I. THE JEWS’ NEED OF SALVATION (Romans 3:1-20)
Study Guide on Romans Chapter Three: The book of Romans sheds light on the Jews’ need for salvation, despite having a great advantage over the Gentiles. The Jews were chosen by God to be His people, and they received many blessings and privileges as a result. In Romans 3:1-2, the Apostle Paul acknowledges that the Jews have many advantages over the Gentiles.
A. THE JEWISH ADVANTAGE (Romans 3:1-2)
1. In many respects (Romans 3:1)
In many respects, the Jews are superior to the Gentiles. They were the first to receive God’s promises and covenants. They were given the law, the temple, and the prophets. They have a rich history and culture that is deeply rooted in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. All of these things gave the Jews an advantage in understanding God’s plan for salvation.
2. Especially in having the “Oracles of God” (Romans 3:2)
However, the most significant advantage that the Jews had was the “Oracles of God” – the Scriptures. The Jews had the privilege of receiving and preserving the written Word of God, which contained His promises, His commands, and His plan for salvation. The Old Testament Scriptures provided the foundation for the Jews’ understanding of God, His character, and His purposes.
Despite these many advantages, however, the Jews still needed salvation. They had failed to keep the law, and their hearts were far from God. In fact, the very fact that they had the law made their guilt even greater, for they knew what was right and still failed to do it (Romans 3:9-20).
B. ANSWERS TO POSSIBLE OBJECTIONS (Romans 3:3-8)
The book of Romans is a theological masterpiece, filled with valuable insights and teachings that are still relevant today. In the third chapter of Romans, the apostle Paul continues to address the Jews and their need for salvation. He anticipates possible objections to his arguments and provides answers to them.
1. Unbelieving Jews will not make the faithfulness of God without effect (Romans 3:3-4)
In Romans 3:3-4, Paul addresses the objection that if some of the Jews do not believe, it means that God’s faithfulness has failed. Paul makes it clear that the unbelief of some Jews does not nullify the faithfulness of God. God’s promises are still valid, regardless of whether or not some people choose to believe in them.
2. God is right to be angry, even if “unrighteousness” demonstrates His Own righteousness (Romans 3:5-6)
In verses 5-6, Paul responds to another objection that God is unrighteous to be angry if the unrighteousness of people demonstrates His own righteousness. Paul argues that God has the right to be angry at sin, and it does not make Him unrighteous. Sin is an offense against to God, and He is justified in being angry about it.
3. Though sin might increase God’s truth and give Him glory, people will still be judged for their sins (Romans 3:7-8)
Finally, in verses 7-8, Paul addresses the objection that sin may increase God’s truth and glory, and therefore people should not be judged for their sins. Paul affirms that while God’s truth and glory may be revealed through sin, it does not excuse sin, and people will still be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, Paul addresses possible objections to his arguments in Romans 3:3-8 and provides answers to them. He reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on human belief, that God is justified in being angry at sin, and that sin does not excuse human responsibility. As we continue to read through the book of Romans, let us remember these valuable lessons and strive to live according to God’s will.
C. THE JEWS INDICTED AS SINNERS BY THEIR OWN SCRIPTURES (Romans 3:9-20)
The third chapter of the book of Romans continues to deal with the theme of the Jews’ need for salvation. In this passage, the Apostle Paul presents the Jews’ indictment as sinners by their own Scriptures. Despite having certain advantages, the Jews are no better off than the Gentiles in their need for salvation. In fact, they are under sin just like the rest of humanity.
1. Despite advantages, Jews like Greeks are under sin (Romans 3:9)
The passage begins with Paul’s statement that both Jews and Greeks are under sin, despite the Jews having certain advantages. He quotes from the Old Testament to prove his point that “there is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). He then goes on to list a series of verses that paint a bleak picture of humanity’s sinful nature. These verses show that all people are corrupt, dishonest, and cruel. Paul even quotes from the Psalms to show that not even the “righteous” are exempt from sin.
The conclusion that Paul draws from this is that no one can be justified by the law. Even the law, which was given to the Jews, cannot save them. It can only condemn them. The law’s purpose is to reveal the knowledge of sin, not to provide salvation.
2. Application and conclusion (Romans 3:19-20)
In verse 19, Paul makes an important point that the law condemns all, especially those to whom it was given. This means that the Jews, who were given the law, are even more accountable for their sins than the Gentiles who did not have the law. This is a sobering thought for the Jews who thought they were better than the Gentiles.
The conclusion of the passage is that no one is justified by works of the law, but only through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a message that is not only relevant to the Jews but to all people. The law can only reveal our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be justified and made righteous before God.
In conclusion, Romans 3:9-20 presents the Jews’ indictment as sinners by their own Scriptures. Despite their advantages, they are no better off than the Gentiles in their need for salvation. The law cannot justify but only reveal the knowledge of sin. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be justified and made righteous before God. This message is not only relevant to the Jews but to all people, as we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
II. THE PROVISION: JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH (Romans 3:21-31)
A. GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS REVEALED (Romans 3:21-23)
One of the most significant themes of the book is the concept of justification by faith. In Romans 3:21-31, Paul lays out a clear and concise explanation of this concept, which is at the very heart of the gospel message.
