The Pit of Despair

We were born willing slaves

We were born under sin's power

Romans 3:9 KJV 1900

9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

What does “under sin” mean here? NIV has “power,” with the passages following proving that. BDAG supports.

Being under sin’s power does NOT mean acting in an unwilling way. It means this is all you do and all you desire. Sin is your want and your subsequent action.

All of the subsequent passages are meant to show that “all” are “under sin.”

We were born willingly sinning

First section, human’s reject God (parallel to Romans 1:18–25 “18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

Quotes Psalm 14.1-3 and Ps. 53.1-3

Romans 3:10–12 KJV 1900

10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

This verse shows that the OT’s view of sin was always meant to be applied universally and not just to a everyone outside of the covenant community.

The apostle has spoken only that which has been written

Second part, romans 3.13-18, ending with same them as above, second table of the law

Romans 3:13–14 KJV 1900

13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

Bitterness here is given as an example of man being sinful. How many Christians are stuck in something that is characteristic of fallen, unregenerate humanity

Romans 3:15–18 KJV 1900

15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Where in this text were humans forced to do these things? They are not.

John 8:31–36 “31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

II. We were born condemned slaves (v. 19-20

We were all condemned by the Law (v. 19)

Romans 3:19 KJV 1900

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Paul knows full well that the most difficult case he has to prove is that Jews, who are recipients of God’s revelation and covenant blessing, are sinners accountable for God. By proving from the Old Testament, then, that Jews are condemned, Paul feels it legitimate to extend that verdict to all people1 1 Moo, D. J. (2000). Romans (p. 113). Zondervan Publishing House.

We were all shown our sinfulness (v. 20)

Romans 3:20 KJV 1900

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.