Romans 3:31
Verse
Context
Sermons
Keith Daniel
Zac Poonen
John MetcalfeMichael Haykin
J.C. Philpot
St. John Chrysostom
F.B. MeyerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Do we then make void the law through faith? - 1. By law here we may understand the whole of the Mosaic law, in its rites and ceremonies; of which Jesus Christ was the subject and the end. All that law had respect to him; and the doctrine of faith in Christ Jesus, which the Christian religion proclaimed, established the very claims and demands of that law, by showing that all was accomplished in the passion and death of Christ, for, without shedding of blood, the law would allow of no remission; and Jesus was that Lamb of God which was slain from the foundation of the world, in whose blood we have redemption, even the remission of sins. 2. We may understand, also, the moral law, that which relates to the regulation of the manners or conduct of men. This law also was established by the doctrine of salvation by faith; because this faith works by love, and love is the principle of obedience: and whosoever receives salvation through faith in Christ, receives power to live in holy obedience to every moral precept; for such are God's workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus, unto good works; in which they find it their duty and their interest incessantly to live. 1. In the notes on the preceding chapter, I have, in general, followed the plan of Dr. Taylor, and especially in regard to its dialogue form, but I have often differed much from that very learned and judicious man, in the application of many words and doctrines. He cannot allow that the death of Christ should be considered as a price paid down for the salvation of men and, I confess, I cannot understand the apostle in any other way. Nor can I see the weight of many of his observations, nor the force of his conclusions, on any other ground than this, that the passion and death of Christ were an atonement made to Divine justice in the behalf of man; and that it is through the merit of that great sacrifice that God forgives sin. Nor can I see any reason why such great stress should be laid on faith, but as that lays hold on and takes up the sacrifice of Christ as a ransom price for the redemption of the soul from the thraldom and misery of sin and Satan. 2. This chapter contains a fine and striking synopsis of the whole Christian system. The wretched state of man is awfully exhibited, from the 10th to the 18th verse; and the plan of salvation, in the 24th, 25th, and 26th verses. A pious writer calls these the Catechism of Christian Righteousness. The following points in this catechism are worthy of high consideration - viz. How is God glorified in us, and we in him? - By his Grace. What does his grace work in us? - True holiness. Upon what motive? - Because it is pleasing to him. By whom does he give us salvation? - By Jesus Christ. How has Christ obtained this for us? - By redeeming us. What price did he give? - His Blood. What does his blood effect? - It reconciles us to God. How is it applied? - By Faith. Who has given this victim of reconciliation? - God the Father. Why did he choose these means? - To confound the false righteousness of the Gentiles; to abolish the Figurative righteousness of the Jews; and to establish his own. What does this grace of God perform? - It pardons sin and purifies the heart. For whom is this designed? - For all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles. To whom are these blessings actually communicated? - To all who repent, turn from their sin, and believe on the Lord Jesus. Why did not God make known this grand method of salvation sooner? 1. To make it the more valued: 2. To show his fidelity in the performance of his promises: and, 3. To make known the virtue and efficacy of the blood of Christ, which sanctifies the present, extends its influence to the past, and continues the availing sacrifice and way of salvation to all future ages. 3. On considering this glorious scheme of salvation, there is great danger, lest, while we stand amazed at what was done For us, we neglect what must be done In us. Guilt in the conscience and sin in the heart ruin the man. Pardon in the conscience and Christ in the heart save the soul. Christ has done much to save us, and the way of salvation is made plain; but, unless he justify our conscience from dead works, and purify our hearts from all sin, his passion and death will profit us nothing. While we boast in Christ Jesus, let us see that our rejoicing, καυχησις, our boasting, be this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have our conversation in the world, Co2 1:12. 4. We must beware of Antinomianism; that is, of supposing that, because Christ has been obedient unto death, there is no necessity for our obedience to his righteous commandments. If this were so, the grace of Christ would tend to the destruction of the law, and not to its establishment. He only is saved from his sins who has the law of God written in his heart; and he alone has the law written in his heart who lives an innocent, holy, and useful life. Wherever Christ lives he works: and his work of righteousness will appear to his servants, and its effect will be quietness and assurance for ever. The life of God in the soul of man is the principle which saves and preserves eternally.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Do we then make void the law through faith?