“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

While Romans 3:23 contains one of the Bible’s most recognizable quotes, it references a concept that is often poorly defined: sin. For instance, “sin” is a relatively familiar word, but how many can explain its definition? Its probably safe to assume that most of us would likely (and correctly) associate “sin” with something wrong or bad, but what exactly is it?

When we encounter the Biblical use of the word “sin,” it generally involves something more than just the mere presence of evil or corruption: it means “to miss the mark.” One way to understand the meaning behind this word is to visualize an archer as he or she prepares to shoot an arrow at a bulls-eye. For example, consider an archer as he or she takes aim, draws the bowstring, and lets the arrow fly towards its target.

But unfortunately for our hypothetical archer in this example, the arrow falls short of its intended destination and lands on the ground. In this instance, the archer missed the mark; in other words, he or she “sinned” by falling short and failing to hit the target.

Much like the archer in our illustration, sin involves more than inappropriate behavior; it means “to miss the mark.” When we consider the word “sin” in the context of Romans 3:23, it helps to remember this illustration, for every human being has missed the mark as well. You see, the mark (or target) that God has set for His creation is perfection. He has every right to demand we meet that standard, for God deemed the first human being (and the rest of His creation) “very good” prior to humanity’s fall (see Genesis 1:31).

But what fallible human being could ever hope to meet that standard? If we’re honest with ourselves, the answer is none. No one is without fault, for everyone has knowingly done something wrong, made a mistake, or spoken in error at some point in life. Thus, we have all fallen short of God’s intent for His human creation, and all have “missed the mark,” so to speak. Perhaps some may come closer than others, but everyone falls short.

Our earlier study of Romans 3:10 referenced several expressions that have become axiomatic in this regard. Those statements include “to err is human,” “nobody’s perfect,” and “everyone makes mistakes.” These sayings are widely acknowledged as fundamental truths of human existence; thus, we should have little need to defend the truth of Romans 3:23: “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Image Attribution :SIN | april | Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0, April, via flickr.com disclaimer notice

“even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe” (Romans 3:22).

Romans 3:22 is a portion of Scripture that focuses on the relationship between faith and righteousness…

“When we trust Christ’s righteousness on our behalf and embrace Him, then God legally transfers His righteousness to us. A double transfer is involved in salvation. Christ dies for our salvation, but He also lives for our salvation. Our sins are transferred to Jesus, and He died for us on the cross to bear those sins… God assigned our guilt to His Son. He transferred it from us to Christ, but that is only half the transaction.

The other half is that He took Christ’s righteousness and assigned it to us when we believed so that now when God looks at us, knowing that all our righteousness is as filthy rags, we will not perish. He has given us the cloak of the righteousness of Jesus.” ₍₁₎

So, once again, Paul the Apostle presents us with an important correlation: a right relationship with God is contingent upon putting our faith in Christ. Yet even though the Biblical Scriptures repeatedly highlight the importance of faith, what does that really entail? That brings us to several observations from earlier in our study of Romans chapter one that bear repeating.

For example, one Biblical dictionary offers a simple, but helpful definition of faith: “[Faith is a] belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving commitment to His will for one’s life.” ₍₂₎ Authentic, Biblical faith is rooted in the conviction that God is who He claims to be, and that He will fulfill His promises. It also embodies the firm belief that God will keep His word, regardless of the external circumstances. This type of faith represents a defining feature of a God-honoring life.

Nevertheless, we should caution against “placing faith in our faith.” In other words, we should guard against placing our faith in the amount of faith we possess. That serves to redirect attention to ourselves and our level of faith rather than God, who should be the object of our faith. Therefore, it’s important to consider where our faith is invested. As Jesus once said, “…’I can guarantee this truth: If your faith is the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you’”  (Matthew 17:20 GW).

Image Attribution: Sharon Tate Soberon, CC BY-NC 2.0, via flickr.com disclaimer notice

(1) Sproul, R. C. The Power of the Gospel: A Year in Romans. Ligonier Ministries, 2024. p. 86

(2) “Faith” Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it” (Romans 3:21 ESV).

Like any good teacher, Paul the Apostle sought to reinforce the principles he established earlier with his audience. Here in Romans 3:21, that principle involved “…the righteousness of God.” This built upon the foundation Paul laid in chapter one of this epistle: “…the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith'” (Romans 1:17).

