“no one understands; no one seeks for God” (Romans 3:11).
While the meaning of this passage is relatively straightforward, it presents us with several implications that may be difficult to accept. This verse confronts the stark reality of the human condition; thus, it requires careful thought and a commitment to follow the truth where it leads. To begin, let’s consider the spiritual underpinnings of Romans 3:11…
“Before Adam sinned, he had fellowship with God. We see Adam standing in the presence of God, wherein God speaks to him (Gen. 2:15–17). After Adam sins, however, he tries to hide himself from God (3:8). This is true of every fallen child of Adam. Even though he knows God’s ‘invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature…in the things that have been made,’ he turns his thoughts and worship to dead idols rather than to the living God. This is why the Scripture says ‘no one seeks for God’ (Rom. 3:11) and ‘the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God’ (8:7).” (1)
However, this does not mean we are incapable of seeking God. Indeed, the Scriptures encourage us to do so in both the Old and New Testaments…
“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8).
The problem is that a religious pursuit does not automatically mean that one is seeking God. For instance, some who appear to be searching for God may only be seeking a “higher power” that aligns with their preferences and imposes no obligations upon them. In fact, Paul the Apostle spent the second half of Romans chapter one exploring that very subject.
Another source examines the question of motive by turning to the spiritual leadership of first-century Israel as an example…
“Knowing what the scripture says is one thing; following on to know the Lord is another. Since the Jews were not seeking after God, what was the point of all their study? Christ himself pinpointed the trouble: it was this, that they desired the praise of men rather than the praise of God (John 12:43). Christ said, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). Moreover, they did not seek to glorify God, but only to glorify one another (John 5:44).” (2)
We’ll consider the challenging ramifications of this passage next.
(1) Paradise created by Guy Waters. (n.d.). Ligonier Ministries. https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/paradise-created
(2) Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on Romans 3”. “Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible”. https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bcc/romans-3.html. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.