Righteousness of God without the Law
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”
— Romans 3:21–22
In what may seem like a contradiction, the Bible boldly speaks of a righteousness that is “without the law.” If the law defines what is righteous, how can true righteousness exist apart from it?
The answer lies in understanding that Paul is speaking of a righteousness that has nothing to do with our law-keeping. It’s not that the law has been ignored or violated—rather, we haven’t kept it, but Christ has, and God now credits His righteousness to us. This righteousness is God’s own righteousness—perfect, eternal, and unblemished—and it becomes ours not through effort or merit, but by faith in Jesus Christ. (Rom. 4:4–5)
The Legal Foundation of Righteousness by Faith
But how can a just God declare a sinner righteous? How can He restore a person who has never kept His law to full favor and give eternal life?
The answer is twofold:
- It is by the faith of Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:22)
- We are made righteous “in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21)
Jesus alone fulfilled the law in every detail. He is the only person to ever live in total harmony with God’s will. And now, through faith, we are joined to Him, baptized into His life through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13). God no longer sees us as isolated individuals—He sees us in Christ.
This is not symbolic; it is real. God can legally and righteously credit Christ’s perfection to us because we have become part of His body, His life, His very existence.
“We are made the righteousness of God in Him.” — 2 Cor. 5:21
Condemned in Adam, Justified in Christ
To grasp this truth fully, we must first understand our natural condition in Adam. When Adam sinned, all of humanity was plunged into a fallen state. His descendants were born:
- Morally weakened and naturally inclined to sin
- Mortal, sickly, and corrupt in body
- Alienated from God, spiritually dead
- Condemned to death and destined to remain dead without intervention
This condition was both inherited and universal, but it did not include personal guilt. Guilt implies willful, conscious wrongdoing. Babies and those without moral understanding may inherit Adam’s fallen nature and spiritual separation from God, but they are not personally guilty of Adam’s sin (James 4:17; Rom. 5:13).
Just as Adam’s fall brought death and corruption, Christ’s obedience and righteousness now bring life and restoration to all who believe. He has created a new humanity, and everyone born into this new race by faith receives all its benefits: righteousness, life, and reconciliation.
Righteous in Christ
When we receive Christ by faith, we receive His righteousness. This includes:
- A perfect record – all sins forgiven, full peace with God.
- A new nature – a heart that loves what is right.
- The indwelling Spirit – Christ’s power to live in victory.
“But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” — 1 Cor. 1:30
This righteousness is not theoretical or symbolic. Christ actually lives in the believer, and through Him, we fulfill the will of God—not by keeping our eyes on the law, but by abiding in the One who fulfilled it.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...” — Gal. 2:20
Not Lawlessness, But a Higher Life
Does this mean the law has been abolished? No, but it means we no longer relate to God through the law. We do not live by striving to obey the law written on stone. Rather, we live by the Spirit of Christ written on our hearts. We are no longer under the dominion of the law—it no longer governs us.
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” — Rom. 6:14
This doesn’t result in lawlessness but in a higher level of righteousness—one born from love and union with Christ, not from fear or obligation. As we abide in Him, He produces righteousness in us naturally and joyfully.
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” — Phil. 2:13
Summary: A Righteousness Without the Law
The righteousness of God is now revealed apart from the law (Rom. 3:21)
- It comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or effort
- We are declared righteous because we are joined to Christ, not because of personal performance
- Just as we inherited corruption from Adam, we now inherit righteousness from Christ
- This righteousness includes a new record, a new heart, and new power
We live righteously not by focusing on the law, but by abiding in Christ, who lives through us
“Not I, but Christ liveth in me.” — Gal. 2:20
The law had a purpose—to expose sin and point us to Christ. But now that Christ has come, we live not under the shadow, but in the fullness. The law was a tutor, but we are no longer under a tutor—we are in the Son, and the Son is in us.