The Cross: Where God’s Justice and Mercy Meet

Romans 3:25^c–26 (NLT)

^25c This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, ²⁶ for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

Message

God is both just and merciful.

• Because of His justice, sin must be punished.
• Because of His mercy, sinners are forgiven or made right with God

There is a question to answer:

“If God is just, why did He not punish those who sinned in times past?”

Today let us study Romans 3:25c-26 (NLT) and find the answer.

I. The Sacrifice That Shows God Is Fair (v. 25^c)

See verse 25^c.

^25c This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,

Here, “This sacrifice” is Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, where He bled and died for our sin (Romans 3:25^a-b).

Paul declares that this sacrifice shows God was fair when He didn’t punish those who sinned in times past.

II. God’s Forward-Looking Justice (v. 26^a)

See verse 26^a.

^26a for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness,

God did not ignore sin in the past. He postponed its punishment until Christ. At the cross, sin was fully judged, and God’s righteousness was publicly demonstrated.

III. God’s Justice and Mercy Meet at the Cross (v. 26^b)

See verse 26^b.

^26b for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

Because Jesus bore the penalty of sin, God can remain just while declaring righteous those who believe in Him.
The cross is where God’s justice is satisfied and His grace is given.