Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference. Romans 3:22
According to Wikipedia, there are some 33,000 protestant denominations in the world, covering a vast range of doctrines and beliefs and practices. The different variations in catholicizm are much fewer, although they represent far greater numbers of followers. An uninformed observer looking at such a broad array of ideas and doctrines and practices, all under the supposed umbrella of Christendom would assume that salvation through Christ is available through many different means. In truth, among the many thousands of different options available for a person wishing to be called a Christian, there are some, perhaps many, that actually do proclaim the Gospel. We all know Christians in denominational places that clearly preach the Gospel. And yet, our text would remind us that it is not adherence to any denomination or organization that saves; it is by faith in Jesus Christ.
Many of the old, established, and traditional denominations have creeds and declarations that form a great part of their so-called worship. The words of many of these creeds are often wonderful and contain precious truths. But the mere recitation of these creeds does not produce faith in Christ. What it does is produce faith in the creed, and therefore in the religion. Is it any wonder that we often hear people respond to Gospel invitations by stating that they have their own church, thank you. They have been taught that their membership in their denomination, their participation in various rites, some of which they were too young to remember, has provided them with what God requires to receive them into His presence. But God never called on us to recite creeds or study catechisms. He called on us to obtain righteousness by faith in His son. And that is the only righteousness that God recognizes and accepts.
Our text also makes no exception when it comes to those who have believed. Those who have placed their faith in Christ are granted the righteousness that brings us into eternal relationship with our Heavenly Father. There is no requirement that the faith be accompanied by baptism, although God surely desires that all who believe are baptized. Nor does God’s righteousness depend on how much of the Bible we learn and memorize, although God surely desires that we feed daily on His word. Good works, attendance at meetings, prayers, and all manner of expressions of our new life in Christ are but the display of the righteousness received, not the means of obtaining it.
God gives us a salvation that does not depend on us, but desires that we live out that salvation in daily dependence on Him. -Jim MacIntosh