And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,
22. Even the righteousness of God, etc. The words which follow, διὰ πίστεως Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ “by or through the faith of Jesus Christ,” mean not the faith which is his, but the faith of which he is the object. They ought to be rendered “through faith in Jesus Christ.” The genitive case has often this meaning: “Εχετε πίστιν Θεοῦ — Have faith in (of) God,”...
Man in his corrupted state can never gain acceptance with God by any works of his own. If we had never sinned, obedience would have saved us; but having sinned, nothing we do can atone for our guilt. All justification is resolved into the free grace of God through Christ alone, received by faith.
AI summary
Commenting on Romans 3:19-31
To declare, I say, at this time, his righteousness,.... This end is further explained, it being to declare the righteousness of God "at this time", under the Gospel dispensation; in which there was such a display of the grace, mercy, and goodness of God: that he might be just; that is, appear to be so: God is naturally and essentially just in himself; and he...