Romans 3
BSB1 What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. 3 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge." 5 But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms. 6 Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world? 7 However, if my falsehood accentuates God’s truthfulness, to the increase of His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner? 8 Why not say, as some slanderously claim that we say, “Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved! 9 What then? Are we any better? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one. 11 There is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." 13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips." 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery lie in their wake, 17 and the way of peace they have not known." 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes." 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand. 26 He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.
Study Notes — Romans 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Themes from Romans 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Romans 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Romans 3, the Apostle Paul addresses the relationship between faith and works, arguing that no one can be justified by the law because all have sinned. He cites Psalm 51:4 and other Old Testament passages to demonstrate the universality of sin, concluding that every mouth is stopped and all the world is guilty before God. Paul then introduces the concept of justification by faith, emphasizing that this is a gift from God received through faith in Jesus Christ. The chapter also explores the significance of Christ's death and resurrection, highlighting their role in achieving redemption and reconciling believers to God. Key verses include Romans 3:20, which states that no one will be justified by the works of the law, and Romans 3:24, which explains that believers are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Context for the Chapter
Romans chapter 3 is part of the larger argument presented by the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans, which is addressed to the Christian community in Rome. The chapter follows Paul's discussion of the sinful state of humanity in Romans 1-2 and precedes his explanation of the benefits of justification by faith in Romans 4-5. Understanding the context of the chapter within the book of Romans and the broader biblical narrative is crucial for interpreting its themes and messages correctly.
Heart Application
The teachings of Romans 3 have significant implications for Christian living, emphasizing the importance of humility and recognition of one's sinful state. Believers are called to trust in God's grace and mercy, received through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than relying on their own works or efforts to achieve righteousness. This understanding should lead to a deeper appreciation of God's love and a more sincere pursuit of a faith-driven life.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Romans chapter 3 teaches that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Because of this, no one can be made right with God by following the law. Instead, we are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in Romans 3:28. This means that our salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not something we earn by our own efforts. This understanding is crucial for recognizing our need for a Savior and appreciating the grace of God.
Voices from the Church
“The doctrine of justification by faith is the grandest of all Christian doctrines, and the one which isn't only the most prominent but the most precious in the Christian system.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We are justified by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone. True faith is always accompanied by repentance, love, and a desire to obey God's commandments.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Problem of Sin (Romans 3:1-8) — Paul addresses the question of whether being a Jew and having the law provides an advantage in terms of salvation, concluding that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.
- The Universality of Sin (Romans 3:9-20) — The Apostle cites Old Testament passages to demonstrate that all people are sinners, emphasizing the universal nature of sin and the need for salvation.
- Justification by Faith (Romans 3:21-26) — Paul explains that a righteousness from God has been made known, apart from the law, which is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
- The Significance of Christ's Death (Romans 3:24-25) — The chapter highlights the role of Christ's death in achieving redemption and reconciling believers to God, demonstrating God's justice and mercy.
- Conclusion: Faith Apart from Works (Romans 3:27-31) — Paul concludes by emphasizing that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law, underscoring the central role of faith in achieving justification before God.
Core Doctrines
- Justification by Faith
- Romans 3 teaches that believers are justified by faith apart from the works of the law, emphasizing the exclusive role of faith in achieving righteousness before God.
- The Universality of Sin
- The chapter demonstrates that all people, regardless of their background, are sinners in need of salvation, highlighting the universal nature of sin.
- Redemption through Christ
- Paul explains that redemption is achieved through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, providing the basis for justification by faith.
- The Insufficiency of Works
- The chapter argues that no one can be justified by the works of the law because all have sinned, emphasizing the insufficiency of human efforts in achieving salvation.
Themes from Romans 3
- The Necessity of Faith — The chapter emphasizes that faith is the exclusive means of achieving justification before God, highlighting the central role of faith in the Christian life.
- The Universality of Sin — Romans 3 demonstrates that all people are sinners in need of salvation, emphasizing the universal nature of sin and the need for redemption.
- The Significance of Christ's Death — The chapter highlights the role of Christ's death in achieving redemption and reconciling believers to God, demonstrating God's justice and mercy.
- The Insufficiency of Works — Paul argues that no one can be justified by the works of the law because all have sinned, emphasizing the insufficiency of human efforts in achieving salvation.
- The Grace of God — The chapter underscores the grace of God in providing salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the loving and merciful character of God.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to be justified by faith apart from the works of the law, and how does this impact your understanding of salvation?
- How does the universality of sin, as described in Romans 3, affect your perspective on humanity and the need for a Savior?
- In what ways does the emphasis on faith in Romans 3 influence your approach to Christian living and your relationship with God?
- What role does Christ's death and resurrection play in achieving redemption, according to Romans 3:24-25, and how does this impact your understanding of the gospel?
