For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;
2 Corinthians 5:14, 21 ESV
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
How would you explain Jesus’ death on the cross to a non-Christian? (would you use terms like “substitutionary,” “righteousness,” and “atonement?”
How does it make you feel to know you are the “righteousness of God”? What did you have to do to get this title?
Why do people often refuse to believe salvation is God’s free gift? What makes you feel like you have to work for it?
Why might we tend to take God’s grace for granted? Imagine what life would be like if God were not patient, impartial, and forgiving. What are appropriate responses to His goodness and grace to us?
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21-26 ESV
What has God provided for all people? Why do we need what He has provided?
What do you think it means to “fall short” of God’s glory?
What motivated God to act to put us in right standing with Him? How did He do so?
Justify (v. 24) is a legal term meaning God declares the sinner not guilty. Why is being declared “not guilty” great news for us in the present and future?
What do we learn about God’s character from this passage? In contrast, what do we learn about humanity’s character?
How might people try to make faith another work they accomplish? In reality, how does righteousness and forgiveness become ours?
If Jesus had not died for our sins and we had to “work” to pay for our sins, what would our lives be like?
Can the “good” ever outweigh the “bad”? Why or why not? How does this change the way you view Jesus’ substitution on your behalf?
What would you say to people who declare that they have done too many bad things to be forgiven of their sins?
What does God’s offer of salvation mean to you? What do you think is its most amazing aspect?