--"Does this doctrine of justification by faith, then, dissolve the obligation of the law? If so, it cannot be of God. But away with such a thought, for it does just the reverse." God forbid: yea, we establish the law--It will be observed here, that, important as was this objection, and opening up as it did so noble a field for the illustration of the peculiar glory of the Gospel, the apostle does no more here than indignantly repel it, intending at a subsequent stage of his argument (Rom. 6:1-23) to resume and discuss it at length. Note, (1) It is a fundamental requisite of all true religion that it tend to humble the sinner and exalt God; and every system which breeds self-righteousness, or cherishes boasting, bears falsehood on its face (Rom 3:27-28). (2) The fitness of the Gospel to be a universal religion, beneath which the guilty of every name and degree are invited and warranted to take shelter and repose, is a glorious evidence of its truth (Rom 3:29-30). (3) The glory of God's law, in its eternal and immutable obligations, is then only fully apprehended by the sinner, and then only is it enthroned in the depths of his soul, when, believing that "He was made sin for him who knew no sin," he sees himself "made the righteousness of God in Him" (Co2 5:21). Thus do we not make void the law through faith: yea, we establish the law. (4) This chapter, and particularly the latter part of it, "is the proper seat of the Pauline doctrine of Justification, and the grand proof-passage of the Protestant doctrine of the Imputation of Christ's righteousness and of Justification not on account of, but through faith alone" [PHILIPPI]. To make good this doctrine, and reseat it in the faith and affection of the Church, was worth all the bloody struggles that it cost our fathers, and it will be the wisdom and safety, the life and vigor of the churches, to "stand fast in this liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, and not be again entangled"--in the very least degree--"with the yoke of bondage" (Gal 5:1). Next: Romans Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:31 we truly fulfill the law: Paul knows that some people will object to his insistence on faith apart from the law because it seems to dismiss the demands of the law. However, faith actually enables people to fulfill the law. The Holy Spirit is given to those who have faith, and he makes it possible for people to do as they should.
Romans 3:31
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Epistle to the Romans
By Keith Daniel1.8K51:38Bible ReadingROM 3:31ROM 5:9JAS 2:101PE 1:18In this sermon, the speaker takes the audience on a crash course through the book of Romans. The book of Romans is seen as a vital revelation given to Paul by Christ, who appeared to him in a powerful conversion experience. The main theme of the book is the power of the gospel of Christ, which brings salvation to all who believe. The speaker emphasizes that the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
(Romans) Romans 3:19-5:21
By Zac Poonen1.5K48:25ROM 2:11ROM 3:19ROM 3:22ROM 3:31ROM 4:17ROM 5:3In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of justifying the right edge of a typewritten page to explain how God justifies our lives. He emphasizes that our past lives may be filled with sin and imperfections, but God can make them straight and righteous through the righteousness of Christ. The speaker also discusses the concept of justification, explaining that it goes beyond forgiveness and includes being declared righteous by God. He highlights that justification is a gift from God, received through faith, and that it demonstrates God's righteousness and grace.
The Law Established - Part 1
By John Metcalfe1.0K1:14:58PSA 119:105MAT 5:17JHN 1:17ACT 4:13ROM 3:312TI 1:13HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of the law in relation to the gospel. He explains that Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law of Moses in his human nature and took upon himself the curse of sin. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus satisfied the requirements of the law and justified believers. The preacher warns against distorting the law and adding human merit or works to the gospel, emphasizing that salvation is a result of God's grace alone.
Horatius Bonar
By Michael Haykin69747:40ACT 13:38ROM 3:21ROM 3:31ROM 5:1ROM 5:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of reaching people with the word of God. He suggests creating booklets that can be handed out to others, with titles that emphasize conversion and belief in the finished work of Jesus Christ. The speaker also highlights the significance of having a godly environment and a church where the gospel is preached. He mentions the testimony of Horatius Bonner, who emphasized the gospel and the reconciliation of sinners through the death of Jesus. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the impact of preaching the gospel for many years, which can create a heavenly atmosphere on earth.
The Threefold Overthrow of Self
By J.C. Philpot0MAT 5:18LUK 16:17ROM 3:31ROM 7:12GAL 3:24The preacher delves into the significance of the stroke (KJV = tittle) in the Hebrew letters, emphasizing its importance in distinguishing one letter from another. Jesus stressed the vital nature of every letter and word in the Old Testament, affirming that every aspect of the Law and the Prophets would be fulfilled. The sermon explores the meticulous attention Jewish teachers gave to preserving every stroke and letter in the Law of Moses. Jesus' teaching highlights the immutability of Scripture, asserting that not even the smallest detail of the Law would pass away until it was accomplished.
