Romans Chapter 3

BIBLE PASSAGE

God's Righteousness Upheld

1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,

“That you may be justified in your words,

and prevail when you are judged.”

5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

No One Is Righteous

9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;

11 no one understands;

no one seeks for God.

12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;

no one does good,

not even one.”

13 “Their throat is an open grave;

they use their tongues to deceive.”

“The venom of asps is under their lips.”

14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”

15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;

16 in their paths are ruin and misery,

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 speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

SYNOPSIS

Romans 3 is a pivotal chapter in Paul's epistle that addresses sin, righteousness, and salvation. The chapter begins by acknowledging the advantage of the Jews in receiving God's spoken words (the Old Testament), which implies both privilege and responsibility. Paul then uses Scripture, primarily from the Psalms, to demonstrate the universality of sin, showing that both Jews and Gentiles fall short of God's righteousness. The law, according to Paul, serves to reveal sin and human inability to meet God's requirements, rather than as a means of justification. The central passage (verses 21-26) introduces the concept of justification by faith in Jesus Christ, explaining that believers are declared righteous by God through this faith. Paul argues that this way of salvation establishes, rather than nullifies, the law's intended role. The chapter also addresses potential objections to Paul's arguments about God's judgment and faithfulness. Throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes the themes of God's righteousness, human sin, and the path to salvation through faith in Christ.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. How can you apply the concept of God's grace in your daily decisions and interactions?

2. Paul emphasizes that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (v. 23). How does recognizing your own sinfulness deepen your appreciation for God’s grace?

3. How can embracing your need for grace lead to a deeper dependence on Christ?

4. In what ways can you remind yourself daily of the gift of grace you have received?

PRAYER SUGGESTION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your grace and mercy. I acknowledge that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory, and I am grateful that my righteousness does not come from my own efforts but through faith in Jesus. Help me to fully trust in Your grace and not in my own works.

Remind me daily that my salvation is a gift, not something I can earn. Keep me humble and dependent on You, and let this truth shape the way I live and treat others. Fill my heart with gratitude and a desire to reflect Your righteousness in my words, actions, and thoughts.

Thank You for justifying me through Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in faith, living a life that honors You.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.