The Cross Vindicates God

God did not reckon to David the sin of God did not reckon to David the sin of adultery or the sin of murder. He adultery or the sin of murder. He adultery or the sin of murder. He justified him by faith. justified him by faith. justified him by faith. He passed over his sins. Now, Now, that creates a problem. that creates a problem. that creates a problem. Because he says there in verse 25, Because he says there in verse 25, Because he says there in verse 25, because he did this, because he did this, because he did this, God has now had to demonstrate his God has now had to demonstrate his God has now had to demonstrate his righteousness by putting Christ forward righteousness by putting Christ forward righteousness by putting Christ forward as an expiation. >> Sometimes people talk about forgiveness >> Sometimes people talk about forgiveness as though God can simply move on from as though God can simply move on from as though God can simply move on from sin, kind of sweep it aside. sin, kind of sweep it aside. sin, kind of sweep it aside. But then you read about David, his sins But then you read about David, his sins But then you read about David, his sins of adultery and murder, and God counting of adultery and murder, and God counting of adultery and murder, and God counting him righteous. Then you realize there's him righteous. Then you realize there's him righteous. Then you realize there's a deeper question here. a deeper question here. a deeper question here. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. In this episode of Light [music] and In this episode of Light [music] and In this episode of Light [music] and Truth, John Piper turns to Romans Truth, John Piper turns to Romans Truth, John Piper turns to Romans 3:20-4:5 to show why the cross was essential for to show why the cross was essential for God to be just [music] God to be just [music] God to be just [music] while justifying sinners.

while justifying sinners. while justifying sinners. This message was originally [music] This message was originally [music] This message was originally [music] delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on September 7th, 1980. >> There is a truth >> There is a truth at the center of our gospel at the center of our gospel at the center of our gospel which offends the offends the judicial judicial judicial sensibility sensibility sensibility of perceptive people. The Old Testament wise man in Proverbs The Old Testament wise man in Proverbs chapter 17:15 expressed that judicial chapter 17:15 expressed that judicial chapter 17:15 expressed that judicial sense like this. He said, sense like this. He said, sense like this. He said, "He who justifies the wicked "He who justifies the wicked "He who justifies the wicked and he who and he who and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an condemns the righteous are both alike an condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord. abomination to the Lord. abomination to the Lord. We unseat judges with indignation We unseat judges with indignation We unseat judges with indignation who acquit the guilty. who acquit the guilty. who acquit the guilty. We are outraged We are outraged We are outraged when wrong and guilt are given legal when wrong and guilt are given legal when wrong and guilt are given legal sanction in the courts.

sanction in the courts. sanction in the courts. And yet And yet And yet at the center of our gospel stands the at the center of our gospel stands the at the center of our gospel stands the sentence God justifies the ungodly. sentence God justifies the ungodly. sentence God justifies the ungodly. God acquits the guilty who have faith in God acquits the guilty who have faith in God acquits the guilty who have faith in Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. That is the gospel. That is the gospel. That is the gospel. But how in the world can it be right But how in the world can it be right But how in the world can it be right when we don't allow it when we don't allow it when we don't allow it in our own courts? in our own courts? in our own courts? Someone might say Someone might say Someone might say "Well, don't concern yourself with the "Well, don't concern yourself with the "Well, don't concern yourself with the whys and wherefores and the hows of whys and wherefores and the hows of whys and wherefores and the hows of God's activity. God's activity. God's activity. Trust God. If God says he does a thing Trust God. If God says he does a thing Trust God. If God says he does a thing and God is righteous, then trust him and God is righteous, then trust him and God is righteous, then trust him that it's righteous that it's righteous that it's righteous for him to do that thing. Don't doubt for him to do that thing. Don't doubt for him to do that thing. Don't doubt your maker." your maker." your maker." Now, I admire very much that kind of Now, I admire very much that kind of Now, I admire very much that kind of confidence confidence confidence in the righteousness of God. in the righteousness of God. in the righteousness of God. Indeed, God's mind is infinitely higher, Indeed, God's mind is infinitely higher, Indeed, God's mind is infinitely higher, deeper, broader, wiser than my little deeper, broader, wiser than my little deeper, broader, wiser than my little mind. And therefore, what looks wrong to mind. And therefore, what looks wrong to mind. And therefore, what looks wrong to me me me might not be wrong might not be wrong might not be wrong given all that God knows given all that God knows given all that God knows and all that God is.

