Romans 3

 Guilty!  The verdict is in and every single person on earth, past or present or future, has been convicted of unrighteousness.  The Jews had been given the "oracles of God", but failed to believe.

David wrote in the psalms that God is justified in His condemnation of sin.  He alone is righteous. He remains faithful to His Word and will do all that He has said He will do.. including pouring out His wrath on the wicked.  Since, "there is none righteous, not even one.." then all are under the wrath of God.  We are all "accountable to God." Therefore, we are all condemned.

But... God has revealed His righteousness.  He has provided a "gift by His grace".. We who have sinned and fallen short of His glory are "justified" through faith in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.  God "displayed"  ( exhibited/ purposed ) Jesus "publicly as a propitiation (atonement, penalty paid) in His blood through faith.."  Paul writes, " This was to demonstrate His righteousness because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration , I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." ( v25-26) 

God is just and He judges us with complete righteousness.
And..  God is the justifier - for He renders us innocent.. He makes us righteous.. through the payment made with the blood of Jesus.  This is the "demonstration" - declaration/ evidence/indication - of God's righteousness.  This justification - this "gift of His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus" is not available through works, nor through the Law.  It is only able to be received in one way... "through faith". 

Father in heaven, God of Grace, You are kind and forbearing and patient,. Holy is Your Name.  I praise You and pour out my thanksgiving to You for the gift of redemption through Jesus Christ.  Praise to our Just God who is our Justifier.  Thank You for the forbearance that You have displayed.. not treating us as our sins deserve.. but bringing us salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Thank You for leading us to repentance and granting us faith that we might become righteous by Your provision in Him.  All glory and honor and praise to You and to the Lamb, in Who's name we pray.  Amen