Homily 7 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 6:33MAT 19:29LUK 17:10ROM 3:28ROM 3:31John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of faith in justification, emphasizing that both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith without the deeds of the Law. He highlights the need to trust in God's righteousness, witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, and to understand that faith does not nullify the Law but rather establishes it. Chrysostom urges believers to show charity through good deeds, such as helping the needy, caring for the sick, and rejoicing with others. He warns against the dangers of envy and grudging, emphasizing the need to love one another as Christ loved us, shedding His blood even for His enemies.
New Heart Righteousness
By F.B. Meyer0Fulfillment of the LawRighteousnessMAT 5:17LUK 24:44ACT 13:15ROM 3:31ROM 8:4F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Jesus' mission was to fulfill and elevate the law rather than abolish it, illustrating how He embodies the highest ideals of righteousness. He highlights the reverence Jesus had for the Old Testament, affirming its divine authority and the importance of its teachings in preparing hearts for His message. Meyer warns that in Christ's kingdom, even unwarranted anger and contempt are serious offenses, equating them to capital crimes, thus urging believers to cultivate a heart of love and righteousness.
The Law in the Hand of Christ.
By John Gill0Law And GraceChrist as Fulfillment of the LawDEU 10:5PSA 119:96MAT 5:17JHN 4:34ROM 3:31ROM 8:1ROM 10:41CO 9:212CO 3:3HEB 7:22John Gill preaches on 'The Law in the Hand of Christ,' emphasizing that the ark of the covenant symbolizes Christ, who embodies the law and fulfills its demands. He explains how the two tables of stone represent the moral law, which remains unchanged and is fulfilled in Christ, who is both the lawgiver and the one who bears the penalty for sin. Gill highlights that while the law is no longer a covenant of works for believers, it continues to guide them in their conduct under grace. The sermon concludes with the assurance that through Christ, the law is not a source of condemnation but a means of grace and guidance for believers.
Establishing the Law (On Judaizing and Antinomianism)
By Robert Wurtz II0MAT 5:17JHN 3:3ROM 1:18ROM 3:31GAL 5:22Robert Wurtz II preaches about the freedom found in the TRUE gospel, which liberates us from the Old Covenant and its laws, revealing that the Old Covenant was meant to expose sin rather than bring righteousness. Through the New Covenant, we are saved from God's wrath and transformed into the likeness of God, living righteous lives characterized by love and purity. The sermon also addresses the dangers of Judaizers who insisted on Gentiles keeping the Law of Moses and the heretical belief of Antinomianism, which claims Christians are exempt from moral law.
Law Established Through Faith, 1
By John Wesley0Faith and WorksThe Role of the LawROM 3:31ROM 6:15EPH 2:8John Wesley emphasizes that faith does not nullify the law but rather establishes it, as articulated by St. Paul in Romans 3:31. He argues that while justification comes through faith alone, it does not exempt believers from the moral law, which remains essential for guiding righteous living. Wesley warns against the common misconception that faith diminishes the necessity of holiness, urging believers to maintain a diligent and obedient life in accordance with God's commands. He highlights the dangers of practical antinomianism, where individuals live as if grace allows for sin, and calls for a return to the conviction and zeal that characterized their earlier faith. Ultimately, Wesley encourages believers to examine their lives and ensure that their faith is accompanied by works that reflect their commitment to God's law.
Law Established Through Faith, 2
By John Wesley0Establishing God's LawFaith and HolinessMAT 5:17ROM 3:31GAL 5:6JAS 2:17John Wesley emphasizes that faith does not nullify the law but rather establishes it, urging believers to preach the law in its entirety and to live in accordance with it. He warns against the common misconceptions that faith diminishes the necessity of holiness or that it allows for sin under the guise of grace. Wesley asserts that true faith leads to a life of holiness, love, and obedience to God's commandments, which are essential for a genuine Christian life. He encourages believers to establish the law in their hearts and lives, recognizing that faith is a means to restore the law of love that God intended from the beginning. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a faith that produces love and holiness, fulfilling the law in both spirit and action.