and all that God is. and all that God is. But the desire to know how it is that But the desire to know how it is that But the desire to know how it is that God can be right by acquitting the God can be right by acquitting the God can be right by acquitting the guilty need not necessarily come from guilty need not necessarily come from guilty need not necessarily come from doubt that he is righteous. There are at doubt that he is righteous. There are at doubt that he is righteous. There are at least two other motivations that I can least two other motivations that I can least two other motivations that I can think of that prompt me at least to ask think of that prompt me at least to ask think of that prompt me at least to ask that question. that question. that question. One of those motivations is this. One of those motivations is this. One of those motivations is this. The hunger, The hunger, The hunger, which I think every one of us should which I think every one of us should which I think every one of us should have, have, have, to know and to worship to know and to worship to know and to worship God's wisdom just as deeply as we can, God's wisdom just as deeply as we can, God's wisdom just as deeply as we can, so that we can say with Paul, like he so that we can say with Paul, like he so that we can say with Paul, like he did at the end of Romans 11, "Oh, the did at the end of Romans 11, "Oh, the did at the end of Romans 11, "Oh, the depth depth depth of the wisdom and the riches of the wisdom and the riches of the wisdom and the riches of God." How can we ever say that unless of God." How can we ever say that unless of God." How can we ever say that unless we probe as deeply as we can into those we probe as deeply as we can into those we probe as deeply as we can into those depths and those riches and find them depths and those riches and find them depths and those riches and find them indeed indeed indeed bottomless. bottomless. bottomless. When you When you When you are amazed are amazed are amazed at a physiologist's at a physiologist's at a physiologist's understanding of the mysteries of the understanding of the mysteries of the understanding of the mysteries of the human body and you say to him, "But how human body and you say to him, "But how human body and you say to him, "But how can this be? And and how does this can this be? And and how does this can this be? And and how does this work?" It's not because you doubt his work?" It's not because you doubt his work?" It's not because you doubt his wisdom, it's because you delight so much wisdom, it's because you delight so much wisdom, it's because you delight so much in seeing into the amazing intricacies in seeing into the amazing intricacies in seeing into the amazing intricacies of the human body, isn't it? We love to of the human body, isn't it? We love to of the human body, isn't it? We love to understand more about complex and understand more about complex and understand more about complex and wonderful things. And I consider it a wonderful things. And I consider it a wonderful things. And I consider it a chief mark of a lover of God that he or chief mark of a lover of God that he or chief mark of a lover of God that he or she wants to know more she wants to know more she wants to know more about the wisdom of God and the way God

about the wisdom of God and the way God about the wisdom of God and the way God works and how it is that God does what works and how it is that God does what works and how it is that God does what he does. he does. he does. Then we can admire him, worship him, and Then we can admire him, worship him, and Then we can admire him, worship him, and enjoy him ever more intensely. enjoy him ever more intensely. enjoy him ever more intensely. That's one reason. That's one reason. That's one reason. There's another motive for why we should There's another motive for why we should There's another motive for why we should inquire into how it is that God can be inquire into how it is that God can be inquire into how it is that God can be just just just and yet justify the ungodly. and yet justify the ungodly. and yet justify the ungodly. I think we ought to try to remove as I think we ought to try to remove as I think we ought to try to remove as many unnecessary stumbling blocks as many unnecessary stumbling blocks as many unnecessary stumbling blocks as possible possible possible from a reasonable approval of what God from a reasonable approval of what God from a reasonable approval of what God does. does. does. If people stumble over something about If people stumble over something about If people stumble over something about God because they fail to understand it God because they fail to understand it God because they fail to understand it and therefore they don't approve of what and therefore they don't approve of what and therefore they don't approve of what they see in scripture. Well, then we they see in scripture. Well, then we they see in scripture. Well, then we ought to help them get over those ought to help them get over those ought to help them get over those hindrances to a reasonable approval. hindrances to a reasonable approval. hindrances to a reasonable approval. Now, there would be some who would cry Now, there would be some who would cry Now, there would be some who would cry out "Well, wait a minute. Don't bring out "Well, wait a minute. Don't bring out "Well, wait a minute. Don't bring God down to our level and make him God down to our level and make him God down to our level and make him palatable to the human mind." And I want palatable to the human mind." And I want palatable to the human mind." And I want to agree with that in one sense. It to agree with that in one sense. It to agree with that in one sense. It would be wrong to try to exonerate the would be wrong to try to exonerate the would be wrong to try to exonerate the ways of God if to do that we twisted his ways of God if to do that we twisted his ways of God if to do that we twisted his revelation to make it palatable to revelation to make it palatable to revelation to make it palatable to worldly minds. That's not what I want.

