Romans 3

Overview

The Universality of Sin (Romans 3:1-20)

This section focuses on the widespread reality of sin, affecting both Jews and Gentiles. Paul starts by discussing the advantage of being a Jew and having the law, but he quickly turns to emphasize that possession of the law does not equate to righteousness. He argues that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and that no human effort, even adherence to the law, can bring about justification.

Righteousness Through Faith (Romans 3:21-26)

In this division, Paul introduces the doctrine of justification by faith apart from works of the law. He proclaims that the righteousness of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. This faith leads to justification, as Christ's sacrifice on the cross serves as a "propitiation" that satisfies God's righteous wrath against sin.

No Boasting, Only Faith (Romans 3:27-31)

Here, Paul addresses the possible objections and misconceptions that could arise from his teaching on justification by faith. He rules out any grounds for boasting in human achievement and underscores that it is faith that establishes the law. He also reiterates that this doctrine of justification applies universally, to both Jews and Gentiles, affirming the oneness of God who justifies all who have faith.

Each of these divisions in Romans 3 serves to bring clarity and depth to the understanding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the pivotal role of faith in attaining righteousness.

Main Idea

The main idea of Romans 3 is that all people, both Jews and Gentiles, are universally ensnared by sin and incapable of attaining righteousness through the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ, they can be justified and receive the righteousness of God, nullifying any grounds for human boasting.

Proposition

You Must Must Trust Christ For Salvation

The text of Romans 3 lays out an unequivocal case for the utter sinfulness of all humanity and the inadequacy of the law to rectify this condition. In verses 21-26, Paul presents the only solution: faith in Jesus Christ for justification. This is not a mere suggestion, but an imperative born out of the dire situation depicted in the earlier verses. With phrases like "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and "justified by his grace as a gift," the text points the reader to the inescapable necessity of having faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. No other action suffices; faith in Christ is presented as the sole means for justification and receiving God's righteousness.

Illustrations

1. The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43)

One of the criminals who hung next to Jesus on the cross began to deride Him, but the other thief defended Jesus and acknowledged his own sinfulness. He said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." This thief had no opportunity for good works or adhering to the law; his time was literally running out. Yet, by placing his faith in Christ at that final moment, he was justified. His story embodies the essence of Romans 3: that justification comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Rahab the Harlot (Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31)

Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho who, despite her lifestyle and being a Gentile, exhibited faith in the God of Israel. When Israelite spies came to her city, she hid them from the authorities and asked for her family to be spared when Israel conquered Jericho. She had heard of the Lord's mighty acts and believed. Rahab was not only spared but also became an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1). Her faith, not her works or adherence to the law, led to her justification and inclusion in the lineage of Christ.

3. The Tax Collector in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)

In this parable, Jesus contrasts the self-righteous Pharisee with a humble tax collector. The Pharisee boasts about his good deeds and adherence to the law, while the tax collector, standing far off, beats his chest and says, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" Jesus said that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified. This story captures the teaching in Romans 3 that no amount of self-righteousness or keeping of the law can justify a person before God; it is only through recognizing one's own sinfulness and having faith in God's mercy.

Each of these illustrations demonstrates that regardless of social standing, ethnic background, or the depth of one's sins, faith in God's provision for salvation—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ—is the only path to justification.

There are several reasons why you must trust Christ for salvation.

1. Because All Commit Sin (Romans 3:1-20)

The first reason you must have faith in Christ is that all have sinned, as Paul articulates in Romans 3:1-20. The term for sin in Greek is "hamartia" (ἁμαρτία), which literally means "missing the mark." This term is used to emphasize that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory, as mentioned in Romans 3:23. The same word appears in Romans 5:12 to describe how sin entered the world through Adam, leading to death for all. Paul's argument leaves no room for escape from sin's bondage, making faith in Christ the only means of justification.

2. Because Christ Met God’s Demands (Romans 3:21-26)

The second reason is God's righteousness, which is manifested apart from the law, as discussed in Romans 3:21-26. The term for righteousness in Greek is "dikaiosunē" (δικαιοσύνη), meaning conformity to God's character. This word appears in Romans 1:17 to describe the righteousness revealed in the gospel. This section highlights that God's righteousness is accessible to all through faith in Jesus Christ. The term "hilasterion" (ἱλαστήριον) describes Christ as the propitiation, or the sacrifice that satisfies God's wrath against sin. This term also appears in Hebrews 9:5 to describe the Ark of the Covenant's mercy seat, where blood was applied for atonement. God's righteousness makes faith in Christ imperative for salvation.

