Conclusion

Sins are not overlooked in the Gospel; the bar has not been lowered. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). This is God’s standard; God has not been reconciled; it is man that needs reconciliation. In Romans, the gospel of God is the testimony of the righteousness of God. Of human righteousness, He will have nothing: “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6).
How can God be righteous in justifying the ungodly? The answer brings us to the feet of the Lord Jesus. Coming in the likeness of sinful flesh, He offered Himself a sacrifice for sin, thereby completely vindicating God’s righteousness, while revealing His love. God can now present Himself in grace—be propitious—to man (Rom. 3:25-26).
This book has a particular importance for the young believer. Herein we find that peace with God rests, not with our thoughts, but on God’s thoughts of His own Son (Rom. 5:1). Not only do we have peace in regard to sins, but we also have present deliverance from the power of sin. Delivered from that old tyrant we have been set at liberty, not to do as we will, but to serve our new Master, the One who loved us and gave Himself for us (Rom. 6:17-19). The Spirit by whom Christ actively lived should now be our source of every thought and action (Rom. 8:9). Not only is the Holy Spirit within us acting, but God is also acting externally, ordering all things for those “called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).