Romans 3:24

KJV

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

KJV (with Strong's)

Being justified {G1344} freely {G1432} by his {G846} grace {G5485} through {G1223} the redemption {G629} that is in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}:

Complete Jewish Bible

By God’s grace, without earning it, all are granted the status of being considered righteous before him, through the act redeeming us from our enslavement to sin that was accomplished by the Messiah Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

American Standard Version

being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 3:24 declares that humanity, universally condemned by sin, is declared righteous by God's gracious act, not through human merit or adherence to the law, but as a free gift. This divine declaration of innocence is made possible exclusively through the redemptive work accomplished by Jesus Christ, who paid the ransom price for sin, thereby liberating believers from its bondage and penalty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 3:24 stands as a pivotal verse within Paul's foundational argument for justification by faith. The preceding verses (Romans 3:9-20) meticulously establish the universal sinfulness of both Jews and Gentiles, demonstrating that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Paul emphasizes that the Mosaic Law, rather than providing a means of righteousness, serves primarily to reveal and increase the knowledge of sin ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Following this bleak assessment of humanity's condition, verse 21 introduces the "righteousness of God apart from the law," which is then elaborated upon in verses 22-26, with verse 24 specifically articulating the *means* by which this righteousness is applied: "freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." It transitions from the problem (universal sin) to the divine solution (justification by grace through Christ).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. This context is crucial for understanding his emphasis on justification "apart from the law" and the universal scope of salvation. Jewish Christians often struggled with the idea of Gentile inclusion and the perceived obsolescence of the Law for salvation, while Gentile Christians might have misunderstood the Law's role entirely. Paul's argument directly addresses the Jewish concept of righteousness through covenant obedience and works of the Law, contrasting it sharply with God's provision of righteousness through Christ. The terms "justified" and "redemption" would have resonated with both Roman legal concepts (a verdict of acquittal) and the practice of freeing slaves through a ransom payment, making the theological concepts accessible to his audience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the book of Romans. **Justification** is central, defining how sinful humanity can be declared righteous before a holy God. It underscores the theme of **God's Righteousness**, not merely as an attribute of God, but as a righteousness He imputes to believers. The phrase "freely by his grace" highlights **Divine Grace** as the sole source of salvation, emphasizing that it is an unmerited gift, not an earned reward ([Romans 11:6](/romans/11-6 "Romans 11:6 - Grace Excludes Works")). The concept of **Redemption** points to the liberation from the bondage of sin and death, a freedom secured by Christ's sacrificial work. Finally, the phrase "in Christ Jesus" underscores the theme of **Union with Christ**, signifying that all the benefits of salvation are found exclusively through a personal relationship and identification with Him ([Romans 6:3-11](/romans/6-3-11 "Romans 6:3-11 - United with Christ in Death and Resurrection")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Justified (Greek, _dikaióō'_):** From G1344, this verb means "to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent." It is a forensic or legal term, signifying a declaration of righteousness. It is not about making someone inherently righteous in their nature, but about declaring them righteous in a legal sense before God's tribunal, acquitting them of guilt and imputing a righteous status.
* **Freely (Greek, _dōreán'_):** From G1432, this adverb means "gratuitously (literally or figuratively)," or "without a cause, for naught, as a gift." This word emphatically underscores the unearned nature of justification. It highlights that God's act of declaring sinners righteous is entirely unmerited by human effort or performance; it is a pure gift stemming from His generosity.
* **Redemption (Greek, _apolýtrōsis'_):** From G629, this noun signifies "ransom in full" or "riddance," specifically "Christian salvation" as a deliverance. It carries the idea of release from bondage or captivity through the payment of a price. In this context, it refers to the liberation from the slavery and penalty of sin, achieved through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, who paid the ultimate price to set us free.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Being justified freely by his grace":** This clause reveals the *source* and *nature* of our right standing before God. "Being justified" (dikaióō) signifies a divine declaration of righteousness, a legal verdict of "not guilty" and "righteous." This profound status change is not earned but is given "freely" (dōreán), without any cost or merit on the part of the recipient. The ultimate wellspring of this free justification is God's "grace" (charis), His unmerited favor and benevolent disposition towards undeserving humanity. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's initiative and gift, flowing from His abundant love.
* **"through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus":** This clause specifies the *means* by which justification is accomplished and the *sphere* in which it is found. The "redemption" (apolýtrōsis) refers to the act of being bought back or liberated from slavery through the payment of a ransom. Here, humanity is enslaved to sin and its consequences, and Christ's death on the cross serves as the ransom price, securing our freedom. This redemption is not a general, abstract concept, but is concretely "in Christ Jesus." This phrase signifies that all the benefits of this redemption and subsequent justification are realized only through a personal union with Jesus Christ, by faith in His person and finished work. He is the exclusive channel and sphere through whom God's justifying grace flows.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 3:24 employs several significant literary devices. **Forensic Language** is prominent, with terms like "justified" (dikaióō) evoking a courtroom setting where God acts as judge, declaring the accused righteous. This legal metaphor underscores the objective, declarative nature of salvation. **Metonymy** is present in "his grace," where "grace" stands for God's gracious character and action, the ultimate source of justification. The phrase "in Christ Jesus" functions as a powerful **Synecdoche**, where "Christ Jesus" represents not just a name, but the entirety of His person, His saving work, and the new covenant reality He inaugurated. This highlights that salvation is not merely a set of doctrines but a relational reality found exclusively in Him. The verse also features **Theological Terms** that are rich with meaning, such as "redemption," which acts as a profound metaphor for liberation from spiritual slavery through a costly payment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 3:24 is a theological bedrock, articulating the core of the Gospel: God's provision of righteousness for sinful humanity. It profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of salvation, demonstrating that God's justice is not compromised by His mercy. Instead, through Christ's atoning work, God remains just while justifying those who believe. This verse establishes that salvation is monergistic – entirely God's work – flowing from His sovereign grace and accomplished through Christ's perfect sacrifice, received by faith. It dismantles any notion of human merit or works-based salvation, redirecting all glory to God alone.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Titus 3:5-7](/titus/3-5-7 "Titus 3:5-7 - Not by Works of Righteousness")
* [1 Corinthians 1:30-31](/1_corinthians/1-30-31 "1 Corinthians 1:30-31 - Christ Our Righteousness and Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 3:24 offers a profound and liberating truth for every believer: our standing before a holy God is not dependent on our fluctuating performance, but on His unwavering grace, freely given through Christ's completed work. This truth should cultivate deep humility, as it strips away any basis for boasting in ourselves. It should also ignite boundless gratitude, recognizing the immense cost of our redemption and the immeasurable love of God who provided it. Practically, this means we can live with assurance, knowing our justification is secure in Christ, empowering us to serve God not out of a desperate need to earn favor, but out of joyful response to His already-given grace. It calls us to rest in Christ's finished work, to abandon self-righteous striving, and to extend the same grace to others that we have so freely received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding justification as a "free gift" by "grace" impact your daily walk with God?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own works or merit, rather than solely on the redemption found "in Christ Jesus"?**
* **How does the truth of Romans 3:24 shape your understanding of God's character and His justice?**
* **What practical implications does being "redeemed" have for how you live your life and relate to the world?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between being "justified" and being "sanctified"?**

