1. A righteousness from God (21-23)

God revealed his righteousness in the creation, for he created a world that is good. The problem arose when mankind rebelled. All have sinned and fall short of God's glory. God revealed his righteousness in the Law, but his people broke the Law. How can despairing sinners have hope? Our hope is in God. He is the only one who can restore broken lives and mend broken relationships. Jesus is God's righteousness. God clothes us in his righteousness when we believe in Jesus.

2. A sacrifice of atonement (24-26)

Sin cuts us off from God. The outcome of sin is death and hell. God is just; he cannot take sin lightly. He sent his only Son to be a sacrifice of atonement, to take our punishment on himself and die in the place of sinners. God promises that through faith in the blood of Jesus we are justified freely by his grace. To be justified means to be forgiven and made righteous. To be righteous means to have a right relationship with God. This is eternal life.

Application: Lord, thank you for cleansing my sins by the blood of Jesus.
One Word: The blood of Jesus makes me righteous