“But now the righteousness of God…” – Romans 3:21
Romans 3:21 leaps off the page with a thunderous shift: “But now…” These two words aren’t just literary; they are liberation. After chapters spent plunging into the darkness of human sin—where every excuse is silenced and all are guilty before God—Paul flips the stage light on. But now signals a divine interruption. It is the moment the knight in shining armor enters the battlefield, not to condemn, but to rescue. This righteousness that Paul speaks of isn’t an abstract idea. It’s a person—Jesus Christ, the Light of the world (John 8:12), the Sunrise from on high (Luke 1:78–79), who shines into every shadow with the promise of life.
Righteousness, simply put, means being right with God. But Romans makes it clear—we cannot produce it ourselves. Isaiah 64:6 says our best efforts are like filthy rags. Man’s righteousness may look noble from afar, but in God’s eyes, it falls short every time. So where does true righteousness come from? From above. Isaiah 45:8 tells us God created it. It comes not by effort, but by gift. And its nature reflects its source—pure, holy, and eternal. It was forged in the perfection of Christ, who knew no sin but became sin for us so we might become God’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The contrast between man’s failed attempts and God’s flawless provision couldn’t be sharper. Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law, endured temptation without sin (Hebrews 4:15), and bore our sins so we could live righteously (1 Peter 2:24). And here’s the stunning truth: once received, this righteousness doesn’t fade. Isaiah 51:8 calls it everlasting. It doesn’t wear out. It doesn’t need updates. Once God imputes it to you, it is eternally yours.
So here’s today’s application: stop trying to earn what Christ already accomplished. Recognize your sin, yes—but don’t dwell in the darkness. Let “But now” be the pivot in your story. You were in the shadows, but now the light of grace has come. Walk in it. Rest in the righteousness that never wears thin and never runs out. It was God’s gift from eternity past—and it’s still holding strong today.
“God has now revealed a righteousness apart from the law—one that is not earned, but received. It’s not about what man can do, but what God has done through Jesus Christ.” – Chuck Smith
surrendered devotions 