Romans 3:25-26 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus (NIV)
God presented Christ. He presented Christ to all in the world. He presented Christ for Christ to demonstrate His righteousness. The word “present” is being used as a verb. It means “to deliver something.” What was it God was delivering through presenting Christ? He was delivering a way to righteousness. It is only through righteousness (a right relationship with God) that we can have any kind of relationship with God. Jesus Christ is the only one who is righteous. Without receiving God’s delivery through Jesus Christ of His righteousness we have no relationship with God. It is the righteousness of Jesus which justifies us, but only if we have faith in Jesus. Faith is defined as complete confidence or trust in someone or something. Trust is believing in the reliability of someone or something. Throughout history, God has proven He is true and reliable in His word. God isn’t a man that He could lie. God can’t lie. God is truth. For us it is a matter of choice. We can choose to believe and come under the covering of Jesus and His righteousness or we can choose to ignore what has been proven throughout history. God, through Jesus Christ, is the only way presented freely to us.