Guilt can have a paralyzing effect and the natural reaction is to try to do something ‘good’ to make up for the wrong …. to ‘earn’ forgiveness. The gospel way is entirely different. God justifies people (He declares them not guilty) through faith in Christ, without them having to earn it. How can God do this and remain just?  We find the answer in the last part of the passage.

Paul tells us that through the cross Jesus has made possible the offer of peace with God to all mankind. If God did not punish wrong He would not be just. Amazingly, His way of providing forgiveness for wrong, through the sacrifice of Himself in the person of Jesus Christ, demonstrates His ‘right-ness’,  justice and love..