Romans - Chapter 3

Romans 3.1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Romans 3.2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. Romans 3.3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? Romans 3.4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. Romans 3.5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) Romans 3.6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? Romans 3.7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? Romans 3.8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. Romans 3.9 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; Romans 3.10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3.11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. Romans 3.12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3.13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Romans 3.14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Romans 3.16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: Romans 3.17 And the way of peace have they not known: Romans 3.18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans 3.20 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. Romans 3.21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Romans 3.22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Romans 3.23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3.25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3.26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3.27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Romans 3.28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Romans 3.29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Romans 3.30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Romans 3.31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Romans : Chapter 3

The Divine Solution to the Human Dilemma

Romans 3 presents a vital answer to the crucial question of reconciliation between God's justice and mercy. How can God be both just and gracious toward sinful humanity? This foundational passage clearly establishes the universality of sin, affirming that all people are incapable of attaining righteousness by their own works.

Justification by Faith

At the heart of this chapter is the saving concept of justification by faith in Jesus Christ. This principle demonstrates that God, while just, can also justify those who believe in Him. Romans 3 thus reveals the heart of the Gospel: the saving grace of God.

Central Themes of Romans 3

We invite you to explore five biblical passages that shed light on the central themes of this essential chapter of Christian doctrine.

Psalms 14:1-3

"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They have become corrupt and have committed evil deeds; there is no one who does good." This passage, quoted by Paul in Romans 3:10-12, argues for the universality of sin. The Lord watches over mankind to see if anyone is seeking God, but all have gone astray.

Isaiah 59:7-8

"Their feet run to evil; they are eager to shed innocent blood." This verse, used by Paul in Romans 3:15-17, describes the sinful nature of man. Evil thoughts and crooked ways lead away from peace and righteousness.

Galatians 2:16

"We know that no one is justified by keeping the law, but by faith in Christ Jesus." This verse echoes the central argument of Romans 3:28 on justification by faith. Belief in Christ is the only way to be justified before God.

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God." This passage reflects the theme of Romans 3:24 on justification by God's grace and emphasizes that salvation does not come from human works.

James 2:10

"For whoever obeys the whole Law, but stumbles in one point, becomes guilty of having transgressed it all." This verse relates to Paul's argument in Romans 3:19-20 about the inability to obtain righteousness through the law. He reminds us that the perfection of the law is inaccessible to sinful man.

Meditating on these passages, we come to a deeper understanding of the riches of divine grace and the importance of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for our justification and salvation.