At the conclusion of Romans 2, Paul had specifically written to his Jewish readers who may be tempted to view their circumcision and nationality as the thing which connected them to God; however, Paul makes it clear that circumcision is of no benefit if it does not lead to a changed life (2:25-27). What makes a person one of God’s children does not rest in the outward works of the flesh, but the inward cleansing of the heart which leads to moral actions (2:28-29). Some of his Jewish readers may then think, “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?” (3:1) In other words, what is the point of being a Jew if outward rituals do not benefit and there is no difference from the Gentile? Paul calms their fears and reminds them that they are still God’s chosen people who received the words of God about salvation (3:2) and even though some of the Jews rebelled, God was still faithful to His people (3:3-4).
Paul did not want the Jews to take advantage of their special relationship with God by engaging in sinful lifestyles in order to demonstrate the righteousness and grace of God (3:5). Choosing a life of sin to highlight the forgiveness and mercy of God is never acceptable (3:6). There were many false teachers during the early church who had spread this erroneous teaching and had cheapened the grace of God by endorsing freedom to sin because of God forgiveness (3:7-8). Jews were a people whom God set aside to demonstrate His blessings upon those who obey and love Him, but if they chose to continue in sin they would encounter the same judgment as anyone else.
Now Paul turned his attention back to the Roman Christians informing them that they were no better than the Jews and are also guilty of breaking God’s law (3:9). Jew and Gentile alike are all under sin. The Old Testament confirms this fact declaring, “There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one” (3:10-12; see also Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1-3). All men are evil and sinful before God and there is no one who can claim otherwise. Paul even goes into detail about the wickedness of all men – speaks lies (3:13), speaks harsh and bitter words (3:14), hates others (3:15), walks in his own destructive ways (3:16-17), and has no respect for God (3:18).
When a person realizes his guilt before God, whether through the written law or their conscience, they must also recognize that they have no defense before Him (3:19). Man naturally wants to defend his actions, but his mouth must be silenced when he becomes aware that that he is guilty of breaking God’s law. Instead of thinking he can find forgiveness through obedience to the law (which Paul has already said is impossible), an individual must see that God’s law only has the ability to expose sin.
At this point in reading Paul’s letter to the Romans, a person must first realize the extent of their sinfulness. Sin has affected every human being, causing him to be guilty before God and deserving of judgment, whether he is Jew or Gentile. Those who continue to justify their sin will never be ready to receive the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Dear God, remind me often of my sinfulness and guilt before You. I willingly admit that I am a sinner who deserves Your judgment, but I am relying on Your forgiveness and mercy to save me.
