Romans Chapter 3: All Have Sinned, Justified by Faith

Summary

Romans 3 establishes the universal sinfulness of humanity and the righteousness of God revealed through faith in Christ. Paul addresses Jewish objections, condemns all under sin, and presents justification as God’s gift through Christ’s sacrifice. The chapter unfolds in several key sections:

God’s Faithfulness Despite Unbelief (3:1–8): Paul affirms the value of Jewish identity (entrusted with God’s oracles) but clarifies that human unbelief does not nullify God’s faithfulness. God’s judgment is just, and human sin highlights His righteousness, though this does not excuse sin.

All Are Under Sin (3:9–20): Both Jews and Gentiles are under sin’s power, as Scripture (Psalms, Isaiah) confirms. No one is righteous; the law reveals sin but cannot justify, as all fall short of God’s glory.

Righteousness Through Faith (3:21–26): God’s righteousness, apart from the law, is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Christ’s sacrificial death propitiates sin, demonstrating God’s justice and mercy, justifying believers freely by grace.

Faith Upholds the Law (3:27–31): Boasting is excluded, as justification is by faith, not works, for both Jews and Gentiles. Faith establishes the law’s purpose, not abolishing it.

Cross-References

God’s Faithfulness:

All Under Sin:

Righteousness by Faith:

Christ’s Propitiation:

Faith and the Law:

General Theme:

Theological Meaning

Romans 3 is rich with theological themes that define the gospel’s core:

Universal Sinfulness: All—Jew and Gentile—are guilty before God, unable to achieve righteousness by their own efforts (3:23; Romans 5:12).

God’s Faithfulness: Human failure cannot thwart God’s promises, as His righteousness and truth endure (3:3–4; Psalm 33:4).

Justification by Faith: God declares sinners righteous through faith in Christ, apart from works, uniting all believers (3:22; Galatians 3:8).

Christ’s Atonement: Jesus’ death satisfies God’s justice, covering sins and demonstrating His righteousness (3:25; 1 John 4:10).

God’s Impartiality: Justification by faith is for all, leveling Jew and Gentile under one gospel (3:29–30; Acts 10:34–35).

Law’s Role: The law reveals sin and points to Christ, fulfilled through faith, not abolished (3:20, 31; Galatians 3:24).

Questions and Answers

What advantage do Jews have (3:1–2)?
They were entrusted with God’s oracles (Scripture), a privilege despite their unbelief (3:2; Deuteronomy 4:8; Romans 9:4–5).

Does human unbelief nullify God’s faithfulness (3:3–4)?
No, God remains true even if all are false, as His promises endure (3:4; Psalm 51:4; 2 Timothy 2:13).

Why are all under sin (3:9)?
Both Jews and Gentiles fall short of God’s standard, as Scripture confirms universal guilt (3:9–10; Psalm 14:3; Romans 5:12).

What does the law do (3:20)?
It reveals sin, making people conscious of their guilt, but cannot justify (3:20; Galatians 3:10; Romans 7:7).

What is “God’s righteousness” (3:21–22)?
God’s way of making sinners righteous through faith in Christ, apart from the law, as prophesied (3:21; Isaiah 46:13; Philippians 3:9).

What is propitiation (3:25)?
Christ’s death satisfies God’s wrath against sin, showing His justice and mercy, covering past and present sins (3:25; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2).

Why no boasting (3:27)?
Justification is by faith, a gift of grace, not human effort, so no one can boast (3:27; Ephesians 2:9; 1 Corinthians 1:29).

How does faith uphold the law (3:31)?
Faith fulfills the law’s purpose by trusting Christ, who perfectly kept and completed it (3:31; Matthew 5:17; Romans 10:4).

Additional Notes for Readers

Historical Context: Written around AD 57 from Corinth, Romans 3 addresses a Roman church of Jewish and Gentile believers debating the law’s role (Romans 2:17; Acts 18:2). Paul counters Jewish reliance on law-keeping (Galatians 2:15–16) and Gentile moral complacency (Romans 2:1). The oracles (3:2) refer to the Old Testament, revered by Jews (Psalm 147:19). The string of Scriptures (3:10–18) from Psalms and Isaiah was familiar to Jewish readers. Propitiation (3:25) echoes Jewish atonement sacrifices (Leviticus 16:15). Faith for all (3:29) challenged Jewish exclusivity (Acts 15:1).

Cultural Questions: Readers may ask about Jewish advantage (3:1). It was their role as God’s covenant people, not salvation by merit (Deuteronomy 7:6). “All have sinned” (3:23) includes moral Gentiles and law-keeping Jews (Romans 2:12). Propitiation (3:25) uses temple imagery, familiar to Jews but applied to Christ (Hebrews 9:12). “Boasting” (3:27) reflects human pride, common in Roman culture (1 Corinthians 4:7). Upholding the law (3:31) means affirming its moral and prophetic role, not legalism (Romans 8:4).

Application: Romans 3 calls believers to acknowledge their sin, trust Christ alone for justification, and live humbly by faith. It encourages sharing the gospel’s universal offer and praising God’s faithfulness (Ephesians 2:8; 1 Peter 3:15).