Justification By Faith Alone (Sermon Blog)
Series Recap
Chapter 1: Paul addresses the Gentile world, showing what happens when people ignore God.
Chapter 2: Paul turns to the Jewish audience, confronting hypocrisy and spiritual entitlement.
Key Takeaways from Romans 3
Chapter 3: Paul concludes that both Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God — and introduces the only way to be made right with Him.
1. Religious Rituals and Heritage Can’t Save You
Paul opens chapter 3 by asking, “Is there any advantage in being a Jew?” (Romans 3:1).
While there was value in receiving God's revelation and covenant, Paul makes it clear that outward rituals like circumcision couldn’t change hearts.
Key idea:
“A true Jew is one whose heart is right with God, and true circumcision is not merely obeying the law but a change of heart produced by the Spirit.” (Romans 2:29)
Application: It’s possible to go through religious motions without genuine transformation.
2. God Remains Faithful, Even When People Fail
Paul acknowledges that many of God’s people were unfaithful, but he reminds us:
“Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true.” (Romans 3:4)
Takeaway: God never breaks His promises — including His covenant with Israel and His offer of salvation through Jesus.
3. Twisted Logic About Sin
Some people in Paul’s time argued: If our sin makes God’s righteousness shine brighter, why not sin more?
Paul’s response is clear:
“Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.” (Romans 3:8)
Why this matters:
Sin isn’t harmless — it leaves a wake, like a boat disturbing calm water. Even “private” sin affects others and damages communities.
4. Humanity’s Collective Condition
Paul presents an honest (and sobering) description of human nature:
No one is righteous (Romans 3:10)
No one seeks God
All have turned away
Their words, actions, and motives are corrupt
Summary:
We’re far from God’s holiness — and we can’t fix that gap on our own.
5. The Law Shows Us Our Need, Not Our Solution
The purpose of God’s law was to reveal sin, not save us.
“No one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands.” (Romans 3:20)
Takeaway: Religious effort alone leaves us exhausted and still separated from God.
The Good News: Justification By Faith Alone
Then comes the turning point:
“But now God has shown us a way to be made right with Him without keeping the requirements of the law.” (Romans 3:21)
How?
“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.” (Romans 3:22)
Important Truths About Salvation
It’s by grace through faith, not works. You don’t have to earn God’s favor — Jesus already did the work.
It’s for everyone. Jew, Gentile, man, woman — salvation is universally available.
It’s secure. You don’t have to live in uncertainty, hoping you’ve done enough.
Charles Swindoll’s Three Observations on Grace
Grace releases us from religious control and institutions.
We go directly to God through Jesus.Grace removes religion as the means of relationship with God.
It’s personal, not procedural.Grace changes the purpose of good deeds.
We don’t do good to earn salvation — we do good as a grateful response to it.
Final Thought
We all fall short of God’s perfect standard.
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23)
But through faith in Jesus, we’re made right — not by what we do, but by what He’s done.