Romans 3:20-26 “The Gospel: Justification by Grace through Faith”

We are taking some time at the start of the year to cover some of the basics of the Christian faith, and how the gospel should work its way out in the Christian life. We start this week by looking in Romans 3 at Justification by Grace through faith. Every human being in their sinful state stands condemned before God, so how can a righteous God count anyone as righteous?
WSC 33:What is justification?
Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardons all our sins, and accepts us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
WSC 86: What is faith in Jesus Christ?
Faith in Jesus Christ is a Saving Grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Romans 3: 20-26 (ESV)

20 For by works of the law no human being[a] will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 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. 26 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.