3:24-26 (A) What great foundational truth of the Christian faith is Paul expounding here?

This is the doctrine of justification by faith, which Paul first alluded to in Ac 13, and then in Ro 1 (CP Ac 13:38-39; Ro 1:16-17).

This teaches that the only way anyone can be justified in God's sight is by trusting in Jesus and the redemption He has purchased for them with His blood.

Jesus' atoning death makes it possible for everyone who believes on Him to be justified by faith. The word propitiation in V25 emphasizes the appeasement and averting of God's wrath and justice against sinners because Christ Himself was the price God required to pay for the removal of their sins.

God's justice was satisfied and His righteousness vindicated only by Christ's sacrificial death and the shedding of His blood (CP 4:25; 5:1-2, 6-11; 10:4-13 with Ac 10:43; 1Cor 1:30; 2Cor 5:21; Ga 3:19-29; Eph 1:6-7; 2:1-9).

We should note here that Christ's sacrificial death was sufficient for the sins of all mankind, but efficient only for those who believe on Him (CP Mt 11:28-30; Mk 16:15-16; Jn 3:16-18, 36; 7:37-38; Rev 22:17).

It should also be noted here that repentant sinners do not have to attain to a certain level of holiness before being justified or declared righteous in God's sight.

The work of the Holy Spirit in conforming them to the image of God begins after they are justified, not before (CP Ro 12:1-2; 2Cor 3:18; 4:14-16; Eph 4:20-23; Col 3:9-10; Tit 3:5-7).

See also comments on Ro 1:16-17 3:19-23 and Eph 2:8-10.

"Romans"