MEMORY VERSE

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 propitiation
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. (Romans 3:21–26)

KEY BIBLICAL THEOLOGICAL THEMES

Redemption, Sin, Judgment, Substitution

THE STORY SO FAR

God created a kingdom, and he is the King, but he made human beings to represent him in that kingdom.
Adam and Eve rejected this call, which led to sin and death. But God promised to defeat the
Serpent through the seed of the woman, who is also the seed of Abraham. Through Abraham’s family,
and specifically Judah’s royal seed, David, the covenant blessings would come to the world. Because
all people were guilty and deserved death, the sacrifices of the Mosaic law revealed more clearly their
need for a substitute—the suffering servant. Through the servant and the work of the Spirit, God would
establish a new covenant and give lasting life to his people in the new heavens and new earth.
Jesus is the One through whom all of these promises find fulfillment, first in his sacrificial death as
a necessary and just payment for sin and then in his victorious resurrection and reign as King.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1) As you’ve read this book and the Bible readings, what are some of the ways you’ve seen the Law and the Prophets (the whole Old Testament) bear witness to the righteousness of God?

2) If we are “justi ed by his grace as a gift,” how should this change the way you see yourself? How should it change the way you see God?

3) Are you uncomfortable thinking and talking about God’s wrath? If so, do you think this feeling is shaped by Scripture or other influences?

4) Elsewhere in Romans Paul writes, “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (2:4). In what ways have you seen God’s kindness lead you and others around you to repentance?

BIBLE READINGS

Psalm 89
How does this psalm help you understand the biblical theological themes from this chapter and the big
story of the Bible, which culminates with Jesus?

Romans 3
What are some key insights from this passage that add to your understanding of the story and the biblical
theological themes?