Have you ever wondered if being part of a specific group gives you a special advantage with God? In Romans 3, Paul addresses this question head-on, exploring faith, sin, and God's unwavering justice.
The Reading: Romans 3
World English Bible1 Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision?
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2 Much in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the revelations of God.
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3 For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?
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4 May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, “That you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment.”
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5 But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
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6 May it never be! For then how will God judge the world?
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7 For if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
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8 Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let us do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned.
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9 What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.
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10 As it is written, “There is no one righteous; no, not one.
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11 There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God.
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12 They have all turned away. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.”
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13 “Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit.” “The poison of vipers is under their lips”;
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14 “whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
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15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood.
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16 Destruction and misery are in their ways.
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17 The way of peace, they haven’t known.”
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18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
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19 Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
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20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
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21 But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
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22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,
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23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
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24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
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25 whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;
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26 to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
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27 Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
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28 We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
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29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
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30 since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
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31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In Romans 3, the Apostle Paul dives into some heavy themes that concern both Jews and Gentiles. He begins by acknowledging the unique position of the Jews, who were entrusted with God's revelations. However, he quickly shifts gears to highlight that faith is universal - just because some people lack it doesn't diminish God's faithfulness. If anything, God's truth shines brighter against the backdrop of human failure.
Everyone Under Sin
Paul makes a sweeping statement that all human beings fall short of God's glory. He quotes scriptures to illustrate that no one is righteous, no one understands, and all have turned away from doing good. This isn't just a Jewish issue; it's a human issue. He paints a vivid picture of the human condition: deceitful tongues, swift feet toward violence, and lives lacking peace.
The Purpose of the Law
Next, Paul explains the role of the law. Rather than just a list of rules, it serves to reveal our shortcomings. The law helps us recognize sin, reminding us that no one can achieve righteousness through works alone.
Righteousness Through Faith
Here's where the good news kicks in: God's righteousness is available through faith in Jesus Christ to everyone who believes. Paul emphasizes that this gift of grace is not limited to any group; it's for all. He introduces the concept of justification by faith, meaning we are made right with God not by our actions but by trusting in Jesus' sacrifice.
In this chapter, Paul crushes the idea of boasting about one's heritage or works. It all comes down to faith. Whether you're Jewish or Gentile, God's grace is what brings us into a relationship with Him. Paul's message is clear: faith establishes the law, rather than nullifying it.
Why It Matters
The Universality of Sin
Romans 3 serves as a humbling reminder that everyone, regardless of background, has fallen short of God's standards. This realization is foundational; it levels the playing field for all of us.
The Gift of Grace
The chapter makes it abundantly clear: righteousness is not earned but given. It invites us to embrace faith instead of relying on our own merits. God's grace is like an open door, welcoming all who believe.
A Call to Faith
In a world filled with divisions, Romans 3 unites us by reminding us that our standing before God is determined by faith in Jesus, not by our lineage or good deeds. It encourages us to explore our faith more deeply and to seek community in believers. If you're looking for a church community, you can find a church near you with Sancta.
Accountability to God
Finally, Paul stresses that faith doesn't mean we can disregard the law. Rather, it fulfills it by aligning our lives with God's heart. It inspires us to live in ways that reflect His love and justice in our communities.
Coming Up Next: Romans 4
As we move into Romans 4, Paul will delve deeper into the concept of faith, using Abraham as a powerful example of what it means to trust in God's promises. Join us for this next part of the journey!