Romans 3 - Justification Through Faith
The Universality of Sin and the Gift of God's Righteousness
Romans 3
All the World Guilty
Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision?
Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.
What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it?
May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, "THAT YOU MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS, AND PREVAIL WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED."
But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking in human terms.)
May it never be! For otherwise, how will God judge the world?
But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner?
And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say ), "Let us do evil that good may come "? Their condemnation is just.
What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin;
as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."
"THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS ";
"WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS ";
"THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,
DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,
AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN."
"THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES."
Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;
because by the works of the Law no * flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.
Justification by Faith
But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;
for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.
Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.
Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.
Three Questions
How does Paul reconcile Jewish law with universal sin?
What is the nature of God's righteousness and human justification?
How does faith in Christ impact the role of the law?
Question 1 - How does Paul reconcile Jewish law with universal sin?
To reconcile Jewish law with universal sin, Paul argues that observing the law cannot justify individuals before God. This is because the law makes people aware of their sinfulness.
This emphasize that "no human being will be justified in his sight by observing the law; for through the law comes consciousness of sin".
Paul then introduces the concept of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ as the means to achieve justification.
This righteousness is available to everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, as "all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God".
Justification comes "freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus".
God offers this justification "to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed" and "to prove his righteousness in the present time, that he might be righteous and justify the one who has faith in Jesus".
Paul clarifies that this concept of justification by faith does not invalidate the Jewish law.
Instead, he argues that it "support[s] the law".
Paul's argument suggests that Jewish law serves as a guide to reveal humanity's inherent sinfulness, making it clear that justification can only come through faith in Jesus Christ. This approach reconciles the importance of Jewish law with the Christian concept of universal sin and redemption.
Question 2 - What is the nature of God's righteousness and human justification?
The nature of God's righteousness and the process of human justification are central themes in the provided text, which appears to be an excerpt from a letter, likely the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans.
This emphasizes that God's righteousness is absolute and unwavering, even when faced with human unfaithfulness.
It underscores that God remains just and true, even when humanity's actions might seem to call his justice into question.
This is because God's righteousness is not dependent on human actions but is an inherent aspect of His nature.
This highlight that human justification, or being declared righteous in God's sight, is not achieved through adherence to the law or through good works.
The law serves to expose human sinfulness, making individuals aware of their inability to meet God's standard of righteousness.
Justification comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ.
This justification is available to all, both Jews and Gentiles, as all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
This presents Jesus Christ as the expiation, or atoning sacrifice, for humanity's sins.
Through his death, Jesus' blood serves as a demonstration of God's righteousness, highlighting His commitment to both justice and mercy.
This act of God reconciles his righteousness with the forgiveness of sins.
God's forbearance, or patient restraint, in the past allowed for the accumulation of sins, which are now dealt with through Christ's sacrifice.
This sacrifice allows God to be both just in punishing sin and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus.
The idea that justification is achieved through faith, not works, is a key point in the passage.
This means that boasting or taking pride in human effort is irrelevant in the process of justification.
Faith in Jesus Christ is the sole basis for being made right with God.
While the law cannot justify, it is not annulled or rendered useless by faith.
Instead, faith supports and upholds the law, as it demonstrates the true intention and fulfillment of the law through Christ.
This is because the law reveals God's standard, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, and faith in Christ recognizes and embraces this fulfillment.
This is a theological framework that emphasizes the absolute nature of God's righteousness and the inability of human effort to achieve justification.
It highlights God's grace and mercy in providing justification through faith in Jesus Christ as the sole and sufficient means of reconciliation with God.
This understanding has significant implications for the relationship between God and humanity, the role of the law, and the understanding of salvation.
Question 3 - How does faith in Christ impact the role of the law?
The faith in Christ fulfills the purpose of the law, rather than abolishing it. The law serves to demonstrate humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through its own actions. This realization highlights the need for a different path to righteousness, which is found through faith in Jesus Christ.
Here's a closer look at the relationship between faith in Christ and the law:
The law reveals sin: This emphasize that the law's primary function is to expose humanity's inherent sinfulness. It acts as a mirror, reflecting our shortcomings and demonstrating that no one can be justified by perfectly keeping the law. This understanding prepares the way for the good news of justification through faith in Christ.
Faith in Christ justifies: This state that righteousness is attained not by works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ. This justification comes as a gift from God's grace, made possible by Christ's sacrifice as an expiation for sins. This concept underscores the transformative power of faith, which transcends the limitations of the law.
Faith upholds the law: Importantly, that faith does not nullify or contradict the law. Rather, faith in Christ supports and upholds the law by fulfilling its intended purpose. The law exposes sin, leading individuals to recognize their need for a savior. Faith in Christ provides that salvation, aligning with the law's ultimate goal of righteousness.
Today’s Action
One action you can take to apply the teachings of Romans 3 is to embrace and extend grace:
Acknowledge and Accept Grace: Recognize your own imperfections and the need for grace in your life. Extend that same grace and understanding to others, knowing that everyone falls short and is in need of forgiveness.
This action reflects the core message of Romans 3:23-24, which states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Check out this podcast as hosts do a deep dive on this topic.