Answer: While closely related and both part of God's saving work, justification and sanctification refer to distinct aspects. **Justification** (as in [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified Freely by Grace")) is a one-time, forensic (legal) declaration by God that a sinner is righteous in His sight, based on Christ's imputed righteousness. It changes our *status* before God from guilty to innocent, from condemned to righteous. **Sanctification**, on the other hand, is an ongoing, progressive process by which the Holy Spirit transforms believers into the likeness of Christ, making them more holy in their *character* and conduct. It is a lifelong journey of growing in practical righteousness, empowered by the Spirit, and is a consequence of justification, not its cause.

**Does "freely by his grace" mean that human effort plays no role in salvation?**

Answer: Yes, in terms of earning or meriting salvation, human effort plays absolutely no role. The word "freely" (dōreán) emphatically means "without cost" or "for nothing," underscoring that justification is a pure gift. [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith") explicitly states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." While faith is the human response to God's grace, even that faith is ultimately enabled by God ([Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Faith is Granted")). Good works are the *fruit* and *evidence* of salvation, not the *root* or *means* of salvation ([James 2:17-18](/james/2-17-18 "James 2:17-18 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 3:24 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing that Jesus Christ is not merely an accessory to salvation, but its very essence and means. The "redemption that is in Christ Jesus" points directly to His sacrificial death on the cross as the payment of the ransom price for humanity's sin. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the propitiation through His blood ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")), and the one in whom God made us righteous ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Our justification is "in Christ Jesus" because He perfectly fulfilled the Law we could not, absorbed the wrath we deserved, and offered Himself as the spotless sacrifice. Through His resurrection, He demonstrated victory over sin and death, securing our new life. Thus, every aspect of our salvation—from the free gift of grace to the declaration of righteousness—flows from and is utterly dependent upon the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, making Him the exclusive ground of our hope and the focal point of God's redemptive plan ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Own Blood for Redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Colossians 1:14

In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Titus 3:7

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Ephesians 1:6

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;