Justified by Faith Apart from Works

When we get to chapter 3 verse 21, Paul turns our attention to the hope that there is in our hopelessness. He relates that God is not only a God of righteousness, justice, and holiness but He is a God of grace and mercy. In His love He has provided salvation for sinful human beings. The way that was accomplished was through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. You see, God's standard of righteousness goes far beyond what man could hope to attain. The scribes and pharisees, as far as their personal works and activity, prided themselves in their righteousness and the Jews looked to them as the epitome of righteousness. And yet, unless you have a greater righteousness than they had, you'll not be part of God's kingdom.