P aul established the unrighteousness of all mankind in the first three chapters of Romans. All have fallen short of God’s righteous demands and stand guilty before Him. No one can be declared righteous by observing the law. The law convicts and condemns the whole human race but is unable to save anyone. Just when everything seems hopeless, as mankind awaits God’s judgment and wrath, Paul introduced the words “but now” in verse 21. This marks the turning point in God’s dealings with man. However bleak things have been in the earlier chapters, changes take place from this point onwards. What are these changes? We were under God’s wrath and unable to save ourselves through our own work-righteousness, but now God reveals to us His righteousness which is apart from the law. All were under condemnation, but now, all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are justified freely by God’s grace. Before, we were under the bondage of sin and unable to keep the law, but now in Christ, we are set free from sin and enabled to live holy lives. Before, Gentiles were excluded from God’s covenant, but now, all who put their faith in the Lord Jesus are brought into God’s covenant family. What wonderful news of God’s grace Paul introduced with the words “but now”! Are you still walking down the path of sin and destruction, without hope and without God in this life? “But now” there is hope through faith in Christ Jesus. Now is the time to turn from sin and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ!
LESSON
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets.
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. – John Newton
THOUGHT
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