3. Because God Excluded Boasting (Romans 3:27-31)

The third reason is the absence of any ground for boasting, as stated in Romans 3:27-31. The term for boasting in Greek is "kauchēsis" (καύχησις), indicating self-glory or exultation. This term is used in Romans 5:2-3, where Paul talks about boasting in hope and tribulations due to faith in Christ. Here, Paul specifies that justification comes by faith, apart from works of the law, thereby eliminating any possibility of boasting about one's own righteousness. This makes faith in Christ indispensable for salvation.

In summary, the reasons from Romans 3 for having faith in Jesus Christ are clear: all have sinned, God is righteous, and no one can boast. These compelling points indicate that faith in Christ is not merely an option but an imperative for justification and eternal life.

Pointing To Christ

Christ is the fulfillment of all the themes articulated in Romans 3, bringing to fruition the complex tapestry of God's plan for redemption and justification.

Universal Sinfulness: Christ is presented as the remedy to the universal problem of sin that plagues all of humanity. Romans 3 emphasizes that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Christ's life, death, and resurrection provide the solution to this universal sin problem, offering grace and forgiveness. The Apostle Paul explicitly states that while the law makes us aware of sin, it's through Jesus Christ that forgiveness and righteousness are obtained (Romans 3:20-22).

God's Righteousness: One of the most significant themes in Romans 3 is the righteousness of God, which is now available apart from the law. Christ is portrayed as the manifestation of God's righteousness. His sacrificial death on the cross satisfies God's justice while also enabling us to be righteous before God. In theological terms, this is known as "imputed righteousness," where Christ's righteousness is credited to believers (Romans 3:22, 24-26).

No Grounds for Boasting: Romans 3 makes it clear that no human effort or obedience to the law can earn salvation. Christ fulfills this theme by being the sole basis for our justification. Since salvation is a gift from God received through faith in Christ, there is no room for boasting. This humbling reality underscores the sufficiency and necessity of Christ for our salvation (Romans 3:27-28).

So, in Romans 3, we find Christ at the epicenter of these themes, fulfilling and embodying them. He is the answer to the problem of sin, the embodiment of God's righteousness, and the eliminator of any human boasting, pointing everyone—Jew and Gentile alike—to the necessity of faith in Him for justification and eternal life.

An Urgent Appeal: The Verdict Is In, But Grace Awaits You

Imagine standing in a courtroom, aware that you are guilty as charged. The evidence is overwhelming, and the law, under which you are judged, offers no room for escape. This is not just a metaphor; it's the reality of our spiritual condition. According to Romans 3, each of us stands guilty before a holy God, deserving of judgment. There's not a person on earth who can claim innocence. The law, with its righteous demands, serves as a mirror showing us our flaws, our sins, and our shortcomings. It points out that we've all "missed the mark" (Romans 3:23).

But what if the judge, in an unprecedented act of grace, offers you a way out? What if He provides a substitute to take your punishment, clear your record, and offer you a new life? Jesus Christ, God incarnate, steps into the courtroom and takes your place. He fulfills the law you couldn't keep and pays the penalty you couldn't afford. In Him, God's perfect righteousness is not only demonstrated but offered to you as a gift (Romans 3:24-26).

If you accept this gift by placing your faith in Jesus, the Judge declares you "Not Guilty." Not because you've earned it, but because Christ earned it for you. And there's no more room for boasting about how good you are or how many good deeds you've done (Romans 3:27-28). The only appropriate response is humble gratitude and a life lived in faith and obedience to Christ, who has saved you.

This isn't just a judicial transaction; it's a relational transformation. Through Christ, you are not only acquitted but adopted—brought into the family of God, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that come with being a child of the King.

So, I urge you: don't stand defiantly in a courtroom where your guilt is clear and your sentence is just. Recognize your need, understand God's gift, and place your trust in Jesus Christ today. Don't turn away from the only One who can take your sentence and give you salvation. Make this the day of your justification, the day you pass from judgment to grace.

Bibliography

ChatGPT. "The Theological and Evangelistic Implications of Romans 3." OpenAI, 2023.

Keywords

Sin, Righteousness, Justification, Faith, Boasting

One-Sentence Description

Romans 3 presents the universality of human sinfulness, the righteousness of God accessible through faith in Jesus Christ, and the elimination of human boasting, pointing towards the necessity of faith for justification and eternal life.