In the context of Romans 1:17, “righteousness” characterizes the state of right standing with God that He makes available to us through Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 elaborates on this idea when it tells us, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” That righteousness is imputed to us through faith in Christ, and the following chapter of Romans will provide us with an opportunity to explore the subject of imputation in greater depth.

So, in speaking of “…a righteousness that is by faith from first to last” (NIV), Romans 1:17 directed us to an important spiritual truth: righteousness (or “right standing” with God) is only available through faith. Paul will further expand upon that teaching in our text from Romans 3:21 by informing us that this righteousness has been revealed apart from the law.

This reference to the “righteousness of God” in Romans 3:21 touches upon God’s method of bringing fallible human beings into a right relationship with Himself. That righteousness is independent of the Old Testament Law and our adherence to those commandments. One author clarifies this idea for us…

“…this word righteousness is highly misunderstood in our day. Often it is associated with behavior. If people are behaving in a right way, we say that they are behaving righteously. But in the book of Romans righteousness does not directly touch on behavior. It is not what you do; it is what you are! That is even more important, because your behavior stems from what you are. The gift Paul is talking about, the gift from God, is that of a righteous standing.” ₍₁₎

With these things is mind, our text from Romans 3:21 presents us with two important applications:

• We can be made right with God apart from the rules of the Law.
• As such, that righteousness is not attainable through human effort.

Thus, as several Biblical expositors, both ancient and modern, have observed, “The righteousness God demands is the righteousness He also provides.”

(1) Excerpted with permission from But Now © 1976 by Ray Stedman Ministries. All rights reserved. Visit www.RayStedman.org for the complete library of Ray Stedman material. Please direct any questions to webmaster@RayStedman.org. https://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/romans/but-now

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets” (Romans 3:21).

The phrase “But now…” signals an important transition in the book of Romans. After a brief introduction that encompassed verses one through fifteen of Romans chapter one, Paul the Apostle moved to establish his theological foundation for the rest of this epistle. That section covered Romans 1:16-3:20 and addressed the following topics…

• Humanity’s deliberate rejection of God and the consequences that followed as a result.
• God’s righteous judgment of such conduct.
• Religious hypocrisy and true Godliness.
• Answers to objections.
• The true character of unrepentant human nature.

While the preceding verses of this chapter have presented us with a dark (but truthful) portrait of humanity, the next portion of Romans chapter three will break upon us like the dawn of a new day. In it, Paul will explore an important theme within this epistle: justification by faith. Starting here in Romans 3;21, the term “righteousness” will appear four times over the next six verses as Paul elaborates on how sinful human beings can attain a right standing with God through faith.

As we have come to expect, Paul grounded his position in the Scriptures by informing us that this way of salvation “…is attested by the law and the prophets” (NET). Much of that support will come in the following chapter when Paul turns to Biblical examples of Abraham, the great Old Testament patriarch, and David, the great king of Israel.

For now, this portion of Scripture draws our attention to an important point: like Paul, we must establish a valid Scriptural basis for our doctrines and beliefs. Paul followed this custom (Acts 17:2-3), as did the Apostle Peter (Acts 2:16), as well as Jesus Himself (Mark 11:17). This principle is particularly important whenever we seek to validate a spiritual belief, activity, or movement today.

This does not mean that everyone will reach a consensus on spiritual matters of secondary importance. However, Paul’s example tells us that we should establish a Scriptural foundation for our beliefs. As Jesus once said to the religious leadership of His era…

“Do not think, however, that I am the one who will accuse you to my Father. Moses, in whom you have put your hope, is the very one who will accuse you. If you had really believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how can you believe what I say?” (John 5:45-47 GNT).

Image Attribution: Ryk Neethling, CC BY-NC 2.0, via flickr.com disclaimer notice

“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20).

The passage quoted above states the second objective of the Old Testament Law from Romans 3:19-20: “…through the law we become conscious of sin” (AMP). A modern paraphrase of this text communicates this idea in the following manner…

“Now do you see it? No one can ever be made right in God’s sight by doing what the law commands. For the more we know of God’s laws, the clearer it becomes that we aren’t obeying them; his laws serve only to make us see that we are sinners” (TLB).

