What does Romans 3:24 say God has declared about sinners?

Romans 3:24 reveals that even though all have sinned and fall short, God has declared sinners can be justified—freely. This justification is His declaration, not something earned; it comes with no strings attached, resting on what God has done rather than human goodness or works.

Les explains that Romans 3:24 follows the first step of faith—realizing we are sinners, sons of Adam, having all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Even though God condemns us as already-sinners, He has also declared that we can be justified. The next word is 'freely,' meaning no strings attached. Les emphasizes that it isn't what we do that gets us to heaven; nothing can be done to get us there. Instead, we rest on the fact that we're sinners and have fallen short, and God declares us justified freely.

Romans 3:24

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

How can a sinner be justified freely by God according to Romans 3:24?

Because all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, no one can meet His standard. Yet Scripture says sinners can be justified freely by His grace through the redemption—the buying back—that is in Christ Jesus. As Israel rested on the Passover lamb's blood, so Gentiles in this Age of Grace rest on that redemption.