"For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Rom. 3:22-26)

The phrase "at the present time" distinguishes the present age from time past. God has now demonstrated His righteousness through the offering of Christ. Divine justice requires the condemnation and punishment of all who sin. On what basis, therefore, can the Divine justice be maintained, and the sinner be justified? Only through the sacrifice of Christ and faith in Him. The sinner through faith in Christ, is freed from the penalty of his sins. Christ died in his stead. Death is paid for sin, but the sinner is not required to die. God remains just (the penalty is paid) and the sinner is justified when he accepts Christ's death as a substitute for his own.

Let us give thanks to God for His unspeakable gift.