Paul the Apostle expanded on this message in his epistle to the churches of Galatia when he said…

“…we know that people don’t receive God’s approval by any effort to follow the laws in the Scriptures, but only by believing in Jesus Christ. So we also believed in Jesus Christ in order to receive God’s approval by faith in Christ and not by our own efforts. People won’t receive God’s approval by their own efforts” (Galatians 2:16 GW).

He continued with a similar theme in the letter we know today as the Biblical book of 1 Timothy…

“We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers– and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:8-10 NIV).

Since the Old Testament Law provides us with the knowledge of sin (as we see here in Romans 3:20), it offers valuable guidance with respect to the general moral principles of God-honoring behavior. However, the Law also shows us how we have fallen from God’s standards. Much like a signpost that directs us to the proper destination, the Law directs us to our need for a Savior who can deliver us from our failure to fulfill that very same Law.

Paul will revisit this topic again in Romans chapter ten, but we will conclude our look at this passage with his summary of this concept from Galatians 3:24…

“Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

Image Attribution : Signpost Blank by Karen Arnold, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Public Domain Pictures.net

“Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God” (Romans 3:19).

In 1994, the animated character Bart Simpson uttered a statement that became a viral catchphrase: “I didn’t do it, nobody saw me do it, there’s no way you can prove anything.” ₍₁₎ Of course, that assertion predated the easy availability of video recording technologies, and the prospect of making such a claim with confidence has now diminished substantially. However, that has done little to stop people from trying.

Modern video-sharing platforms offer ample opportunity to document foolish criminals, inebriated motor vehicle operators, and others as they attempt to make hilariously implausible excuses for their recorded behavior. But while it may be amusing to watch such individuals proclaim,” I didn’t do it, nobody saw me do it, there’s no way you can prove anything,” our text from Romans 3:19 offers a much more serious rejection of that idea.

You see, Romans 3:19-20 clarifies two key objectives of the Old Testament Law. The first objective appears here in verse nineteen and begins by establishing human accountability. That makes human sanctimony, self-justification, and/or complacency impossible before God. The second objective will appear in the verse to follow.

One source provides us with a further explanation…

“The law, he says, speaks to those who are under the law; in other words, all people. Every human being has a responsibility to obey all of the provisions of the law all of the time. And every single one fails to do so. Therefore, the law acts like a neon sign, broadcasting God’s standards for all sinful human beings to see, to the end that ‘every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.’

By posting His requirements for His creatures, God takes away any excuse, any claim of ignorance, and any self-righteous posturing. All of the human race stands before Him condemned and accountable. There is no question of the law being posted as a standard for people to keep; they simply cannot do it. That is why Paul can say that ‘by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight.’ The law is given not to save from sin but to produce awareness of sin.” ₍₂₎

Thus, when we are confronted with our lifestyle and motivational choices in eternity, no one will be able to claim “I didn’t do it, nobody saw me do it, there’s no way you can prove anything,” for every mouth will be stopped in the presence of an all-knowing God.

(1) “Bart Gets Famous.” The Simpsons. Fox. 3 February, 1994.
(2) The Need for Faith (2001, April 11). Ligonier Ministries. https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/the-need-for-faith

“There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:18).

The French author, philosopher, and statesman Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592) was once quoted as saying, “My life has been full of terrible misfortunes, most of which never happened.” That statement reminds us that our fears may sometimes arise from potential scenarios that never actually materialize. However, Romans 3:18 alerts us to one legitimate fear that has been conspicuous by its absence over the general course of human history: the fear of God.

Regardless of their station in life, the vast majority of unrepentant human beings would undoubtedly choose to live differently if they truly possessed a healthy fear of God. For instance, it’s difficult to understand why some elect to travel a hurtful, destructive life-path that will surely bring pain to themselves and others. It’s hard to grasp why some choose to lie, cheat, or steal, even when there’s no obvious incentive for doing so. It’s unsettling to consider the many individuals who feel empowered to behave unethically, abuse their authority, exploit others, waste their skills and talents, or act in a manner that seems intentionally designed to cause harm.

