Justified by Faith

Thoughts about Romans 3

Romans 3:28 has to be read with the whole chapter. Because we cannot boast anything of ourselves, due to (a) Law, (b) our inability to keep the Law, and (c) the mercy and grace of God saving us from the unmitigated consequences of that, boasting “is excluded”. Not “by works”, but “by the law of faith” (verse 27). “Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith alone, without intervention of the law.”

Law doesn’t save us; it condemns us (e.g. 3:19 & 20). It shows up how incapable we are of keeping it. This doesn’t stop us from doing all we can to keep it, but we won’t be justified – exonerated – by those efforts. Because that could only happen if we could keep it perfectly. Therefore – this is why – we are justified from the consequences of imperfect living against eternal law – or just the Law of Moses – by faith only. Because it is God who justifies us, due to the propitiation of His Son. This occurs through the Holy Spirit.

But to make this happen, we must (a) believe that, and (b) exercise faith in Him, both at baptism and throughout our lives. It is our faith in Jesus Christ that saves us from this guilt according to the Law, because our faith allows His mercy and grace to intercede and complete what we cannot.

For that, we show gratitude to Him always, by following Him, keeping His commandments and following His invitations. Our loyalty is to Him, not the law, or ourselves. Our path or relationship is now, “Do this, because it is right and leads to happiness; I will help you both do it and desire to do it; I will also forgive you – make you clean and re-set you on the path – when you do not, as long as you continue to have faith in me.”

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Other resources

New Testament Institute manual entry for Romans 1-3

– Articles

A Restoration of Paul’s Understanding of Faith as a Relationship of Action

Grace: The Enabling Power and Gift of God’s Love