Why did God declare His righteousness at the present time?
God declared His righteousness at the present time so that He might be just and fair, and so that He could be the justifier of the one who believes. This declaration accompanies remission of sins through faith in Christ's shed blood, showing God's righteousness while justifying believers.
Les explains that it is through faith in His shed blood to declare His righteousness—the righteousness of Christ—for the remission of sins passed through the forbearance of God. Verse 26 says, "To declare, I say at this time, His righteousness, that He might be just, that He might be fair, and He can be the justifier" of the person who believeth. Nothing else but believing. Les notes it hasn't always been that way: from Abraham until Christ's first coming, that 2000-year period was Jew only with exceptions, and the Old Testament prophets wrote only to Israel. But now at this present time, God declares His righteousness to be just and the justifier of those who believe.
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
More Questions
What does Romans 3:26 mean when it says God is just and the justifier of those who believe?
In Romans 3:26, God can be just and fair while also being the justifier of the person who simply believes—nothing else is required.