worldly minds. That's not what I want. worldly minds. That's not what I want. What I want is all unnecessary stumbling What I want is all unnecessary stumbling What I want is all unnecessary stumbling blocks to be removed. That surely is not blocks to be removed. That surely is not blocks to be removed. That surely is not wrong. wrong. wrong. If God has revealed the whys and the If God has revealed the whys and the If God has revealed the whys and the wherefores of his action in the wherefores of his action in the wherefores of his action in the scriptures, then scriptures, then scriptures, then it's incumbent upon us to inquire into it's incumbent upon us to inquire into it's incumbent upon us to inquire into those whys and wherefores and hows so those whys and wherefores and hows so those whys and wherefores and hows so that we can reasonably approve of what that we can reasonably approve of what that we can reasonably approve of what he is doing in the world. Well, now I he is doing in the world. Well, now I he is doing in the world. Well, now I think in Romans chapter 3 verses 21 to think in Romans chapter 3 verses 21 to think in Romans chapter 3 verses 21 to chapter 4 verse 5, God has given chapter 4 verse 5, God has given chapter 4 verse 5, God has given some of those whys and wherefores. He some of those whys and wherefores. He some of those whys and wherefores. He has revealed an answer to our question, has revealed an answer to our question, has revealed an answer to our question, how can he be righteous and yet do what how can he be righteous and yet do what how can he be righteous and yet do what we allow no judges to do, namely acquit we allow no judges to do, namely acquit we allow no judges to do, namely acquit the guilty. Let's follow his thinking starting at Let's follow his thinking starting at verse 21. Up until verse 21 here in verse 21. Up until verse 21 here in verse 21. Up until verse 21 here in chapter 3, Paul has chapter 3, Paul has chapter 3, Paul has had it upon his heart to prove that had it upon his heart to prove that had it upon his heart to prove that all men are under sin and therefore all men are under sin and therefore all men are under sin and therefore accountable before God, which has been accountable before God, which has been accountable before God, which has been the point of my last two Sunday messages the point of my last two Sunday messages the point of my last two Sunday messages which have brought us now to the point which have brought us now to the point which have brought us now to the point of verses 21 following where Paul of verses 21 following where Paul of verses 21 following where Paul undertakes to deal with a remedy for undertakes to deal with a remedy for undertakes to deal with a remedy for this universal disease of sin and its this universal disease of sin and its this universal disease of sin and its consequent consequent consequent judgement.

judgement. judgement. He says, He says, He says, "But now the righteousness of God has "But now the righteousness of God has "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, been manifested apart from the law, been manifested apart from the law, although the law and the prophets bear although the law and the prophets bear although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God witness to it, the righteousness of God witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all through faith in Jesus Christ for all through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. That is the best news in who believe. That is the best news in who believe. That is the best news in all the world for people like me who all the world for people like me who all the world for people like me who know know know who are intensely aware of their own who are intensely aware of their own who are intensely aware of their own guilt before God and know that no matter guilt before God and know that no matter guilt before God and know that no matter how much righteousness we try to amass how much righteousness we try to amass how much righteousness we try to amass on our own, on our own, on our own, it will not earn it will not earn it will not earn the favor of God. This is good news and the favor of God. This is good news and the favor of God. This is good news and the good news is that God has made the good news is that God has made the good news is that God has made available available available for people who trust Jesus a for people who trust Jesus a for people who trust Jesus a righteousness that does stand up in the righteousness that does stand up in the righteousness that does stand up in the court of God. We cannot work for this court of God. We cannot work for this court of God. We cannot work for this gift in such a way as to earn it or gift in such a way as to earn it or gift in such a way as to earn it or merit it or deserve it, as we saw last merit it or deserve it, as we saw last merit it or deserve it, as we saw last week. But it is there for everyone who week. But it is there for everyone who week. But it is there for everyone who has faith in Christ, who hopes in Jesus.

has faith in Christ, who hopes in Jesus. has faith in Christ, who hopes in Jesus. This is confirmed over in the next This is confirmed over in the next This is confirmed over in the next chapter, verses 4 and 5 of chapter 4. chapter, verses 4 and 5 of chapter 4. chapter, verses 4 and 5 of chapter 4. Two tremendously important verses for Two tremendously important verses for Two tremendously important verses for understanding understanding understanding how we come to enjoy the benefits of how we come to enjoy the benefits of how we come to enjoy the benefits of Christ. Christ. Christ. To the one who works, To the one who works, To the one who works, his wages his wages his wages are not reckoned as a gift, but as his are not reckoned as a gift, but as his are not reckoned as a gift, but as his due. due. due. So if you want to work for God, go So if you want to work for God, go So if you want to work for God, go ahead. But all you're going to get is ahead. But all you're going to get is ahead. But all you're going to get is due, not gift. due, not gift. due, not gift. I hope you don't do that. I hope you don't do that. I hope you don't do that. To the one who does not work, that is To the one who does not work, that is To the one who does not work, that is does not try to earn or merit or deserve does not try to earn or merit or deserve does not try to earn or merit or deserve God's gift, but instead trusts him who God's gift, but instead trusts him who God's gift, but instead trusts him who justifies the ungodly, justifies the ungodly, justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness. his faith is reckoned for righteousness. his faith is reckoned for righteousness. The good news is that there is free The good news is that there is free The good news is that there is free acquittal for all our sins if we would acquittal for all our sins if we would acquittal for all our sins if we would just stop trying to impress God and just stop trying to impress God and just stop trying to impress God and impress each other and rest in the work impress each other and rest in the work impress each other and rest in the work of Jesus. There is no drug and no salve of Jesus. There is no drug and no salve of Jesus. There is no drug and no salve for the human conscience that works and for the human conscience that works and for the human conscience that works and frees and gives peace like this truth.