While there might be any number of explanations for such behaviors, there is one overriding response that can account for each of those choices: such people have no genuine fear of God. That lack of fear might be attributable to a variety of sources. For example, some may have convinced themselves that God does not exist. Others may have fashioned an illusory god to suit their own preferences. Some may confidently assert that their “good works” will outweigh their “bad works” in the afterlife. Then there are those who are trusting in an ancestral relationship, a religious ritual, or some other ceremonial observance to guarantee their spiritual well-being.

The issue is that Paul the Apostle has demolished each of those facades over the first three chapters of this Epistle. Therefore, to borrow a phrase from earlier in this book, such individuals are without excuse. Thus, when we speak of “fearing God” in this context, it means that we should honor and respect Him above all else. That attitude of reverence is missing from the behavioral attitudes that Paul has cataloged over the past several verses of this chapter.

For those who seek to honor God, the following source leaves us with a balanced perspective on this idea…

“As Christians, we certainly must reject a servile fear of God, as if He were a cruel tyrant (Rom. 8:15). Romans 8:1 makes it plain that there is ‘no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.’ Yet, it is still right for us as Christians who struggle daily with indwelling sin (7:15–23) to fear what that sin could do to our lives and what disciplines our heavenly Father might bring if we sin (Heb. 12:6).” ₍₁₎

Image Attribution: Jean-Marie DAVID Dinkley, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Living out a healthy fear of the Lord | Tabletalk. (2020, March 30). Tabletalk. https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2020/04/living-out-a-healthy-fear-of-the-lord/

“Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:14).

The characterizations of sinful human nature that we find in Romans 3:10-18 have certainly been difficult to bear. Nevertheless, Paul the Apostle has persistently drawn our attention to these troubling aspects of humanity despite our natural tendency to avoid them. Now as we approach the end of this portion of Romans chapter three, we will move more rapidly over those remaining characteristics.

Here in verse fourteen, Paul will conclude the natural progression he began in the previous verse. Romans 3:13 started with a reference to the open tomb of the throat before moving to the deceptive speech uttered by the tongue. He will now complete that trilogy with the image of a mouth that is filled with cursing and bitterness.

This reference to cursing involves “…wanting the worst for someone and publicly expressing that desire in caustic, derisive language.” ₍₁₎ “Bitterness” refers to the “…open, public expression of emotional hostility against one’s enemy.” ₍₂₎ These unfortunate traits lead quickly from sins of expression to sins of conduct…

“Their feet are swift to shed blood” (Romans 3:15).

This quote is sourced from Isaiah 59:7, a passage that offers further insight into the destructive mindset described here…

“Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways” (NIV).

As the great Protestant reformer Martin Luther once observed, “If the enemies of God cannot overcome the messengers of truth with their curses or slanders, they try to do away with them by killing them.” ₍₃₎ Unfortunately, that observation has proven to be just as accurate today as it was in Luther’s era.

“Destruction and misery are in their ways” (Romans 3:16).

One ancient commentator offers another surprisingly contemporary take on this passage: “The ungodly pretend to be hurt by good people, but inside they are ready and eager to finish them off.” ₍₄₎ A different source offers another distinguishing feature: “Wherever they go, you can trace them by the ruin and distress they leave behind,..” ₍₅₎ Thus, as Jesus reminded us, “…just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions” (Matthew 7:20 NLT).

“And the way of peace they have not known” (Romans 3:17).

Given what we’ve already read in verses ten to seventeen, it should not surprise us to learn that these individuals are unfamiliar with the path of peace. It’s also worth noting that these individuals haven’t rejected the way of peace. Instead, we’re told that they possess no knowledge of it. Thus, they exclude themselves from Christ’s gracious blessing from the Gospel of Matthew: “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

(1) John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), Ro 3:14.
(2) MacArthur, Ibid.
(3) Martin Luther, Lectures on Romans, quoted in ESV Church History Study Bible: Voices from the Past, Wisdom for the Present. (2023). Crossway. p.1689
(4) Konrad Pellikan, Commentary on All the Apostolic Epistles, quoted in ESV Church History Study Bible: Voices from the Past, Wisdom for the present. (2023). Crossway. p.1689
(5) James Denney, quoted in Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [Romans 3:13-18] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips” (Romans 3:13 ESV).

