Romans Chapter 3 — Righteousness Through Faith
Paul describes the universal state of human sin and introduces justification by faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to be right with God.
1Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision?
2Much in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the revelations of God.
3For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?
4May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written,
5But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
6May it never be! For then how will God judge the world?
7For if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
8Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let’s do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned.
9What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
10As it is written,
11There is no one who understands.
12They have all turned away.
13“Their throat is an open tomb.
14“Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”✡Psalms 10:7
15“Their feet are swift to shed blood.
16Destruction and misery are in their ways.
17The way of peace, they haven’t known.”✡Isaiah 59:7-8
18“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”✡Psalms 36:1
19Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
20Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
21But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
22even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,
23for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
24being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice*or, a propitiation through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;
26to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
27Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
28We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
29Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
30since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
31Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Romans 3:23
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
This verse establishes the universal human need for God's grace, regardless of background.
Romans 3:28
“We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
It summarizes the central argument that right standing with God comes through belief rather than legalistic performance.
Chapter Summary
In Romans Chapter 3, Paul addresses the status of the Jewish people, noting they were entrusted with God's revelations, yet clarifies that human unfaithfulness does not change God's faithfulness. Using various Old Testament scriptures, he argues that all people—both Jews and Greeks—are under the power of sin and that no one is naturally righteous. He explains that the purpose of the law is to provide knowledge of sin rather than to justify. Paul then introduces the core message: a righteousness from God has been revealed apart from the law, available to everyone through faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that since everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory, justification comes freely by grace through the redemption found in Christ. This plan of salvation applies to both Jews and Gentiles, as there is only one God who justifies all people through faith, which ultimately upholds the true intent of the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul states that the Jewish people have a great advantage because they were the ones entrusted with the revelations and words of God. However, he clarifies that this privilege does not mean they are exempt from the universal reality of sin.
The text explains that no person will be justified in God's sight by performing the works of the law. Instead, the law's primary function is to provide the knowledge of sin, making people aware of their own shortcomings.
Justification is described as being declared righteous freely by God's grace. It is made possible through the redemption found in Christ Jesus and is received through faith rather than through human effort or merit.
Study Note
The Greek word translated as 'atoning sacrifice' in verse 25 is 'hilasterion,' which specifically refers to the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant.
Related Chapters
Psalm 14
Paul quotes this Psalm to support his argument that there is no one who is naturally righteous.
Galatians 2
This chapter further explores the theme of justification by faith apart from the works of the law.
Romans 4
The following chapter uses the example of Abraham to illustrate how faith is credited as righteousness.
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