“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. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”
Romans 3:25-31
Here we have an answer to the most important of all questions, “How can we be made just or right with God?” To be made just requires that the charges brought against us are dismissed. Our problem is that the charges are accurate and deserved. Why? Because we have a sinful nature.
Paul begins his answer by stating that God put forth His Son Jesus as a propitiation. He set Him before the public so that all would see the sacrifice and shedding His blood for their sins.
The word translated as “propitiation” in Romans 3:25 is the same Greek word used in the Greek Old Testament for the “mercy seat,” which was the covering over the Ark of the Covenant. There are two things to note about the mercy seat that will help us understand Paul’s use of the word. It seems that Paul has both elements of the mercy seat in mind when he calls Jesus the one put forward as a “mercy seat” or “place of atonement” or “propitiation.”
Romans 3:25, the Christian Standard Bible states: “God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness because in his restraint, God passed over the sins previously committed.”
The “blood” of Christ is that by which Christ is the propitiation; without the shedding of that blood, there is no redemption, peace, reconciliation, or remission of sin.
(Leviticus 17:11) For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.
Verse 26, “For the showing of his righteousness,” the God-kind of righteousness. God could not let sin go as if a mere slip. God demanded atonement and provided it. But this is where we can get confused. God has been very patient with humanity. He has held off the pouring out of His wrath. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)
Verse 27, “Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.” The word “faith” means “to believe; to trust.” Therefore, the “law of faith” is a law of trust and belief. The law of faith, then, trusts God to accomplish His plan.
And because “without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Putting down our work tools in which we believe we can secure the favor of God in this life and a place in heaven based on our goodness requires complete trust in the provision He provided for the forgiveness of our sins.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mat 11:28-30)
These words are an invitation by the one and only Jesus. If you’re tired and struggling, He can give you rest. They also describe the path to God, but it is not one of labor and hard work. Following Jesus frees us from carrying the burden of our sins because He has already done that work.
All we need to do is put our faith, hope, and trust in Jesus. To take His yoke is to commit to Him and put ourselves under the protection and authority of Christ.