Here in Romans 3:13, the progression of ideas follows a logical sequence that begins with the throat and moves to the tongue. Much like the polluted speech that emerges from the open grave of the throat, these individuals “…use their tongues to deceive (to mislead and to deal treacherously)” (AMPC). This goes far beyond the simple act of lying, for it also expresses the ideas of fraud, ₍₁₎ guile, ₍₂₎ and “to lure, as by a bait.” ₍₃₎

The New Testament epistle of James offers what is perhaps the most vivid characterization of the tongue in this regard…

“The human tongue is physically small, but what tremendous effects it can boast of! A whole forest can be set ablaze by a tiny spark of fire, and the tongue is as dangerous as any fire, with vast potentialities for evil. It can poison the whole body, it can make the whole of life a blazing hell.

Beasts, birds, reptiles and all kinds of sea-creatures can be, and in fact are, tamed by man, but no one can tame the human tongue. It is an evil always liable to break out, and the poison it spreads is deadly” (James 3:5-8 Phillips).

This allusion to poison from James 3:8 leads us into the venomous reference that concludes Romans 3:13: “the poison of asps is under their lips” (NET). That analogy finds its origin in the following quote from Psalm 140:3: “They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips.” While several types of asps were active on the African and European continents in the Biblical era, these verses likely refer to one specific variety…

“The Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) is a venomous snake also known as the Asp is one of the largest cobra species found in the African continent… The highly venomous Egyptian cobra is extremely dangerous, their venom contains primarily neurotoxins as well as cytotoxins…This is why Egyptian cobras are considered one of the most venomous snakes in Africa and responsible for many human fatalities, it can even kill an adult elephant in 3 hours. Its neurotoxic venom destroys nerves and tissue, and causes paralysis and will result in death due to respiratory failure within a short period of time.” ₍₄₎

So, taken together, this passage incorporates the symbolism associated with the serpent’s treacherous act of deception in the Garden of Eden along with the lethal aftermath that arose from the sin that followed.

Image Attribution: John Walker, derivative work by Soli, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) G1387 dolioo. Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/dolioo
(2) G1387 – dolioo – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (KJV). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1387/kjv/tr/0-1/<s/mall>
(3) Deceit, deceitful, deceitfully, deceitfulness, deceive, deceivableness – Vine’s Expository Dictionary of NT Words – StudyLight.org. (n.d.). StudyLight.org. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ved/d/deceit-deceitful-deceitfully-deceitfulness-deceive-deceivableness.html
(4) Egyptian Cobra, the mythical and deadly asp. (n.d.). Snake Facts. https://snake-facts.weebly.com/egyptian-cobra.html

“Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit. The poison of asps is under their lips” (Romans 3:13).

The Apostle Paul drew upon some vivid Old Testament imagery as he evaluated the characteristics of unrepentant humanity in Romans 3:10-18. However, verse thirteen contains some of the most graphic portrayals of the human condition in this portion of Scripture. The first (and most disturbing) of those portraits compares the human throat to an “open sepulchre” (KJV).

A contemporary rendering of this passage ties these metaphors together: “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave” (NLT). This characterization is reminiscent of Jesus’ assessment of Israel’s corrupt spiritual leadership…

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:25-28).

Then, as now, burial chambers were sealed to contain the stench of the dead. In fact, Martha of Bethany voiced her concern regarding that very prospect right before Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead. When taken together, this imagery accurately reflects the way some people express themselves. Unfortunately, we need only spend some time in the workplace, the market, the airport, the train station, or any place where people gather to verify the general truth of this passage: “What comes out of their mouths is as foul as a rotting corpse” (Voice).

In addition, modern-day audio/visual platforms offer fertile ground for pundits, commentators, influencers, and content creators to validate this description from Romans 3:18. Our contemporary social media landscape also offers compelling evidence to support this verse. As any participant in today’s social media environment is undoubtedly aware, these unmoderated forums provide ample opportunity for participants to verify the truth of this passage through personal attacks, hostile criticisms, and hateful, malevolent comments.

If we ever feel inclined to dismiss this characterization of unregenerate humanity from Romans 3:13, the current state of social media should quickly dispel that notion. That brings us to another relevant quote from Jesus…

“…out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” (Matthew 12:34-35).