frees and gives peace like this truth. frees and gives peace like this truth. And all how I hope everybody in this And all how I hope everybody in this And all how I hope everybody in this room takes it away with them today. Goes room takes it away with them today. Goes room takes it away with them today. Goes away clean with Christ instead of away clean with Christ instead of away clean with Christ instead of unclean with our own works. unclean with our own works. unclean with our own works. But now, that's the good news. But now, that's the good news. But now, that's the good news. The good news is simple. The good news is simple. The good news is simple. I struggled with whether I should say I struggled with whether I should say I struggled with whether I should say this or not, but I I feel like I've got this or not, but I I feel like I've got this or not, but I I feel like I've got to tuck it in. to tuck it in. to tuck it in. I remember teaching a class over in I remember teaching a class over in I remember teaching a class over in Germany Germany Germany and afterwards a couple came up to me and afterwards a couple came up to me and afterwards a couple came up to me and they said, "That was so complex. and they said, "That was so complex. and they said, "That was so complex. Isn't Isn't the gospel simple? Isn't it Isn't Isn't the gospel simple? Isn't it Isn't Isn't the gospel simple? Isn't it easy enough for a child to understand?" And I said, I don't remember what I And I said, I don't remember what I said, but here's what I would say today. The gospel is simple. The gospel is simple. Easy enough for a 6-year-old to Easy enough for a 6-year-old to Easy enough for a 6-year-old to understand. understand. understand. I was saved when I was 6. I was saved when I was 6. I was saved when I was 6. The foundation of the gospel is not The foundation of the gospel is not The foundation of the gospel is not simple.

simple. simple. It is hard to understand. It is complex. It is hard to understand. It is complex. It is hard to understand. It is complex. And Peter said so. And Peter said so. And Peter said so. Peter said some of the things Paul wrote Peter said some of the things Paul wrote Peter said some of the things Paul wrote are hard to understand and the unstable are hard to understand and the unstable are hard to understand and the unstable and the wicked twist them to their own and the wicked twist them to their own and the wicked twist them to their own destruction. And I have some hard things destruction. And I have some hard things destruction. And I have some hard things to say to say to say for the next 10 minutes or so and I want for the next 10 minutes or so and I want for the next 10 minutes or so and I want you to put on your thinking caps because you to put on your thinking caps because you to put on your thinking caps because Romans 3:22-26 are hard to understand. are hard to understand. But I'm going to try to help. But I'm going to try to help. But I'm going to try to help. So, please follow me. There is a problem So, please follow me. There is a problem So, please follow me. There is a problem that the gospel creates for the Apostle that the gospel creates for the Apostle that the gospel creates for the Apostle Paul. Paul. Paul. The problem is given for us as we look The problem is given for us as we look The problem is given for us as we look through verses 24 through verses 24 through verses 24 and 26. Verse 24 says, "They are and 26. Verse 24 says, "They are and 26. Verse 24 says, "They are justified by His grace as a gift." But justified by His grace as a gift." But justified by His grace as a gift." But now it doesn't stop there. now it doesn't stop there. now it doesn't stop there. He goes deeper and He gives the basis or He goes deeper and He gives the basis or He goes deeper and He gives the basis or the foundation of that justification. the foundation of that justification. the foundation of that justification. The acquittal of the guilty takes place The acquittal of the guilty takes place The acquittal of the guilty takes place upon a basis of a divine transaction upon a basis of a divine transaction upon a basis of a divine transaction that happens in the experience of Jesus that happens in the experience of Jesus that happens in the experience of Jesus and it's called redemption here in verse and it's called redemption here in verse and it's called redemption here in verse 24. Through the redemption which is in 24. Through the redemption which is in 24. Through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus or in other words a Christ Jesus or in other words a Christ Jesus or in other words a purchase or a ransom. Something happened purchase or a ransom. Something happened purchase or a ransom. Something happened in the death of Jesus that is so in the death of Jesus that is so in the death of Jesus that is so stupendous stupendous stupendous that millions and millions of sinners that millions and millions of sinners that millions and millions of sinners are now being acquitted of all their are now being acquitted of all their are now being acquitted of all their guilt on the basis of what that was.

