Does Romans 3:22 make repentance, baptism, commandment-keeping, or church membership the basis for receiving God's righteousness?
No. Romans 3:22 grounds God's righteousness in the faith of Jesus Christ, not in repentance, baptism, commandment-keeping, or church membership. The text says it is “by faith” and comes “upon all them that believe,” excluding those human works and religious affiliation as the basis.
Les explains that Romans 3:22 presents the righteousness of God as “by faith,” not “faith plus” or “faith and.” He contrasts the false additions: it does not say “upon all that repent and are baptized,” nor “upon all them who keep the commandments,” nor “upon all them who join the church.” Instead, it says “upon all them that believe.” Les also warns against an easy believism; true belief means understanding one is a lost child of Adam and believing that Christ died, shed His blood, was buried, and rose again. Then God makes that person His child and places him into the body of Christ. He notes there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, and calls verse 23 the first step of faith in salvation.
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
What does Romans 3:22 say is required to receive the righteousness of God?
The righteousness of God comes through faith of Jesus Christ to everyone who believes, and nothing else is added to that faith.
How is the righteousness of God appropriated in Romans 3:22?
The righteousness of God is appropriated to all who believe, and the text says it is to them who believe 'plus nothing'—no other condition is added.