Romans Chapter 3 is one of the most quoted chapters of this book, and for good reason. It is in this chapter that Paul stresses the righteousness of God. He starts this chapter continuing with the theme of the first two chapters. In the original writings there were no chapter breaks. These were added much later so the flow from the start of the letter to verse 20 of this chapter is lost.
Is there and advantage to being a Jew
This is a question that Paul addresses. The returning Jews would be questioning themselves if in fact all are equal. Paul addresses this be showing that it was through the Jews that the Law, and the Prophets and even Christ Himself came. They were to be the light to the Gentiles. He shows that because the Jews were unrighteous that it actually displayed the righteousness of God.
Why not be unrighteous then?
Of course the argument was abounding that if their unrighteousness displayed the righteousness of God then why not live a sinful life and more so, why should they be judged? In fact some were reporting that Paul was teaching, “Let us do evil that good might come.” This is similar to the teaching nowadays of Hyper Grace. This is the idea that since God is so loving that I as a believer can do whatever I want, including sin, because God in His Grace will always forgive me! As Paul implies, this is slanderous and certainly not true.
There is none righteous
Paul again states that both Jew and Gentile are both under sin and, quoting from Psalm 14 & 53, states. “There is none righteous, not even one” The Law speaks to those under law so all the world may become accountable to God. Then Paul talks about the righteousness that was witnessed by both the “Law and the Prophets”.
The righteousness of God
Starting at verse 22, Paul gets to the heart of the message. The righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ. And it is through faith alone. Then verse 23, one of the most quoted scriptures, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” followed by 24. “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” There is no other way. It is only by faith in Jesus that men can be saved. Not by works. Not by our own righteousness. Only through faith in Jesus. Therefore, there is no boasting allowed as salvation is through grace; a gift from God but we have to appropriate this gift. It is not automatic.
Hers is the YouTube message I did on this chapter