guilt on the basis of what that was. guilt on the basis of what that was. What is it that happened in verses What is it that happened in verses What is it that happened in verses 24 following? He gives us the answer in 24 following? He gives us the answer in 24 following? He gives us the answer in 25 and 26. 25 and 26. 25 and 26. God put Christ forward as an expiation God put Christ forward as an expiation God put Christ forward as an expiation or propitiation or propitiation or propitiation by His blood, that is by His death by His blood, that is by His death by His blood, that is by His death to be received by faith. to be received by faith. to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness This was to show God's righteousness This was to show God's righteousness because in His divine forbearance because in His divine forbearance because in His divine forbearance He had passed over He had passed over He had passed over former sins. former sins. former sins. Now, here we get a glimpse into what the Now, here we get a glimpse into what the Now, here we get a glimpse into what the problem was that Paul had with problem was that Paul had with problem was that Paul had with justification by faith. justification by faith. justification by faith. God's righteousness is called into God's righteousness is called into God's righteousness is called into question by the passing over of former question by the passing over of former question by the passing over of former sins. That's why He has to demonstrate sins. That's why He has to demonstrate sins. That's why He has to demonstrate His righteousness because He has passed His righteousness because He has passed His righteousness because He has passed over former sins. over former sins. over former sins. What that means I think is is What that means I think is is What that means I think is is In the present time he is justifying In the present time he is justifying In the present time he is justifying ungodly people, acquitting the guilty, ungodly people, acquitting the guilty, ungodly people, acquitting the guilty, passing over their sin, not counting it passing over their sin, not counting it passing over their sin, not counting it against them. He did the same thing in against them. He did the same thing in against them. He did the same thing in the past. All we do is go over here to the past. All we do is go over here to the past. All we do is go over here to chapter 4, verse 6, and read, chapter 4, verse 6, and read, chapter 4, verse 6, and read, "So also David, 1,000 years earlier, "So also David, 1,000 years earlier, "So also David, 1,000 years earlier, pronounces a blessing on the man whom pronounces a blessing on the man whom pronounces a blessing on the man whom God reckons righteous apart from works."

God reckons righteous apart from works." God reckons righteous apart from works." And then he quotes Psalm 32, "Blessed And then he quotes Psalm 32, "Blessed And then he quotes Psalm 32, "Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven are those whose iniquities are forgiven are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is and whose sins are covered. Blessed is and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not the man against whom the Lord will not the man against whom the Lord will not reckon his sin." God did not reckon to reckon his sin." God did not reckon to reckon his sin." God did not reckon to David the sin of adultery or the sin of David the sin of adultery or the sin of David the sin of adultery or the sin of murder. He justified him by faith. murder. He justified him by faith. murder. He justified him by faith. He passed over his sins. Now, Now, that creates a problem. that creates a problem. that creates a problem. Because he says there in verse 25, Because he says there in verse 25, Because he says there in verse 25, "Because he did this, "Because he did this, "Because he did this, God has now had to demonstrate his God has now had to demonstrate his God has now had to demonstrate his righteousness by putting Christ forward righteousness by putting Christ forward righteousness by putting Christ forward as an expiation." as an expiation." as an expiation." But I want to ask why. But I want to ask why. But I want to ask why. Why is it that passing over sins calls Why is it that passing over sins calls Why is it that passing over sins calls God's righteousness into question? There God's righteousness into question? There God's righteousness into question? There are some who understand the are some who understand the are some who understand the righteousness of God in such a way that righteousness of God in such a way that righteousness of God in such a way that that's an expression of it, not a that's an expression of it, not a that's an expression of it, not a problem. problem. problem. The reason, I think, is not this. Some The reason, I think, is not this. Some The reason, I think, is not this. Some might say, "In our court system, you might say, "In our court system, you might say, "In our court system, you pass over and acquit the guilty, pass over and acquit the guilty, pass over and acquit the guilty, you turn rapists back onto the street."

I don't think that's the reason that I don't think that's the reason that God's righteousness is called into God's righteousness is called into God's righteousness is called into question. question. question. Because from last Sunday's message, we Because from last Sunday's message, we Because from last Sunday's message, we should know that saving faith always should know that saving faith always should know that saving faith always transforms the life. Nobody gets transforms the life. Nobody gets transforms the life. Nobody gets justified and goes out and is the same justified and goes out and is the same justified and goes out and is the same person all over again. person all over again. person all over again. So that argument that it would be So that argument that it would be So that argument that it would be unrighteous of God to acquit the guilty unrighteous of God to acquit the guilty unrighteous of God to acquit the guilty because guilty then go right back into because guilty then go right back into because guilty then go right back into their sin, their sin, their sin, isn't true. isn't true. isn't true. Whom God justifies, he sanctifies. Whom God justifies, he sanctifies. Whom God justifies, he sanctifies. That's true. That's true. That's true. Well, what is then the reason? I think Well, what is then the reason? I think Well, what is then the reason? I think it's basically this. Now, here's where it's basically this. Now, here's where it's basically this. Now, here's where it gets a little bit tough. See if you it gets a little bit tough. See if you it gets a little bit tough. See if you can follow. can follow. can follow. The real reason The real reason The real reason why the righteousness of God is called why the righteousness of God is called why the righteousness of God is called into question when he passes over the into question when he passes over the into question when he passes over the sin of Abraham, the sin of David, the sin of Abraham, the sin of David, the sin of Abraham, the sin of David, the sin of Elijah, and all the saints of the sin of Elijah, and all the saints of the sin of Elijah, and all the saints of the Old Testament, and why and when he Old Testament, and why and when he Old Testament, and why and when he passes over our sins, the reason that passes over our sins, the reason that passes over our sins, the reason that makes God appear unrighteous is that it makes God appear unrighteous is that it makes God appear unrighteous is that it looks as if looks as if looks as if God is agreeing God is agreeing God is agreeing that his glory, that his glory, that his glory, which sin which sin which sin rubs in the dirt, is in fact not rubs in the dirt, is in fact not rubs in the dirt, is in fact not valuable.

