There is a central theme in the book of Romans. That theme is righteousness. Paul declared that the righteousness of God has appeared, it has been revealed, it has been submitted to and/or rejected. God gave a law to Moses. If a man could keep that law perfectly he would be considered righteous. We know that no man or woman has ever been able to keep the law of God perfectly—that is until Jesus Christ. Christ obeyed and fulfilled the law. He never sinned once. Because Jesus was perfect he was able to become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He is compared to a perfect lamb without blemish. When Jesus died for us he took our sins upon himself. The word says “He bore our sins in his body on the tree?” (1 Peter 2:24) Now, in Christ, the righteousness of God comes to us apart from the law. This righteousness is a gift from God and comes by faith in Jesus Christ and what he did for us at the cross in his death, burial, and resurrection. The implications of this righteousness are far reaching. When we put our trust in Christ we are brought from death to life and out from underneath the condemnation of our sins. We are forgiven. We are made new. We have been given a new start. Paul declares we rise with Christ into a new life. And there is so much more!!! Pastor Brad