Just and Justifier
Romans 3:26
“It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” -Romans 3:26
“At the present time” should be understood in relation to “passed over former sins” in the previous verse.
“…This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.” -Romans 3:25
It has now been established by Paul’s argument that the whole human race is condemned for their injustice, and God alone has the honor of being just.
Though God is merciful in delaying judgment on sins past, he is not merely merciful; he is also gracious because he does not hold back the riches of his righteousness for himself alone.
In addition to be merciful toward us for our past sins, he further demonstrates the fullness of his righteousness now (at Christ’s revelation) by extending forth and imputing his righteousness to all who have faith in Jesus.
And in being the “justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus,” he, in no way, compromise his own integrity to do it. That is, he remains just because he has executed his divine wrath, which was due compensation for those “former sins,” upon Jesus.
The German Reformer, Martin Luther, called this “the Great Exchange.”
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