“But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man)” (Romans 3:5).
Here in Romans 3:5, Paul the Apostle offered another inquiry in this series of interactive, Q&A sessions with his audience. The New Living Translation (NLT) presents this exchange in a manner that is highly accessible for modern-day audiences: “’But,’ some might say, ‘our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?’” Nevertheless, Paul was quick to add, “(This is merely a human point of view).”
In making that clarification, it seems that Paul wanted to close off any avenue of speculation regarding the purpose of this question. For example, Paul did not support the premise of that question, nor did he support that conclusion. Instead, he employed that convoluted thought process as a diagnostic tool for the benefit of his audience.
By reminding his readers that he was “…arguing the way humans would” (GW), Paul drew back the curtain on the contorted logic of his opponents. He used a similar strategy in Galatians 3:15, and will later stretch this idea to its natural (and absurd) conclusion in Romans 3:8.
Much like a sparkling jewel against a black velvet background, this question sought to contrast God’s righteousness against the dark background of human sin. To this way of thinking, humanity’s sinful behavior serves a good purpose if the worst of humanity brings out the best in God. And if that behavior serves a good purpose, then God should refrain from condemning human sinfulness. In fact, He should credit humanity for serving Him instead. (1)
This brief hypothetical reminds us that we should never underestimate the human capacity to justify a desired outcome, even if that justification is patently absurd. The flaw in this premise is that God doesn’t need our unrighteousness to demonstrate His righteousness. Nor does He accept human wrongdoing as an excuse simply because it offers a greater opportunity to show His grace and patience.
Paul will begin dismantling this “human argument” (HCSB) beginning in the following verse, but first, one commentary offers some food for thought…
“Some may think they don’t have to worry about sin because (1) it’s God’s job to forgive; (2) God is so loving that he won’t judge; (3) sin isn’t so bad—it teaches valuable lessons; or (4) we need to stay in touch with the culture around us. It is far too easy to take God’s grace for granted. But God cannot overlook sin. No matter how many excuses they make, sinners will have to answer to God for their sin.” (2)
(1) See Bruce, F. F. (1986). New International Bible Commentary [pg.1322]
(2) Life Application Study Bible NKJV [Romans 3:5-8] Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.