Romans 3:20-22 Law, Grace, and Justification by Faith
Romans 3:20-26 Law, Grace, and Justification by Faith
by Thomas Lee Abshier, ND
4/8/2025
AI quotation and summary of Romans 3:20-26 from the New King James Version (NKJV):
20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Reflection on Romans 3:20-26:
This passage is a cornerstone of Christian theology, presenting the essence of God’s plan for salvation:
- Verse 20: The law reveals sin but cannot justify anyone before God.
- Verse 21: God’s righteousness is revealed apart from the law, fulfilling what was promised in the Law and the Prophets.
- Verse 22: Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ and is available to everyone who believes, without distinction.
- Verse 23: Everyone has sinned and falls short of God’s glory, leveling the playing field for all humanity.
- Verse 24: Justification is a free gift of God’s grace, made possible through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.
- Verse 25: Jesus’ sacrificial death serves as the atonement (propitiation) for sin, demonstrating God’s righteousness and His patience in holding back judgment on past sins.
- Verse 26: God is both just (upholding His holiness) and the justifier (forgiving and declaring righteous) of those who put their faith in Jesus.
This passage highlights the profound truth that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, made possible through Jesus Christ, and accessible to anyone who believes. It also affirms God’s justice and mercy in dealing with sin through Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
Thomas Commentary:
Romans 3:(20) 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all [f]and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified [g]freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a [h]propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. New King James Version
Romans 3:20 Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight.
We can’t be good enough to stand before God and say, “I’m righteous enough to be in your presence.”
Later in these verses, we see that there is another type of action or way of being that is actually pleasing to God.
In other verses, not in this chapter, we see that no one can be pure enough to avoid all sin (all have sinned), which is why Jesus’s sacrifice and our acceptance of his sacrifice to pay for our sins were necessary.
Romans 3:20 for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
The law teaches us what sin is. We can use that knowledge to avoid violating the law, but “not violating the law” is different from being holy, righteous, and good.
Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets.
God’s righteousness is spoken about/defined/found in a place other than studying/observing/obeying the Law.
The Law and the Prophets reveal the law’s contents/terms/conditions, which are recitations of what to do and not do.
There are consequences to breaking the law, but that is only one side of the polarity.
The previous verse gives us a qualification about sin, establishing its definition and declaring that there is a negative way of being.
This verse says that God’s righteousness is not found in the Law or spoken about/warned about by the Prophets.
God’s righteousness is an entirely different domain than those acts/ways of being that are defined as sin.
Romans 3:22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.
The righteousness of God is attained through faith in Jesus Christ
Romans 3:22-23 For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
No one is good enough to be in God’s presence; we have all violated the law and cannot come into His presence, standing upon how good we are.
Romans 3:24 24 being justified [g]freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
There is redemption in Jesus Christ. It is by grace.
However, other scriptures require continual faith and avoidance of violating the law.
The larger context must be considered rather than standing on/obeying only the statement of a single verse.
Romans 3;25 25 whom God set forth as a [h]propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
God established a sacrificial system whereby He accepted a substitutionary sacrifice for the sacrifice of life/blood owed by the sinner.
This could be taken as God needing blood and being satisfied with blood from any person or animal whose blood was spilled to satisfy His anger at sin. It’s as though God is angry at sin, and to quell his rage, some man or animal has to die to satisfy His bloodthirst.
This offends our sensibilities of a loving God, and many reject God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for this reason.
It is for this reason that I have postulated the dynamic of demons:
The demons love spilled blood and death as much as a man loves savory food.
Demons tempt men to sin by stimulating thoughts and emotions.
When a man falls into sin, his soul is given into ownership by the demons.
Jesus was murdered; he was innocent of all sin, and the demons had no hold/no right/no contract for His soul.
Jesus Christ paid a debt that was not owed.
That payment to the demonic, which Jesus paid but did not use, can be appropriated by the sinner to pay his debt of sin.
When a man offers a blood sacrifice (literal blood, animals in the OT, or Jesus Christ in the NT) that sacrifice satisfies/pleases God.
The demons are quieted. Grace is given.
But God desired obedience, not sacrifice.
Obeying the law is good, but His heart/desire is for us to live in the spirit of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:26 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
God demonstrates His righteousness by showing what He cares about is perfected goodness.
What God really cares about is living in the way of Jesus; thus, those who surrender to Him, His Lordship, and believe in Him as Lord, He gives clemency.
His justice is in fulfilling the contract with the demonic, giving them their blood meal, and giving the captive freedom for allying with the goodness of Jesus and the counsel of the Holy Spirit.
It isn’t just about having faith that Jesus died for my sins; it is about living in the spirit of Jesus Christ, being perfect as He is by listening to and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus sent to us when He returned to the Father.
AI Summary of Article by David C. Grabbe in an email received this morning:
Here’s an analytical essay on David C. Grabbe’s interpretation of Romans 3:20-22:
The Law, Grace, and Selective Interpretation: Understanding Paul’s Message in Romans
Grabbe presents a compelling critique of what he terms “nominal Christianity’s” selective interpretation of Paul’s letters, particularly Romans. His central metaphor of Christians “singing” familiar verses while “humming” through challenging ones illustrates how many modern believers cherry-pick scriptural passages to support preexisting beliefs while ignoring contextual complexity.
The essay highlights three key observations:
- Contextual Integrity
Grabbe argues that Paul’s writings, like a well-crafted song, must be understood as a complete work. Individual verses, while memorable, derive their full meaning from their place within the larger narrative. This holistic approach challenges the common practice of isolating verses to support particular theological positions. - The Double Standard
The author identifies a striking inconsistency in how different commandments are treated. While most Christians readily accept commandments against idolatry, adultery, and murder as still binding, the Sabbath commandment often faces unique resistance. This selective application reveals potential biases in biblical interpretation and raises questions about consistency in applying scriptural principles. - Paul’s Rhetorical Structure
Grabbe explains that Paul’s apparent contradictions stem from his rhetorical style of exploring multiple aspects of complex theological issues. Rather than contradicting himself, Paul builds a nuanced argument that addresses both grace and law, faith and works, in a complementary rather than contradictory manner.
The essay’s significance extends beyond its immediate subject matter. It challenges readers to examine their own approach to scripture, questioning whether they, too, might be guilty of selective interpretation based on personal preference rather than careful analysis. Grabbe’s analysis suggests that proper biblical understanding requires:
- Recognition of context
- Consistent application of principles
- Careful attention to rhetorical structure
- Willingness to engage with challenging passages
In conclusion, Grabbe’s essay serves as both a critique of superficial biblical interpretation and a call for more thoughtful engagement with scripture, particularly regarding the relationship between God’s law and grace through Christ.