THE VERDICT IS IN: NOT GUILTY!
Romans 3:24-31
Sunday, August 17, 2025
THE EPISTLES OF PAUL SERIES – ROMANS
Join us for an in-depth study series through the book of Romans, a powerful exploration of the gospel’s transforming power! This study will take you chapter by chapter through one of the most foundational books of the Bible, unpacking themes of grace, faith, salvation, and living a transformed life in Christ. Whether you’re new to the faith or looking to deepen your understanding, this series will provide rich discussions, practical applications, and a renewed passion for God’s Word. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your faith and discover how the gospel shapes every aspect of life. Join us and experience the life-changing message of Romans!
Life Application Point: Through Christ’s redeeming grace, God declares the guilty forgiven, making us righteous—not by our works, but as a free gift of His mercy.
Romans 3:24-31
Recap:
Chapter 1 – the sin of the heathen.
Chapter 2 – the sin of the hypocrite.
Chapter 2 progresses – the sin of the Hebrew.
Chapter 3 – the sin of humanity.
–Up until now, we have seen the wrath of God revealed.
–Now we will see the righteousness of God revealed.
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Breakdown of how justification, sanctification, and righteousness connect in Romans 3:24
[click here for illustration]
1. Justified – Our Legal Standing Before God.
Definition: To be justified means to be declared righteous in God’s sight. It’s a legal term from the courtroom. The sinner stands guilty, but God declares them “not guilty” — not because of innocence, but because Christ’s righteousness has been credited to their account.
- Freely
- By His Grace
- Through the redemption in Christ
Note: Justification is instantaneous — the moment you trust Christ, you are fully and forever declared righteous.
Definition: Sanctification is the process by which the Holy Spirit makes us more like Christ in thought, attitude, and behavior. It’s moral and spiritual transformation that follows justification.
- Justification changes our position.
- Sanctification changes our practice.
3. Righeousness – The Common Thread.
Definition: Righteousness means conformity to God’s moral standard — His holiness. In salvation:
- In justification, righteousness is imputed (credited).
- In sanctification, righteousness is imparted (worked into our lives).
4. How They Work Together –
–Past (Justification): The penalty of sin is removed. I was saved.
—Present (Santification): The power of sin is being broken. I am being saved.
—Future (Glorification): The presence of sin will be removed. I am saved.*
*God’s final removal of sin from the life of the saints (everyone who is saved). Eternal state.
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I. JUSTIFIED FREELY!
Romans 3:24; John 15:25;
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II. JUSTIFIED BY HIS GRACE!
Romans 3:24
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III. JUSTIFIED THROUGH THE REDEMPTION!
Romans 3:24
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IV. JUSTIFIED THROUGH THE PROPITIATION!
Romans 3:24-31; Hebrews 9:2-5; Romans 8:2-4
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Additional Notes:
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Illustration References:
[1] KJV
[2] https://www.preaching.com/articles/past-masters/g-campbell-morgan-preaching-in-the-shadow-of-grace/, accessed June 3, 2010
Note: All portions of this sermon by Pastor Shane are preached under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. Stories and illustrations used and/or shared from other sources are cited above in the illustration references section. Note: All portions of this sermon by Pastor Shane are preached under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. Stories and illustrations used and/or shared from other sources are cited above in the illustration references section.