Romans 3:21-26 is generally considered to be the center of the book of Romans and the superlatives with which theologians have spoken of it are truly incredible.
“The chief point, and the very central place of the Epistle, and of the whole Bible.” Martin Luther
Leon Morris (commentary on Romans, 173) wrote that this is, “possibly the single most important single paragraph ever written”
John Piper preached that this paragraph perhaps contains, “the most central or important words in the Bible.”
So, why not take the time to read Romans 3:21-26 aloud several times.
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. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a [mercy seat] by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.(Ro 3:21-26).” (ESV, I changed “propitiation” to “mercy seat.”)
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In preparation for preaching this text, I reviewed Andy Naselli’s notes, The Heart of the Gospel: The Most Important Paragraph Ever Written, on this passage and listened to one of two sermons he preached (Part I and Part II). Of course, N.T. Wright, Schreiner, Moo, Morris, Piper, Luther, and Moo were also crowded onto my desk. Andy was in good company.
Preach it, Chris!
It’s the “center of the whole Bible,” where God’s glory (and love and grace) are most clearly seen: Jesus on the cross in our place, accomplishing what only He can do.
Thanks Jeff. Great hearing from you.