Does the righteousness of God come by faith in Jesus Christ or by repentance and baptism?
Scripture teaches that the righteousness of God is by the faith of Jesus Christ, not by repentance and baptism. The text corrects the idea that it comes upon those who repent and are baptized, saying instead it is upon all them that believe. Believing is faith, and faith is trust.
Les explains that the righteousness of God is witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, but it is by the faith of Jesus Christ. The transcript explicitly rejects the wording that it comes upon all them that repent and are baptized, saying, "No, it doesn't say that," and instead says it is upon all them that believe. Believing is faith, and faith is trust. Les also connects this to Romans 3:23, that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, yet He is able to justify us freely because of what He accomplished on the cross. In Romans 4:5a, the point is that righteousness is for the one who works not but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly. Les illustrates the common mistake of thinking one must clean up their act before being saved, saying that puts the cart before the horse; you cannot clean up your own act, but must let God do it and then respond.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
More Questions
Does Romans 3:22 require repentance, baptism, or church membership for the righteousness of God?
Romans 3:22 does not say 'believe and repent, be baptized, join a church, or whatever else'—it only says 'them who believe,' so no one has the right to put additional requirements into the verse.
How is God's righteousness given to all who believe?
God's righteousness is by the faith or faithfulness of Jesus Christ and is unto all and upon all who believe.