At the beginning of this passage, Paul talks about God’s righteousness being revealed. He explains that this righteousness is apart from the law, but it is witnessed by the law and the prophets. This is significant because the Jews had placed so much emphasis on following the law, but Paul is saying that righteousness is not based on law-keeping alone. Instead, it is based on faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul goes on to explain that this righteousness is available to all who believe in Jesus, regardless of their background or heritage. He says that it is a gift of grace that comes through faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes that this gift is available to all who believe, not just to a select few.
Paul also emphasizes that all people have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This means that we all need the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus. It is not something we can obtain by our own good actions or efforts.
The concept of justification by faith is a powerful one because it reminds us that our salvation is not based on our own merit or ability. Instead, It is instead focused on what Christ has done for us. It is a gift that we receive through faith in Him.
As we continue to read through the book of Romans, we see that this concept of justification by faith is woven throughout the entire book. It is a theme that is central to the gospel message, and it is a message that we all need to hear.
In conclusion, Romans 3:21-31 teaches us that God’s righteousness is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is available to all who believe, regardless of their background or heritage. It is not something that we can earn through our own efforts, but it is a gift of grace that we receive through faith in Christ. This is a powerful message that we need to hold onto and share with others, as we seek to live out our faith in the world around us.
B. GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPLAINED (Romans 3:24-26)
The concept of God’s righteousness is fundamental to understanding the Gospel message of salvation. Romans 3:24-26 provides a concise but profound explanation of what God has done to make justification by faith possible.
1. Justification by grace through redemption in Christ (Romans 3:24)
Verse 24 states that we are justified by God’s grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. This means that we are not justified by our own works or merits, but by God’s unmerited favor, which is freely given to us through Jesus Christ. We could never earn our salvation on our own, but it is a gift of God that we receive by faith.
2. Jesus’ blood offered by God as a propitiation through faith (Romans 3:25a)
Verse 25a goes on to explain how this gift is made possible: through the blood of Jesus Christ, which was offered by God as a propitiation for our sins. The word “propitiation” means to appease or satisfy. In other words, Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied God’s righteous wrath against sin and made it possible for us to be reconciled to Him.
But this propitiation is not something we can earn or achieve on our own. Rather, it is through faith in Jesus that we receive the benefits of His sacrificial death. And this is where verses 25b-26 come in.
3. This demonstrates God’s righteousness toward the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:25b-26)
Verse 25b explains that God did this to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over the sins of those who had faith in Jesus prior to His death. In other words, God was just in forgiving those who had faith in Him because He knew that the ultimate payment for their sins would be made by Jesus.
Verse 26 continues this theme by explaining that God is both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus. This means that God is perfectly righteous in forgiving us of our sins, because He has already made provision for our justification through the blood of Jesus.
In summary, Romans 3:24-26 provides a clear and concise explanation of God’s righteousness in providing salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a demonstration of God’s grace, mercy, and justice, all working together to bring about our redemption and reconciliation with Him. It is a message of hope and assurance for all who put their faith in Jesus.
C. IMPLICATIONS OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (Romans 3:27-31)
Romans 3:27-31 outlines the implications of God’s righteousness in the process of justification by faith. In these verses, the apostle Paul addresses several important issues that arise from this doctrine, including the problem of human boasting, the relationship between faith and the law, and the universality of God’s righteousness.
1. Boasting on man’s part is excluded (Romans 3:27a)
Firstly, Paul addresses the issue of human boasting, stating that it is excluded in the process of justification by faith. Boasting is a natural tendency of human beings who want to take credit for their achievements. But when it comes to salvation, boasting has no place. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received by faith, and it is not something we can earn or achieve through our own efforts. Therefore, boasting is excluded, and all the glory goes to God.
2. For justification is based on faith, not deeds of law (Romans 3:27b-28)
Secondly, Paul deals with the relationship between faith and the law. He makes it clear that justification is not based on the deeds of the law, but on faith in Jesus Christ. The law has its place, but it cannot save us. It only shows us our sin and our need for a Savior. Faith, on the other hand, is the means by which we receive God’s gift of salvation. We are saved by faith in Christ, not by obeying the law.
3. God is God of Jews and Gentiles, for He justifies both by faith (Romans 3:29-30)
Thirdly, Paul highlights the universality of God’s righteousness. He makes it clear that God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, and that He justifies both by faith. In other words, there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles when it comes to salvation. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but all can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
4. This does not void the need for law, but rather meets the requirements of law (Romans 3:31)
Finally, Paul concludes by emphasizing that the doctrine of justification by faith does not void the need for the law. Rather, it upholds the law and meets its requirements. The law reveals our sin, but it cannot save us. However, through faith in Christ, we can be justified and receive the righteousness that the law demands.
In conclusion, Romans 3:27-31 highlights the implications of God’s righteousness in the process of justification by faith. It addresses the problem of human boasting, the relationship between faith and the law, the universality of God’s righteousness, and the role of the law in the process of salvation. Ultimately, it is through faith in Jesus Christ that we can receive God’s gift of salvation and be justified before Him.
