"The righteousness of God" is one of the most important expressions in the Scriptures, and it signifies both the PRECEPT of the Law and the PENALTY of the Law. That is, the Holy Law in every jot and tittle must be honored; and where there is the least offense, justice must be satisfied. We are not talking here of God's own personnal holiness, but of that righteousness He has (by His grace) provided for and imputed to guilty sinners through His Son (Romans 10:1-4). "Without the Law," not without perfect obediance to the Law (for this Christ did) but without regard to the sinner's obedience to the Law. If there is no imputation of Christ's obedience, no one will be saved (Isaiah 64:6, Matthew 5:20).

"Now is manifested" in the gospel. Why is the gospel the power of God unto salvation? Because THEREIN is the righteousness of God revealed! (Romans 1:16-17) Christ fulfilled it for us and reveals it to us (Romans 5:19). Moses and all the prophets testified of this righteousness in Christ (Isaiah 53:11; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Psalm 85:10-13).