Jesus Christ is the Scepter of Righteousness and Uprightness, the Righteousness of God,
and our Savior. He is our Lord, and our Robe and Mantle of Righteousness.
(See Hebrews 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Peter 1:1; Psalm 132:9; Job 29:14; Isaiah 58:8; Isaiah 61:10)
Let’s start by reading this very important scripture passage:
“Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “They rush to commit murder. Destruction and misery always follow them.
They don’t know where to find peace.” “They have no fear of God at all.” Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands.
The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago.
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.
Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.” (Romans 3:9–31, NLT)
This passage we just read presents several truths about humanity's condition, the nature of sin, God's righteousness, and the way to salvation from eternal condemnation.
Let’s learn from the very profound truths found in this passage that will help us have a deeper understanding of its message to us today:
1. Universal Sinfulness of Humanity
a) No One is Righteous: The scripture emphasizes that "No one is righteous—not even one." This highlights the universal nature of sin, showing that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are inherently sinful.
b) All Have Turned Away: It states that all humanity has turned away from God and failed to live up to His standards. This means that, left to ourselves, no one truly seeks God or does good on their own.
c) The Power of Sin Over All: It is stated that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin, indicating that sin is a universal problem that affects every person without exception.
2. The Inability of the Law to Make Us Righteous
a) The Law Reveals Sin: The passage makes it clear that "the law simply shows us how sinful we are." The purpose of the law is not to make people righteous but to reveal their sinful nature and their inability to meet God’s standards.
b) No Justification Through the Law: It states that "no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands." This means that adhering to the law cannot justify anyone before God; it only exposes our guilt.
3. God’s Righteousness Revealed Through Faith in Christ
a) Righteousness Apart from the Law: The passage introduces a way to be made right with God that is separate from the law. This righteousness is made available through faith in Jesus Christ, fulfilling the promises made in the writings of Moses and the prophets.
b) Faith as the Basis for Justification: It is emphasized that "we are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ," and this is available to all who believe, regardless of their background (Jew or Gentile).
c) God's Grace and Redemption Through Christ: The scripture highlights that God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. This was accomplished through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who freed us from the penalty of our sins.
4. The Role of Jesus’ Sacrifice
a) Jesus as the Sacrifice for Sin: Jesus’ sacrifice is central to being made right with God. He shed His blood to pay the penalty for our sins, providing a way for us to be justified.
b) Demonstration of God’s Righteousness: By presenting Jesus as a sacrifice, God demonstrated His righteousness, showing that He is both just (in dealing with sin) and the justifier (in making sinners right through faith in Jesus).
5. The Elimination of Boasting and Self-Righteousness
a) No Room for Boasting: Since justification is based on faith and not on works or adherence to the law, there is no room for anyone to boast about their righteousness. It is purely by God’s grace that anyone is made right with Him.
6. God's All-Encompassing Nature and loving Acceptance
b) God of All People: The passage emphasizes that God is not limited to being the God of the Jews but is also the God of the Gentiles. His acceptance and offer of salvation extend to every person, regardless of their ethnicity or cultural background.
c) One Path to God: There is only one God, and He justifies all people through faith, affirming that there is no separate way to God for different groups. His grace and love are available to everyone equally, making no distinctions between individuals.
7. The Relationship Between Faith and the Law
a) Faith Does Not Nullify the Law: The passage concludes by stating that faith does not abolish the law but rather fulfills it. True faith leads to a life that upholds and honors God’s law because it results in a transformed heart and behavior that aligns with God’s will.
Summary of the Main Truths up to this point:
1. All humanity is sinful and falls short of God's standard, whether Jew or Gentile.
2. The law reveals sin but cannot save or make anyone righteous.
3. Righteousness is available through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law.
4. Jesus’ sacrifice is central to salvation, demonstrating God's righteousness and providing redemption.
5. Salvation is a gift of grace and eliminates any grounds for boasting.
6. God is inclusive, offering salvation to all who believe, regardless of ethnicity.
7. Faith fulfills the law by leading believers into a genuine relationship with God, enabling them to live according to His will.
This passage teaches that salvation is not earned by human effort but is a gift of God's grace, accessible through faith in Jesus Christ, and available to all people. It underlines the universality of sin, the insufficiency of the law for righteousness, and the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work for our justification before God.
What is the Law that Apostol Paul is referring to?
