“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 camera technology, 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 lifestyles 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.” 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