Jesus’ apostle Paul wrote:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘BUT THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.’” Romans 1:16-17

So just how is God’s righteousness revealed in the gospel? Paul returns to this idea and explains it in 3:21-26 of the same letter.

1) He establishes that all men sin, falling short of God’s glory

2) We understand that the payment for sin is death (see 2:12 and 6:23)

3) But God has forgiven sin without exacting payment

4) God’s payment for our sin in Jesus’ death, declares Him righteous in forgiving sin

5) Had God forgiven sin without paying the debt, He would not have been righteous (so He did pay it, and therefore is righteous in His forgiveness)

This is precisely what make baptism so significant, because we are buried into Jesus and his death for our sin, and so rise from our baptism to walk in new life being freed from sin (see Romans 6:3-7).

Please be warned! Only those who’ve put their faith in Jesus will have their sin forgiven. God would not be righteous to forgive those who’ve never been united with Jesus in the death that paid for their sin. This is why it is so important that we preach the gospel so that folks may believe and obey it.

Where are you? Are you among those who by faith have been united with Christ in his death? If not, since you are reading this, so it is not too late!