you you are no longer condemned.
The kind that comes only when righteousness covers you like a robe.
Righteousness
Leads to a New Way of Living
Paul does not stop at justification.
He moves us toward transformation.
“Count yourselves dead to sin but
alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11)
Righteousness is not just a courtroom verdict.
It is a calling to live differently.
We do not keep sinning because “grace covers it.”
We grow because grace changed us.
Romans 8 gives us the fullness:
“The righteous requirement of the law
might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according
to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:4)
That is what righteousness does.
It gives us the power to walk in the Spirit, not the flesh.
To say no to sin.
To say yes to holiness.
To live alive.
Righteousness
Reflects God’s Faithfulness, Not Ours
Paul also reminds us that righteousness is deeply tied to
God’s character.
He has always kept His promises.
Always upheld His Word.
Always worked redemption—even when we failed.
Romans 9–11 explore that faithfulness in a way that humbles
and reassures me.
God has not forgotten His people.
He does not abandon those He calls.
His plan is bigger than what we can see—and His righteousness always stands.
Let
Righteousness Rule Your Life
Romans reminded me that righteousness is not perfection.
It is position.
I am made right with God because of Jesus.
And because of that:
- I live with peace
- I walk in power
- I pursue holiness
- I reflect His grace
So I will not strive to prove myself anymore.
I will not pretend to be what I am not.
I will not perform for approval.
I will stand in righteousness—because
Jesus gave it to me.