valuable. valuable. I'll try to say it another way. I'll try to say it another way. I'll try to say it another way. It makes God look as if he's not being It makes God look as if he's not being It makes God look as if he's not being true to himself. As if he's not true to himself. As if he's not true to himself. As if he's not upholding the value of his own honor and upholding the value of his own honor and upholding the value of his own honor and glory. It makes God look as if he's glory. It makes God look as if he's glory. It makes God look as if he's given up on his righteous purpose to given up on his righteous purpose to given up on his righteous purpose to display his glory in the world and display his glory in the world and display his glory in the world and preserve his honor. But if God denies preserve his honor. But if God denies preserve his honor. But if God denies his own infinite value, he not only his own infinite value, he not only his own infinite value, he not only denies himself, denies himself, denies himself, he also he also he also diminishes the value of the glory in diminishes the value of the glory in diminishes the value of the glory in which we have hoped, and therefore is which we have hoped, and therefore is which we have hoped, and therefore is very unloving towards us. very unloving towards us. very unloving towards us. If you're a martyr and you give your If you're a martyr and you give your If you're a martyr and you give your life in hope of the glory of God, and life in hope of the glory of God, and life in hope of the glory of God, and God turns around and acts in a way as if God turns around and acts in a way as if God turns around and acts in a way as if that glory were of no value at all, that glory were of no value at all, that glory were of no value at all, you feel like you've given your life in you feel like you've given your life in you feel like you've given your life in vain, and you would have given it in vain, and you would have given it in vain, and you would have given it in vain. vain. vain. Therefore, God's righteousness and his Therefore, God's righteousness and his Therefore, God's righteousness and his love stand and fall together. love stand and fall together. love stand and fall together. The reason that I think The reason that I think The reason that I think it's this horrible prospect that calls it's this horrible prospect that calls it's this horrible prospect that calls God's righteousness into question comes God's righteousness into question comes God's righteousness into question comes from verses 23 of chapter 3 and verse 21 from verses 23 of chapter 3 and verse 21 from verses 23 of chapter 3 and verse 21 of chapter 1. The essence of sin of chapter 1. The essence of sin of chapter 1. The essence of sin seems to be in these two verses seems to be in these two verses seems to be in these two verses that men fall short of God's glory or that men fall short of God's glory or that men fall short of God's glory or exchange God's glory for a lesser glory.

exchange God's glory for a lesser glory. exchange God's glory for a lesser glory. We know verse 23 very well. All have We know verse 23 very well. All have We know verse 23 very well. All have sinned and fall short of or lack the sinned and fall short of or lack the sinned and fall short of or lack the glory of God. There is some very close glory of God. There is some very close glory of God. There is some very close connection between the meaning of sin connection between the meaning of sin connection between the meaning of sin and the belittling of God's glory. and the belittling of God's glory. and the belittling of God's glory. Then look at Romans 1 verses 21 to 23. Then look at Romans 1 verses 21 to 23. Then look at Romans 1 verses 21 to 23. And I think here we get an explanation And I think here we get an explanation And I think here we get an explanation of that correlation between sin and the of that correlation between sin and the of that correlation between sin and the diminishing of God's glory. diminishing of God's glory. diminishing of God's glory. Verse 21 says, "Although men knew God, Verse 21 says, "Although men knew God, Verse 21 says, "Although men knew God, they did not glorify him as God they did not glorify him as God they did not glorify him as God or thank him." Drop down a little bit in or thank him." Drop down a little bit in or thank him." Drop down a little bit in verse 22. verse 22. verse 22. "Claiming to be wise, they became fools "Claiming to be wise, they became fools "Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal and exchanged the glory of the immortal and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, God for images resembling mortal man, God for images resembling mortal man, birds, animals, or reptiles." birds, animals, or reptiles." birds, animals, or reptiles." Natural man, man apart from the Natural man, man apart from the Natural man, man apart from the sanctifying influences of the Holy sanctifying influences of the Holy sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit, always delights more in the Spirit, always delights more in the Spirit, always delights more in the glory of created things than he does in glory of created things than he does in glory of created things than he does in the glory of God. That is, he exchanges the glory of God. That is, he exchanges the glory of God. That is, he exchanges the glory of God. He makes a trade.

