‘He did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus’ (Romans 3:26)

Up until Calvary, God had campaigned against sin, but he had always acted against it with restraint. He had never addressed it according to the full measure of his antipathy to it. But God's forbearance in the past only anticipated the revelation of his righteousness that was to come. At Calvary God declared himself fully. Righteousness came into its own in a decisive and final way. All that God was, is or ever will be was enacted in the death of Jesus. Righteousness was established in the earth at the cross. And in fully declaring himself God fully declared righteous those who have faith in his Son. The great mercy that flows from the work of Christ comes on the wings of God's greatest achievement-the revelation of his righteousness in the obedience of Jesus. At one and the same time, God's righteousness is a feature of his own character, as well as a gift that brings eternal life.

God help me treasure this gift, and rejoice in it.