The Salvific Efficacy of the Cross: An Exegetical Study of Romans 3:21-26

Abstract

Christianity is the redemptive religion based on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Long before the incarnation of Christ, God chose Israel as his nation and gave them his law as the standard for humanity. This law, which identified and revealed sin, could not make anyone righteous before God because no one was or is able to fulfill its demands and be accepted by God on their own merits. Consequently, at the right time, God provided righteousness for people through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. This righteousness is imputed to believers through faith. While the subject of the cross is taught in many New Testament passages, this paper focuses on Romans 3:21-26, which is arguably at the core of Pauline soteriology. This paper employed a historical-critical exegetical approach to explore what Romans 3:21-26 reveals about God’s provision of righteousness for humanity apart from the works of the law. It begins with a background study of the text, proceeds with the exegesis of the text, and ends by drawing theological significance for contemporary Christianity. The central thesis is that God, through the cross, offered a solution that surpassed the limitations of Old Testament law. Therefore, the cross, rather than the law, embodies God’s ultimate plan for the salvation of humanity. The paper contributes to the subjects of atonement and also provides insight into New Testament exegesis.