Romans 3:21–26 teaches that we cannot overcome sin through effort or religious obedience. All have sinned, so everyone stands on level ground before God. The Law and the Prophets pointed to what we needed all along: God to change our hearts and give us His righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.

 

At the cross, Jesus frees us from sin and death and deals with God’s just anger toward evil. God does not ignore our guilt; He bears its cost Himself. He remains just while declaring sinners righteous through Jesus, then graciously welcomes us to His table and into His life.