the glory of God. He makes a trade. the glory of God. He makes a trade. I'll give up the glory of God if I can I'll give up the glory of God if I can I'll give up the glory of God if I can just have a frog, a totem pole, a car, a just have a frog, a totem pole, a car, a just have a frog, a totem pole, a car, a motorcycle, an education, a wife, motorcycle, an education, a wife, motorcycle, an education, a wife, etc., etc. And thereby, he exchanges the etc., etc. And thereby, he exchanges the etc., etc. And thereby, he exchanges the glory of God and falls short of it or glory of God and falls short of it or glory of God and falls short of it or lacks it. lacks it. lacks it. And that's what all sin is. And that's what all sin is. And that's what all sin is. And now it should become clearer And now it should become clearer And now it should become clearer that when God passes over such sin that that when God passes over such sin that that when God passes over such sin that is simply a dragging in the dirt of is simply a dragging in the dirt of is simply a dragging in the dirt of God's glory, what does it look like? It God's glory, what does it look like? It God's glory, what does it look like? It looks like he doesn't care anymore for looks like he doesn't care anymore for looks like he doesn't care anymore for his glory, as if it has no value to him, his glory, as if it has no value to him, his glory, as if it has no value to him, but that would be wrong. It is valuable. but that would be wrong. It is valuable. but that would be wrong. It is valuable. It's infinitely valuable, and it would It's infinitely valuable, and it would It's infinitely valuable, and it would be infinitely wrong for God to act as if be infinitely wrong for God to act as if be infinitely wrong for God to act as if his glory were of no value at all. He his glory were of no value at all. He his glory were of no value at all. He would be unrighteous to act this way, would be unrighteous to act this way, would be unrighteous to act this way, and that's the heart of Paul's problem and that's the heart of Paul's problem and that's the heart of Paul's problem with justification by faith. It makes with justification by faith. It makes with justification by faith. It makes God look as if he no longer values his God look as if he no longer values his God look as if he no longer values his glory because he's going about glory because he's going about glory because he's going about acquitting people whose sins have drug acquitting people whose sins have drug acquitting people whose sins have drug it in the dirt.

it in the dirt. it in the dirt. Now, his solution to this problem Now, his solution to this problem Now, his solution to this problem in one word, or in a phrase, is the in one word, or in a phrase, is the in one word, or in a phrase, is the death of Christ. death of Christ. death of Christ. Verse 25, God put Christ forward Verse 25, God put Christ forward Verse 25, God put Christ forward as an expiation by his blood, that is, as an expiation by his blood, that is, as an expiation by his blood, that is, by his death. by his death. by his death. How could God maintain the value of his How could God maintain the value of his How could God maintain the value of his glory glory glory and thus be righteous and thus be righteous and thus be righteous and yet justify ungodly people who have and yet justify ungodly people who have and yet justify ungodly people who have belittled and depreciated that glory? belittled and depreciated that glory? belittled and depreciated that glory? The answer he gives in verses 25 and 26 The answer he gives in verses 25 and 26 The answer he gives in verses 25 and 26 is by sending Christ to die is by sending Christ to die is by sending Christ to die and thus demonstrate and thus demonstrate and thus demonstrate God's righteousness. God's righteousness. God's righteousness. But how? How is it that the dying of the But how? How is it that the dying of the But how? How is it that the dying of the Son of God Son of God Son of God demonstrates and upholds the demonstrates and upholds the demonstrates and upholds the righteousness of God when he is righteousness of God when he is righteousness of God when he is acquitting acquitting acquitting ungodly people? ungodly people? ungodly people? Now, Paul doesn't spell this out in Now, Paul doesn't spell this out in Now, Paul doesn't spell this out in great detail, great detail, great detail, but he gives us enough, and we have but he gives us enough, and we have but he gives us enough, and we have enough from other scriptures that we can enough from other scriptures that we can enough from other scriptures that we can piece it together. And here's the way I piece it together. And here's the way I piece it together. And here's the way I think it works.

