When I saw this verse on "mychurch" as the verse of the day, I just had to post an entry about it. I just read about this verse yesterday in my class reading for my college class through Liberty University which is actually a class exclusively on Romans. The book is entitled "Encountering the Book of Romans." It is written by Douglas Moo. (yes, that's right-Moo... as in the sound a cow makes)

It is a true text book, but still is one that I would recommend to anyone, as it is wonderfully written and very insightful in a study on Romans. I have personally studied Romans many times, and have taught through the book on a couple of occasions. The thing with this book, as with any in Scripture, is that there is always something new to see, or focus on.This verse and the true magnitude of it is one such example. Notice what Douglas Moo says regarding this verse, and specifically, the impact it had on the father of the reformation, Martin Luther.

"As a result of his previous training, Luther had taken the expression 'the righteousness of God'' (Rom. 1:17) to refer to God's own righteousness-God's impartial justice. But how, then, could the revelation of that righteousness be 'good news (see Rom. 1:16)?' Surely it was bad news, not good news, to learn that God was just and impartial, that He would punish every sin and judge every sinner. But then Luther came to understand that the 'righteousness of God' that Paul was talking about was not God's justice, but God's gift. The good news that Paul preached was that God had brought into the world the possibility of a righteousness from God-the gift of acceptance and 'right standing' offered to every sinner-and that the gift was given simply in response to faith." (Encountering Romans:Moo, Pg. 23)

What a blessed thought and truth! The righteousness of God which is revealed, is not a revelation of His terrible justice, but is a gift of righteousness and right standing (justification) between fallen man and Himself. That righteousness was given in the physical person of Jesus and specifcially poured out on man through the pouring of His blood on the cross. So that by placing our faith in the person and work of Jesus, we receive righteousness, indeed, the very righteousness of God, in place of our wickedness! Hallelujah! Jesus, gave us His righteousness, and took from us, our sinfulness. What an unfair deal for Jesus, but how sweet the injustice is for us! For through that injustice done to Christ, we are free, saved, and alive forever!

God be praised for His unspeakable gift!

-Chris.