As we wrap up our study of this chapter in Romans, we are again reminded of the overall theme of this book: the righteousness of God. But man is helpless, hopeless, and no one living is righteous. Job asks the question that all of us must ask, how can a man be righteous before God?

In this lesson, we learn more about this gift of righteousness we receive from God.

At the point of salvation, we receive several things from God. One of them is Righteousness. But whose Righteousness is it? Is it a righteousness that God the Holy Spirit creates within us, or is it God's own perfect Righteousness from His essence? And what of redemption and propitiation? When Christ paid the legal penalty for all mankind's sins on the cross, He served as our kinsman redeemer, and God's justice was satisfied - propitiation. That means that redemption and propitiation relate to all mankind. Yet the condemnation of Adam's original sin and the state of unrighteousness and spiritual death must still be resolved. So what must occur for God to make a declaration of Righteousness for each one of us?

Are godless socialist societies able to build utopias where all are treated equally? Listen to this lesson to learn that only God, not people with their sin natures, can bring about perfection. Hear how David treated Shimei and other enemies with grace. Find out how Mephibosheth was innocent of betraying David as Ziba had claimed. See how God used wealthy Barzillai to supply David’s needs. Personally, look for opportunities to extend grace to everyone in your life.