think it works. think it works. We know from other scriptures that We know from other scriptures that We know from other scriptures that everything Jesus did in living everything Jesus did in living everything Jesus did in living and in dying and in dying and in dying he did for the glory of his father. he did for the glory of his father. he did for the glory of his father. For example, in John 12, For example, in John 12, For example, in John 12, Jesus says as he approaches the hour of Jesus says as he approaches the hour of Jesus says as he approaches the hour of his death, his death, his death, "Now is my soul troubled. "Now is my soul troubled. "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? And what shall I say? And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? No. Father, save me from this hour? No. Father, save me from this hour? No. For this I have come to this hour. For this I have come to this hour. For this I have come to this hour. Father, glorify Father, glorify Father, glorify thy name." thy name." thy name." That's why he went through with the That's why he went through with the That's why he went through with the cross. cross. cross. Or Or Or after Judas had walked out on the last after Judas had walked out on the last after Judas had walked out on the last supper, supper, supper, Jesus' death was imminent and he said, Jesus' death was imminent and he said, Jesus' death was imminent and he said, "Now "Now "Now in the most bleak hour, now is the Son in the most bleak hour, now is the Son in the most bleak hour, now is the Son of Man glorified and in him God is of Man glorified and in him God is of Man glorified and in him God is glorified." glorified." glorified." And then finally, in that great prayer And then finally, in that great prayer And then finally, in that great prayer in John 17, in John 17, in John 17, Jesus prays like this when his death is Jesus prays like this when his death is Jesus prays like this when his death is virtually complete as far as he's virtually complete as far as he's virtually complete as far as he's concerned, concerned, concerned, "Father, "Father, "Father, I have glorified you I have glorified you I have glorified you upon the earth having accomplished the upon the earth having accomplished the upon the earth having accomplished the work that you gave me to do."

work that you gave me to do." work that you gave me to do." Now, what we see from these texts in the Now, what we see from these texts in the Now, what we see from these texts in the Gospel of John is that everything Jesus Gospel of John is that everything Jesus Gospel of John is that everything Jesus suffered, he suffered for the glory of suffered, he suffered for the glory of suffered, he suffered for the glory of the Father, right? the Father, right? the Father, right? Therefore, Therefore, Therefore, all the pain and all the shame and all all the pain and all the shame and all all the pain and all the shame and all the humiliation and all the dishonor the humiliation and all the dishonor the humiliation and all the dishonor served to magnify the glory of God served to magnify the glory of God served to magnify the glory of God because it showed what a tremendous loss because it showed what a tremendous loss because it showed what a tremendous loss Jesus was willing to undergo in order to Jesus was willing to undergo in order to Jesus was willing to undergo in order to restore that glory. restore that glory. restore that glory. And therefore, we can see that in the And therefore, we can see that in the And therefore, we can see that in the dying of Jesus, God had not given up on dying of Jesus, God had not given up on dying of Jesus, God had not given up on the preserving and the display of his the preserving and the display of his the preserving and the display of his own glory because the death of Jesus own glory because the death of Jesus own glory because the death of Jesus upholds it and demonstrates it above all upholds it and demonstrates it above all upholds it and demonstrates it above all things. Therefore, God has not denied things. Therefore, God has not denied things. Therefore, God has not denied the value of his own glory. He He has the value of his own glory. He He has the value of his own glory. He He has not been untrue to himself. He has not not been untrue to himself. He has not not been untrue to himself. He has not ceased to uphold the value of his glory ceased to uphold the value of his glory ceased to uphold the value of his glory and the display of his honor. Therefore, and the display of his honor. Therefore, and the display of his honor. Therefore, he is righteous. The awful death of the he is righteous. The awful death of the he is righteous. The awful death of the Son of God is the means whereby God can Son of God is the means whereby God can Son of God is the means whereby God can be both be both be both just in himself just in himself just in himself and justifier and justifier and justifier of the ungodly.

of the ungodly. of the ungodly. That is a glorious thought. That is a glorious thought. That is a glorious thought. The foundation of our justification is The foundation of our justification is The foundation of our justification is not a flimsy sentimentality. It is the not a flimsy sentimentality. It is the not a flimsy sentimentality. It is the rock of the unassailable righteousness rock of the unassailable righteousness rock of the unassailable righteousness of God demonstrated in the death of of God demonstrated in the death of of God demonstrated in the death of Jesus and certified to us in the Jesus and certified to us in the Jesus and certified to us in the resurrection of our Lord. And I pray resurrection of our Lord. And I pray resurrection of our Lord. And I pray that this word might that this word might that this word might deepen the roots of your faith deepen the roots of your faith deepen the roots of your faith so that you can live in faith more so that you can live in faith more so that you can live in faith more consistently consistently consistently for our Lord Jesus. for our Lord Jesus. for our Lord Jesus. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are committed [music] to providing committed [music] to providing committed [music] to providing God-centered preaching to help you see God-centered preaching to help you see God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. Christ clearly and treasure him truly. Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper continues our six-part series, [music] continues our six-part series, [music] continues our six-part series, [music] The Cross, The Spirit, and The Final The Cross, The Spirit, and The Final The Cross, The Spirit, and The Final Day, with a message titled Justified by Day, with a message titled Justified by Day, with a message titled Justified by Faith, Sanctified by the Spirit. I hope Faith, Sanctified by the Spirit. I hope Faith, Sanctified by the Spirit. I hope you'll join us.

you'll join us. you'll join us. For more resources, [music] visit For more resources, [music] visit For more resources, [music] visit desiringGod.org.