NO ONE IS RIGHTEOUS
Romans 3:9-20, ESV
Thirteenth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”
Paul has been building a careful case, like a prosecuting attorney presenting evidence before a court. First, the apostle turned his attention to the Gentiles, showing how humanity suppressed the truth, exchanged God’s glory for idols, and was given to its desires. Then the apostle turned his attention to the Jews, the people who received the Mosaic Law. They bore the name of the LORD, yet they have failed to obey the command through Moses completely. Paul dismantled their arguments; he addressed self-righteousness, false confidence, and the major accusations. The advantage of the Jew is knowing the commandments. But God will judge all: Jew and non-Jew.
Universal Guilt
Paul concludes his argument that both Jews and Greeks are “all under sin.” Having already condemned Gentile idolatry (1:18-32) and Jewish presumption (2:1-29), he now levels the playing field: no one has an inherent advantage before God when it comes to judgment. The reason? All are guilty.
Romans 3:9-12: What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
Paul anchors his point in a chain of Old Testament citations (drawing especially from the Psalms), beginning with the sweeping declaration that none is righteous, none seeks God, and all have turned away. The point is the universality and totality of human sinfulness. No one seeks God; no one does good.
Severe Sinfulness of Man
Paul illustrates how deeply sin pervades the whole person through a vivid “anatomy of sin.” He moves through the body, throat, tongue, lips, mouth, feet, eyes, showing corruption in speech (deceit, poison, cursing), in conduct (swift to shed blood, leaving ruin and misery in their paths), and in disposition.
Romans 3:13-18: “Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”The catalog climaxes in the root cause: “there is no fear of God before their eyes.” Sin is not merely external acts but a comprehensive condition affecting how humans speak, act, and relate to God. Man has fallen in the deepest mire of sin; he does not and cannot save himself.
The Verdict
Paul draws the legal conclusion. Whatever the Law says, it addresses those under it, so that every mouth is stopped. Everyone who makes excuses or accuses God will not prevail. The whole world is guilty before God.
Romans 3:19-20: Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Crucially, the Law’s function here is diagnostic, not redemptive: “by works of the law no one will be justified,” because “through the law comes knowledge of sin.” The Law exposes and convicts but cannot save, setting up the pivot to righteousness by faith.
Application
1. Every human being is guilty of sin. Scripture says that there is no one righteous. Thus, we say that we are not righteous; we are guilty. Let us admit that we are sinners; we cannot save ourselves.
2. We have lied and cheated; no one can say that they have not sinned, or perhaps even worse. Let us not make excuses nor sugarcoat our sin. Let us call it what it is: disobedience, defiance, and rebellion against God’s commands.
3. The law reveals the sin, but it cannot save. The verdict is clear: Jew and Gentile are all guilty. Only Christ can save. Thus, we look to Him alone for our justification.
Poem
GUILTY VERDICT by Ed Pilapil Jr Jews and Gentiles, in the same state The judgment is not for debate Verdict is clear: all are guilty Is there still room for God’s mercy? In Christ is the mercy of God For the Jew, that will be so odd I believe for the Gentile, too Both, then, should change their point of view What then should be the point of view? The Jews, they are so guilty, too For the Jew, that will be so odd All men have turned away from God Through faith in Christ, there is mercy First, you must know you are guilty Shut your mouth and stop your debate Faith in Christ will transform your state
Study Guide
1. Explain Paul’s conclusion about the verdict for Jews and Gentiles: that no one is righteous. (Ro 3:9-12)
2. Explain the severity of the depravity of man. (Ro 3:13-18)
3. Explain why no one will be justified based on works of the law. What does the law do? (Ro 3:19-20)