Christ Versus Moses
By Arthur Vess0MAL 3:6MAT 5:20ROM 3:311CO 9:81CO 16:2GAL 3:7Arthur Vess preaches about the misconception that the law of tithing belongs to the law of Moses and was annulled by Christ, emphasizing that the law of tithing existed before Moses and is still relevant today. He highlights how Abraham paid tithes to Melchisedec, believed to be Jesus Christ, showcasing the continuity of tithing from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Vess explains that while Christ did away with ceremonial laws, He established moral laws, including the law of tithing, as a way to show love and devotion to God. He challenges the notion of the annulment of tithing, pointing out that there is no record of it being annulled and that it is crucial for financing the spread of the gospel in a world filled with wickedness.
A True and a False Faith
By Catherine Booth0LUK 16:11ROM 3:31GAL 5:6HEB 11:6JAS 2:20Catherine Booth preaches about the difference between true and false faith, emphasizing the necessity of a faith that is not just intellectual perception or emotional feeling, but a voluntary committal of the heart to God. She highlights that saving faith is a powerful, transforming principle that leads to obedience and righteousness, not just a belief in facts. Catherine Booth urges the congregation to give themselves over to God completely, risking their all on His truthfulness and goodness, and living contrary to the world as if all that God has said is true.
The Bread of Heaven
By Charles Finney0Justification By FaithThe Role of the LawLUK 10:27JHN 14:6ROM 3:31ROM 8:15HEB 10:28Charles Finney emphasizes that justification by faith does not nullify the moral law but rather establishes it, countering the belief that faith leads to moral laxity. He argues that true repentance and obedience stem from understanding the gospel, which presents God's love and grace rather than fear of punishment. Finney explains that the law alone cannot produce holiness; it is the gospel that transforms hearts and motivates true obedience through love. He warns against self-righteousness and highlights the necessity of recognizing salvation as a free gift, which leads to genuine love and concern for others. Ultimately, he asserts that the gospel is essential for breaking the chains of selfishness and leading sinners to true faith in Christ.
Sanctification by Faith
By Charles Finney0Justification By FaithSanctificationROM 3:31EPH 2:8Charles Finney emphasizes that justification by faith does not nullify the law but rather establishes it, as true obedience arises from faith in Christ. He argues that the gospel enforces moral law and that genuine repentance and faith lead to sanctification, which is the essence of holiness. Finney addresses common objections that faith might encourage sin, asserting that the gospel's message of grace compels believers to love and obey God. He illustrates that true obedience is born from understanding God's disinterested love and the free gift of salvation, which transforms the heart and motivates genuine moral action. Ultimately, Finney calls for a clear presentation of the gospel to lead sinners away from self-righteousness and towards faith in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Do we then make void the law through faith? - 1. By law here we may understand the whole of the Mosaic law, in its rites and ceremonies; of which Jesus Christ was the subject and the end. All that law had respect to him; and the doctrine of faith in Christ Jesus, which the Christian religion proclaimed, established the very claims and demands of that law, by showing that all was accomplished in the passion and death of Christ, for, without shedding of blood, the law would allow of no remission; and Jesus was that Lamb of God which was slain from the foundation of the world, in whose blood we have redemption, even the remission of sins. 2. We may understand, also, the moral law, that which relates to the regulation of the manners or conduct of men. This law also was established by the doctrine of salvation by faith; because this faith works by love, and love is the principle of obedience: and whosoever receives salvation through faith in Christ, receives power to live in holy obedience to every moral precept; for such are God's workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus, unto good works; in which they find it their duty and their interest incessantly to live. 1. In the notes on the preceding chapter, I have, in general, followed the plan of Dr. Taylor, and especially in regard to its dialogue form, but I have often differed much from that very learned and judicious man, in the application of many words and doctrines. He cannot allow that the death of Christ should be considered as a price paid down for the salvation of men and, I confess, I cannot understand the apostle in any other way. Nor can I see the weight of many of his observations, nor the force of his conclusions, on any other ground than this, that the passion and death of Christ were an atonement made to Divine justice in the behalf of man; and that it is through the merit of that great sacrifice that God forgives sin. Nor can I see any reason why such great stress should be laid on faith, but as that lays hold on and takes up the sacrifice of Christ as a ransom price for the redemption of the soul from the thraldom and misery of sin and Satan. 