Introduction: In Romans 3, the Apostle Paul writes about deep theological truths with spiritual overtones for both Jews and Gentiles. He writes about the universal nature of sin and the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. The chapter also dismantles the false security in the law and pointing to a righteousness based on faith alone. The nature of the gospel shines brightly as Paul explains that all have sinned and are justified freely by God’s grace. This is one of the easiest, yet hardest teachings of the Bible to comprehend, how can you be saved forever without doing anything other than believing it, how? Because the Bible tells me so!
I. The Advantage of the Jews and the Universality of Sin (Romans 3:1-20)
Paul begins the chapter by writing about the advantages of being a Jew, such as having the oracles of God (Romans 3:1-2). Yet, he quickly moves to show that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin (Romans 3:9). He quotes the Old Testament to make the point that no one is righteous and that all have turned away from God, other verses that line up with this teaching are; Romans 3:10-18, Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3, Ecclesiastes 7:20.
II. Righteousness Through Faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-26)
Paul writes about the heart of the gospel message; righteousness comes from God apart from the law, witnessed by the law and the prophets (Romans 3:21). This righteousness is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22). Paul says that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, yet are justified by grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24). God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement to demonstrate His righteousness and justify those who have faith in Jesus Christ. Read more on this teaching in John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 2:2).
III. Boasting Is Excluded by the Law of Faith (Romans 3:27-31)
Paul ends the chapter by saying that boasting is excluded because justification is by faith, not by the works of the law (Romans 3:27). He affirms that God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, and He will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through the same faith (Romans 3:29-30). Paul ends by stating that faith does not nullify the law; instead, it upholds it as we see in Romans 3:31, Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-15.
Conclusion: Romans 3 lays the foundation for understanding the human condition and God’s solution through Jesus Christ. Paul destroys any notion that obedience to the law could lead to righteousness, showing instead that both Jews and Gentiles are in need of God’s grace and mercy. With clear speech and power, he reveals that righteousness is given through faith in Christ, there is no room for boasting. This chapter calls the believer to a humble acceptance of God’s grace, uniting believers in the truth that, whether Jew or gentile, salvation is a free gift to be received by faith. As the Apostle Paul eloquently conveys, it is not our own deeds but the redemptive work of Jesus that brings us into right standing with God.
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