What Paul was referring to in Romans 3:9–31 every time it mentions the word "Law," it is primarily referring to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites in the Old Testament, particularly the laws and commandments found in the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), also known as the Torah. This includes:
o The Ten Commandments: The moral laws given by God, which outline fundamental ethical principles.
o Ceremonial Laws: Regulations concerning sacrifices, rituals, festivals, and temple practices.
o Civil Laws: Rules governing social, legal, and community life in ancient Israel.
In a broader sense, "the Law" in Romans 3 can also encompass the entire body of Old Testament teachings and commandments that defined what it meant to live righteously according to God’s standards.
The Apostle Paul uses "the Law" in this passage to show that it serves a key purpose: to reveal humanity's sinfulness and inability to attain righteousness on their own. It demonstrates that no one can be justified or made right with God by following the Law alone, highlighting the need for faith in Jesus Christ as the way to be truly righteous before God.
Illustration: The Mirror
Imagine a mirror that someone holds up to their face. The purpose of the mirror is to show every flaw, dirt, or blemish clearly. However, no matter how much you look into the mirror, it cannot clean your face; it only reveals the problem.
In the same way, the Law functions like that mirror. It reveals our sinfulness, shortcomings, and inability to meet God’s perfect standards, showing us just how far we fall short. But the Law itself has no power to cleanse or make us righteous.
That's where Jesus Christ comes in. He is like the water and soap that can actually clean us and make us pure. While the Law shows us our need for cleansing, it's only through faith in Christ that we can be truly made clean and righteous before God.
The following verses from Romans 3:30–31 highlight two key truths about how God brings people into a right relationship with Himself and the ongoing role of the Law in the life of a believer:
1. One God, One Way of Salvation (Verse 30)
“There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.” (Romans 3:30, NLT)
This scripture emphasizes that there is only one true God who governs all humanity. It doesn’t matter whether a person is a Jew (who had the Law and religious traditions) or a Gentile (who did not have these religious privileges). God's way of making people righteous is the same for everyone: by faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul is asserting that salvation is universally available and is not based on ethnic background, adherence to religious rules, or cultural heritage. Instead, it’s through faith in Christ that all people, regardless of their background, can be made right with God.
2. The Relationship Between Faith and the Law (Verse 31)
“Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.” (Romans 3:31, NLT)
Paul anticipates a possible misunderstanding: If righteousness is achieved through faith alone, does this mean the Law is irrelevant or can be disregarded? Paul strongly rejects this idea, saying, "Of course not!"
Instead, he explains that faith doesn’t abolish the Law; it fulfills it. When someone places their faith in Christ, they are transformed and empowered to live in a way that aligns with God's will and commandments.
Here’s how faith fulfills the Law:
· Faith leads to a changed heart: Through faith, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who enables them to live according to God’s standards, not out of obligation but out of love and gratitude.
· Faith captures the true spirit of the Law: The ultimate goal of the Law is love—love for God and love for others. By trusting in Christ and walking in faith, believers naturally begin to live out this love, which is the essence of the Law.
Paul is teaching that salvation is the same for everyone—Jews and Gentiles alike—through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith doesn’t make the Law irrelevant; instead, it fulfills its true purpose. By living in faith, believers are empowered to live in accordance with God’s will, which the Law was always meant to point towards. Thus, faith establishes the Law by leading believers to genuinely embody its intentions.
Illustration: The train and its tracks
Imagine a train and its tracks. The tracks represent the Law—they provide direction, structure, and show the right path to follow. However, the tracks alone do not have the power to move the train forward; they simply show where the train should go.
Now, think of faith in Jesus Christ as the engine of the train. The engine provides the power and energy needed to move. Without the engine, the train would just sit on the tracks, unable to go anywhere, no matter how perfectly the tracks are laid out.
When the train's engine is running, it moves along the tracks in the way they were designed, fulfilling their purpose. In the same way, when we place our faith in Jesus, we are given the power to live out God’s will, naturally moving in the direction the Law intended.
This illustration shows that the Law (the tracks) guides the path, but it’s faith (the engine) that gives believers the power to follow that path. Thus, faith doesn’t ignore the Law; it fulfills its true purpose by enabling believers to live in accordance with God’s will.