- How does the doctrine of justification by faith, as presented in Romans 3, shape your view of God's character and His plan for humanity?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Problem of Sin (Romans 3:1-8)
| 3:1 | Paul addresses the question of whether being a Jew and having the law provides an advantage in terms of salvation. |
| 3:2 | He notes that the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God, but this does not exempt them from sin. |
| 3:3 | The faithlessness of some does not nullify God's faithfulness, emphasizing God's reliability and trustworthiness. |
| 3:4 | Paul quotes Psalm 51:4 to demonstrate God's righteousness in judging sin, highlighting the universal need for salvation. |
2. The Universality of Sin (Romans 3:9-20)
| 3:9 | Paul concludes that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin, citing Old Testament passages to demonstrate the universal nature of sin. |
| 3:10 | He quotes Psalm 14:1-3 and other passages to emphasize that no one is righteous, not even one. |
| 3:11 | No one seeks God, and all have turned away, demonstrating the universal need for redemption. |
| 3:12 | All have become worthless, and there is no one who does good, not even one, highlighting the total depravity of humanity. |
3. Justification by Faith (Romans 3:21-26)
| 3:21 | Paul explains that a righteousness from God has been made known, apart from the law, which is received through faith in Jesus Christ. |
| 3:22 | This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, emphasizing the central role of faith in achieving justification. |
| 3:23 | For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, highlighting the universal need for salvation. |
| 3:24 | Believers are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus, demonstrating God's justice and mercy. |
4. The Significance of Christ's Death (Romans 3:24-25)
| 3:24 | The redemption that came by Christ Jesus is the means by which believers are justified, highlighting the central role of Christ's death in achieving salvation. |
| 3:25 | God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, demonstrating His justice and mercy in providing salvation through faith. |
5. Conclusion: Faith Apart from Works (Romans 3:27-31)
| 3:27 | Paul concludes that no one can boast in their works because all are justified by faith apart from the works of the law. |
| 3:28 | A person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law, emphasizing the central role of faith in achieving justification before God. |
| 3:29 | Is God the God of Jews only, or is He not also the God of Gentiles? Yes, of Gentiles too, highlighting God's universal sovereignty and love. |
| 3:30 | Since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith, emphasizing the unity of God's plan for all humanity. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be justified by faith apart from the works of the law?
Being justified by faith apart from the works of the law means that a person is declared righteous before God not by their own efforts or adherence to the law, but through their trust in God's promises and mercy, received through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:28).
How does the universality of sin affect our understanding of salvation?
The universality of sin, as demonstrated in Romans 3, underscores the need for salvation and the importance of recognizing one's sinful state. It emphasizes that all people, regardless of their background, are in need of redemption and that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24).
What role does Christ's death play in achieving redemption?
According to Romans 3:24-25, Christ's death is the means by which redemption is achieved, demonstrating God's justice and mercy. Through His death, Christ provides the basis for justification by faith, reconciling believers to God and providing salvation from sin.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 3:4 → Psalm 51:4 | Paul quotes Psalm 51:4 to demonstrate God's righteousness in judging sin, highlighting the universal need for salvation. |
| 2 | Romans 3:10 → Psalm 14:1-3 | The quote from Psalm 14:1-3 emphasizes that no one is righteous, not even one, demonstrating the universal nature of sin. |
| 3 | Romans 3:12 → Psalm 53:1-3 | The reference to Psalm 53:1-3 further underscores the total depravity of humanity, highlighting the universal need for redemption. |
| 4 | Romans 3:20 → Psalms 143:2 | The statement that no one will be justified by the works of the law is supported by Psalm 143:2, which emphasizes the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human efforts. |
| 5 | Romans 3:24 → Hebrews 2:17 | The concept of redemption through Christ's death is also explored in Hebrews 2:17, which highlights Christ's role as a merciful and faithful high priest. |
| 6 | Romans 3:25 → Leviticus 16:20-22 | The idea of Christ as a sacrifice of atonement is rooted in the Old Testament concept of the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16:20-22. |
| 7 | Romans 3:28 → Galatians 2:16 | The doctrine of justification by faith apart from works is also taught in Galatians 2:16, emphasizing the central role of faith in achieving righteousness before God. |
| 8 | Romans 3:30 → Deuteronomy 6:4 | The statement that there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith, is supported by Deuteronomy 6:4, which emphasizes the unity of God and His universal sovereignty. |
Sermons on Romans 3
| Sermon | Description | |
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Hells Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his approach to sharing the gospel with others. He starts by engaging in casual conversation about everyday topics like weather and sports to |
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Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli |
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(The Glory of God) in Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Romans and its significance in understanding the Christian life. He emphasizes the faithfulness of God and how He fulfills all Hi |
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(The Glory of God) in Motivation by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching about God's glory rather than focusing on principles and rules. He criticizes the tendency of pastors to manipula |
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Be Ye Holy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the demand for perfect holiness from God. He explains that there are three ways people respond to this call to be holy. The first response is |
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(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the movie "The Passion" and his response to it. He expresses his fear of watching the film due to the emotional impact it may have on him. Th |
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Offer Your Bodies a Living Sacrifice by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the radical depravity and evil nature of mankind, highlighting that there is no hope for self-righteousness. The first 11 chapters of the bo |
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Are You Well by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being a true representation of God in every aspect of their lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who was sinless |
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Accountability to God - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for accountability to God, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance and the pursuit of purity in the heart. He rec |
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Salvation by Faith (Reading) by John Wesley | In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series, which aims to bring classic Christian texts, including Mr. Wesley's sermons, into audiobook form. He highli |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans 3
In Romans 3, the Apostle Paul presents a solemn and sad account of the state of mankind, demonstrating that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. He argues that no one can be justified by the works of the law, citing Old Testament passages to emphasize the universal nature of sin. However, Paul also introduces the concept of justification by faith, explaining that a righteousness from God has been made known, apart from the law, which is received through faith in Jesus Christ. The chapter highlights the significance of Christ's death in achieving redemption and reconciling believers to God, demonstrating God's justice and mercy. As Matthew Henry notes, the doctrine of justification by faith is a grand and precious truth, emphasizing the central role of faith in achieving righteousness before God and underscoring the universal need for salvation through Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Universality of Sin
The chapter emphasizes that all people, regardless of their background, are sinners in need of salvation. This is evident in verses such as Romans 3:9-20, which cite Old Testament passages to demonstrate the universal nature of sin.
The Insufficiency of Works
Paul argues that no one can be justified by the works of the law because all have sinned. This is a critical point in understanding the relationship between faith and works in achieving justification.
The Emphasis on Faith
The chapter highlights faith as the exclusive means of achieving justification before God. This is seen in key verses such as Romans 3:28, which states that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.