Romans 4:25 – “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is one of the clearest and most powerful summaries of the gospel in the entire Bible. Paul states two essential truths about Jesus’ work:

1. “He was delivered over to death for our sins.” This means that Jesus died in our place. He did not die for His own sins—He was sinless. He was given up, betrayed, and crucified because of our sin. His death was a sacrifice to pay for the punishment that we deserved.
2. “He was raised to life for our justification.” Jesus’ resurrection proved that His sacrifice was accepted by God. It confirmed that His death had completely paid the price for sin. Because He rose from the dead, we can be declared righteous (justified) before God. If Jesus had stayed in the grave, there would be no hope. But because He is alive, we can be forgiven and made right with God.

This verse teaches that both the death and resurrection of Jesus are necessary for salvation. His death paid for sin, and His resurrection proves that we are truly forgiven and justified before God.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome, where both Jewish and Gentile believers needed a clear understanding of salvation.

In the Jewish mindset, sin required a sacrifice. For centuries, the Israelites had offered animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. But these sacrifices were only temporary and had to be repeated again and again (Hebrews 10:1-4).

Paul is explaining that Jesus was the final and perfect sacrifice. His death was the ultimate fulfillment of everything the Old Testament sacrifices pointed toward. Unlike animals, Jesus willingly gave Himself as the once-for-all payment for sin (Hebrews 10:10).

For the Gentile believers, who were not raised in Jewish traditions, this verse clearly explains that salvation comes through Jesus alone. His death and resurrection are the foundation of Christianity.

Paul is making sure that both Jews and Gentiles understand that Jesus’ death was not just a tragic event—it was God’s plan to save the world.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths about salvation:

• Jesus’ death was necessary to pay for our sins. Without His sacrifice, there would be no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).
• Jesus’ resurrection is proof that His sacrifice was accepted. If Jesus had not risen, we would still be guilty before God (1 Corinthians 15:17).
• Justification comes through Jesus alone. We cannot make ourselves right with God—only faith in His death and resurrection can do that (Romans 5:1).
• The cross and the empty tomb go together. Without Jesus’ death, there would be no payment for sin. Without His resurrection, there would be no victory over sin and death.

Paul is showing that the work of Jesus is complete—He died to take away sin, and He rose to declare us righteous.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured in two parallel statements that explain both aspects of Jesus’ work:

• “He was delivered over to death for our sins” – This highlights Jesus’ sacrificial death as the payment for sin.
• “And was raised to life for our justification” – This emphasizes the resurrection as proof of salvation.

Paul is carefully choosing his words to make a clear contrast between death and life, showing that both are essential parts of the gospel.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
• Matthew 20:28 – “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
• John 11:25 – “Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’”
• Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:17 – “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a clear and direct reminder of what Jesus has done for us. It teaches that our salvation is not based on anything we do, but on what Jesus has already done.

For today’s believer, this means:

• You don’t have to carry the weight of your sin. Jesus paid the price in full.
• Your faith is secure because Jesus rose from the dead. His resurrection proves that salvation is real.
• Justification is a gift, not something you earn. You don’t have to work for God’s approval—it is credited to you through faith.
• Your hope is in a living Savior. Jesus is not just a religious figure—He is alive and reigning today.

This verse should give confidence, peace, and joy to all who trust in Jesus. Your salvation is finished, and your righteousness is secure in Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse beautifully displays God’s deep love for us:

• God willingly gave His Son to die in our place. He didn’t have to—He chose to (John 3:16).
• God made a way for sinners to be forgiven. He didn’t leave us in our sin—He provided a solution through Jesus.
• God’s love is powerful enough to defeat death. The resurrection shows that His love is greater than sin and the grave.

This verse proves that God’s love is not just words—it was demonstrated in Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse is all about Jesus and His saving work:

• Jesus’ death paid the full price for sin. (1 Peter 2:24)
• Jesus’ resurrection secured our righteousness. (Romans 10:9)
• Through Jesus, we are completely forgiven and justified. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
• Jesus is the foundation of our faith. (1 Corinthians 15:20)

This verse sums up the entire message of the gospel—Jesus died for our sins and rose for our salvation.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why are both Jesus’ death and resurrection necessary for salvation?
2. How does this verse give you confidence in your faith?
3. What does it mean to be “justified” before God?
4. How does Jesus’ resurrection impact your daily life and hope for the future?
5. How can you share this truth with someone who doesn’t know Jesus?

Romans 4:25 is one of the clearest statements of the gospel in the Bible. It tells us that Jesus died for our sins and rose again so that we could be made right with God. This is the foundation of our faith, the source of our salvation, and the reason we have eternal hope. Everything we need for salvation is found in Jesus—and through faith in Him, we are fully forgiven, fully justified, and fully secure in God’s love.