Third Illustration: a smartphone or computer
Imagine a smartphone or computer with an operating system installed. The operating system represents the Law—it provides the necessary guidelines, instructions, and framework that tell the device how it should function.
However, without power (the battery or being plugged into electricity), the device is unable to operate, no matter how perfectly the operating system is designed. The device remains lifeless and cannot fulfill its intended purpose.
In this illustration, faith in Jesus Christ is like the power source. It’s the energy that brings the device to life, allowing it to operate correctly according to the instructions of the operating system.
When we connect to this power source (faith in Christ), the "device" of our lives is energized, and we are able to function as intended, living according to God's will. This shows that while the Law (the operating system) provides structure and guidance, it’s faith (the power source) that enables us to truly live out God’s intentions, fulfilling the purpose of the Law.
How do I know that I have Faith?
Knowing if you have faith in Christ involves examining both your inner beliefs and the outward evidence of how that faith impacts your life. Here are some key ways to assess whether you have genuine faith in Christ:
1. A Trust and Belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
a) Belief in His Sacrifice: Genuine faith means you believe that Jesus died for your sins, rose again, and is the only way to be made right with God (Romans 10:9).
b) Trust in His Work, Not Your Own: You rely on what Jesus has done for you, rather than your own efforts or good works, to be accepted by God.
Ask Yourself: Do I genuinely believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for my sins and that my salvation comes through Him alone?
2. A Changed Heart and Growing Desire for God’s Presence
a) New Desires and Love for Jesus: Genuine faith leads to a transformation of your heart, where new desires emerge. You develop a deepening love for Jesus that compels you to seek His presence and know Him more intimately. This love isn’t just an emotion, but a heartfelt affection that shapes your choices and priorities (1 John 4:19).
b) Desire to Worship and Live for God: Faith produces a growing desire to worship God, not only in church gatherings but in your daily life. This includes prayer, reading the Bible, and striving to live according to God’s will. Along with this, faith brings a sense of conviction when you sin, motivating you to turn away from sinful behaviors and pursue a life that pleases God (John 4:23-24).
Ask Yourself: Do I have a growing desire to seek God’s presence, worship Him, live according to His will, and turn away from sin?
3. Evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit
a) The Fruit of the Spirit: When you have faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit works within you, producing qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
b) Growing Christlikeness: Over time, you should see a growing reflection of Jesus’ character in your attitudes, actions, and relationships.
Ask Yourself: Are the qualities of Christ—love, kindness, patience, and others—becoming more evident in my life?
4. A Desire to Obey God’s Word
a) Obedience to God’s Commands: True faith results in a willingness to follow God’s commands, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done.
b) Respect for the Bible: You recognize the Bible as God’s Word and seek to align your life with its teachings.
Ask Yourself: Am I seeking to obey God’s Word and apply it in my daily life?
5. A Love for Others
a) Love and Compassion: One of the clearest signs of genuine faith is a growing love for others, even those who are difficult to love. Jesus said that love for one another would be a mark of His disciples (John 13:34-35).
b) Willingness to Forgive: Your faith in Christ should lead you to forgive others, just as Christ has forgiven you.
Ask Yourself: Am I showing genuine love, compassion, and forgiveness toward others?
6. A Trust in God During Difficult Times
a) Perseverance Through Trials: When you have faith in Christ, you learn to trust Him even in challenging situations. Instead of giving up, you rely on His strength and believe that He is with you through every trial.
b) Peace Amid Uncertainty: Genuine faith gives you a sense of peace, even when life is uncertain, because you trust that God is in control.
Ask Yourself: Do I turn to God and trust Him when I face difficulties, or do I rely solely on my own strength?
So, as you can see, you can know you have faith in Christ IF you:
§ Believe in and trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
§ A changed heart and growing desire for God’s Presence.
§ See the fruit of the Spirit developing in your life.
§ Have a growing desire to obey God’s Word.
§ Show genuine love and forgiveness toward others.
§ Trust God and find peace, even in difficult circumstances.
Faith is not about being perfect but about seeing evidence of God’s transforming work in your heart and life. If you notice these signs, it's a strong indication that you have genuine faith in Christ. If you're unsure or feel like you're lacking in some areas, you can ask God to help you grow in your faith and understanding of His love and grace which will also help you become a true and genuine worshiper.
Embracing a Deeper Journey … with the Almighty I AM
Yolandita Colón