2. This chapter contains a fine and striking synopsis of the whole Christian system. The wretched state of man is awfully exhibited, from the 10th to the 18th verse; and the plan of salvation, in the 24th, 25th, and 26th verses. A pious writer calls these the Catechism of Christian Righteousness. The following points in this catechism are worthy of high consideration - viz. How is God glorified in us, and we in him? - By his Grace. What does his grace work in us? - True holiness. Upon what motive? - Because it is pleasing to him. By whom does he give us salvation? - By Jesus Christ. How has Christ obtained this for us? - By redeeming us. What price did he give? - His Blood. What does his blood effect? - It reconciles us to God. How is it applied? - By Faith. Who has given this victim of reconciliation? - God the Father. Why did he choose these means? - To confound the false righteousness of the Gentiles; to abolish the Figurative righteousness of the Jews; and to establish his own. What does this grace of God perform? - It pardons sin and purifies the heart. For whom is this designed? - For all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles. To whom are these blessings actually communicated? - To all who repent, turn from their sin, and believe on the Lord Jesus. Why did not God make known this grand method of salvation sooner? 1. To make it the more valued: 2. To show his fidelity in the performance of his promises: and, 3. To make known the virtue and efficacy of the blood of Christ, which sanctifies the present, extends its influence to the past, and continues the availing sacrifice and way of salvation to all future ages. 3. On considering this glorious scheme of salvation, there is great danger, lest, while we stand amazed at what was done For us, we neglect what must be done In us. Guilt in the conscience and sin in the heart ruin the man. Pardon in the conscience and Christ in the heart save the soul. Christ has done much to save us, and the way of salvation is made plain; but, unless he justify our conscience from dead works, and purify our hearts from all sin, his passion and death will profit us nothing. While we boast in Christ Jesus, let us see that our rejoicing, καυχησις, our boasting, be this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have our conversation in the world, Co2 1:12. 4. We must beware of Antinomianism; that is, of supposing that, because Christ has been obedient unto death, there is no necessity for our obedience to his righteous commandments. If this were so, the grace of Christ would tend to the destruction of the law, and not to its establishment. He only is saved from his sins who has the law of God written in his heart; and he alone has the law written in his heart who lives an innocent, holy, and useful life. Wherever Christ lives he works: and his work of righteousness will appear to his servants, and its effect will be quietness and assurance for ever. The life of God in the soul of man is the principle which saves and preserves eternally.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Do we then make void the law through faith?--"Does this doctrine of justification by faith, then, dissolve the obligation of the law? If so, it cannot be of God. But away with such a thought, for it does just the reverse." God forbid: yea, we establish the law--It will be observed here, that, important as was this objection, and opening up as it did so noble a field for the illustration of the peculiar glory of the Gospel, the apostle does no more here than indignantly repel it, intending at a subsequent stage of his argument (Rom. 6:1-23) to resume and discuss it at length. Note, (1) It is a fundamental requisite of all true religion that it tend to humble the sinner and exalt God; and every system which breeds self-righteousness, or cherishes boasting, bears falsehood on its face (Rom 3:27-28). (2) The fitness of the Gospel to be a universal religion, beneath which the guilty of every name and degree are invited and warranted to take shelter and repose, is a glorious evidence of its truth (Rom 3:29-30). (3) The glory of God's law, in its eternal and immutable obligations, is then only fully apprehended by the sinner, and then only is it enthroned in the depths of his soul, when, believing that "He was made sin for him who knew no sin," he sees himself "made the righteousness of God in Him" (Co2 5:21). Thus do we not make void the law through faith: yea, we establish the law. (4) This chapter, and particularly the latter part of it, "is the proper seat of the Pauline doctrine of Justification, and the grand proof-passage of the Protestant doctrine of the Imputation of Christ's righteousness and of Justification not on account of, but through faith alone" [PHILIPPI]. To make good this doctrine, and reseat it in the faith and affection of the Church, was worth all the bloody struggles that it cost our fathers, and it will be the wisdom and safety, the life and vigor of the churches, to "stand fast in this liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, and not be again entangled"--in the very least degree--"with the yoke of bondage" (Gal 5:1). Next: Romans Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:31 we truly fulfill the law: Paul knows that some people will object to his insistence on faith apart from the law because it seems to dismiss the demands of the law. However, faith actually enables people to fulfill the law. The Holy Spirit is given to those who have faith, and he makes it possible for people to do as they should.