In this chapter Paul makes the case that all are under sin and proven to be evil by the law (both Jew and Gentile). Likewise, all can be redeemed, justified, and forgiven by having faith in Jesus.
ROMANS 3
1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.” [Psalm 51:4]
vs. 1-4: Paul clarifies his point concerning the Jews that they were in fact chosen people because they were given many privileges, the most important were the “very words of God,” however, they did not listen, but their lack of faith did not stop the promises of God.
5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases 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 just!
vs. 5-8: Paul defends against the false accusation that states, “Why not sin more so God may be glorified more?” Paul states that those who believe this way are justly condemned, because they do not understand the holiness or righteousness of God.
9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is 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.” [Psalm 14:1-3] 13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” [Psalm 5:9] “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” [Psalm 10:7] 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.” [Isaiah 59:7-8] 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” [Psalm 36:1]
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 declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
vs. 19-20: Everyone will be held accountable to God and no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the law, the law only points out mankind’s sin and need for faith in a Savior.
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
vs. 21-31: Paul declares that there is a righteousness from God, but it does not come from the Law, but rather by faith in Jesus Christ. Since all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory we need “redemption” (Gk.”apolytr?sis” – “liberation procured by the payment of a ransom- i.e., freedom from salvery”), atonement (Gk. “hilast?rion” – “a substitutionary sacrifice,” demonstrated God’s justice and forbearance), and to be justified, (Gk. “dikaio?” – “to render righteous,” all those who have faith in Jesus).
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or 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? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
vs. 27-31: None can boast before God because they earned salvation by keeping the law. However, by faith, a person can be “credited” with righteousness (Romans 4:22-24).
All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.
