Audio Download

The Book of Romans, Part 8 – “The Romans Road”

[Study Aired August 15, 2023]

Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 
Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 
Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 
Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 
Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 

In our previous study we saw Paul’s explanation of the purpose and limitations of the law concerning man’s righteousness and justification before God.

Romans 3:19 reveals that the law speaks to those who are subject to it. Its primary function is to bring awareness of our guilt before God. In other words, the law reveals the true extent of man’s sinfulness and renders every mouth silent, leaving no room for excuses. The law demonstrates that mankind falls short of God’s perfect standard.

Romans 3:20 underscores that the actions and efforts to adhere to the law cannot in any way justify an individual in the sight of God. No one can attain righteousness or be declared righteous by merely obeying the law. Instead, the law serves as a means to recognize sin and to gain knowledge of what is right and wrong in God’s eyes. It reveals the gap between man’s imperfection and God’s holiness, making it evident that no one can achieve salvation or righteousness through their own efforts under the law.

In essence, these verses affirm that the law highlights man’s sinfulness and inability to attain righteousness on our own. Instead, the knowledge of sin through the law points to the need for God’s grace and the redemption provided through faith in Jesus Christ.

In today’s study a shift is made from the law to God’s righteousness that is revealed apart from the law. This righteousness was foretold by the law and the prophets, signifying that it is a part of God’s overarching plan of salvation.

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

Below are several Old Testament verses that support the idea that the righteousness of God, revealed apart from the law, was foretold by the law and the prophets:

Jeremiah 23:5-6 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Isaiah 46:13 I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

These Old Testament passages collectively affirm that the salvation of humanity and the establishment of righteousness were prophesied long before the new testament. These prophecies demonstrate a divine order and a process of salvation, with God’s chosen people being granted salvation first, followed by the eventual salvation of mankind.

Romans 3:23 unmistakably states that all individuals bear guilt before God. When we comprehend this truth, we set ourselves on the path toward salvation. I was brought up in the Baptist tradition, where this verse served as the foundation for the teaching known as “The Romans Road.” This Baptist doctrine was presented as a roadmap to salvation. They overlook the deeper spiritual meaning of these scriptures, using them primarily to encourage a commitment to Christ from a physical standpoint. Here are the verses of “The Romans Road” doctrine:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

According to the Baptists, these verses, when combined, provide a concise presentation of the gospel message and the pathway to salvation according to “The Romans Road” doctrine. These verses do a great job of showing some of the steps to salvation, but they are not the sum of God’s word concerning salvation. The problem with the doctrines of the Baptists, and for that matter the whole of Babylon, is they do not believe God is working our salvation, and they do not believe Romans 9:16.

Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Redemption is the work of God through Jesus Christ.

Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 

Justification is freely attained through God’s grace, made achievable by the redemption offered through Jesus Christ. This redemption involves being rescued from the grip and consequences of sin. In this context, Jesus serves as the propitiation—a sacrifice that effectively appeases God’s righteous anger toward sin. By placing our faith in His sacrificial blood, our sins find forgiveness, and the righteousness of God is vividly demonstrated.

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s righteousness is brought to light. This act serves to showcase both His unwavering justice and His role in justifying those who place their faith in Jesus. In this process, God’s justice remains unblemished as He establishes a path for believers to be pronounced righteous, aligning with His plan of salvation. This is all of God and we have no reason to boast.

Christ is our example, and He will cause us to give the sacrifices demanded by God that will ultimately save us.

Psalms 107:22  And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

John 13:37-38 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

1John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Continuing our verses.

Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 
Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 
Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 
Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Boasting is excluded because salvation is not achieved through works but through faith (verse 27). Salvation is a result of the “law of faith,” not the “law of works” (verse 27). Justification comes by faith, not by observing the law (verse 28). “The one God” justifies both Jews and Gentiles through faith (verses 29-30). Faith does not nullify the law; it establishes the law (verse 31).

In summary, Romans 3:19-31 beautifully encapsulates the concept of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, contrasting it with the inadequacy of our efforts to attain righteousness through the law. It affirms the universal need for redemption, the necessity of Christ’s sacrifice, and the role of faith in receiving God’s righteousness. Paul emphasizes this doctrine throughout the scriptures.

Acts 13:38-39: Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Romans 4:13-14: For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect.

Galatians 3:6-9: Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

The law of Moses cannot save us. We must go beyond our works. Our works are as filthy rags and cannot justify us. It is the work of God that brings salvation to mankind.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

John 6:27-29 (BBE) Let your work not be for the food which comes to an end, but for the food which goes on for eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you, for on him has God the Father put his mark. Then they said to him, How may we do the works of God? Jesus, answering, said to them, This is to do the work of God: to have faith in him whom God has sent.

It is Christ’s faith that brings us to salvation. There is nothing we can do of ourselves to be saved.

Here are our verses for our next study.

Rom 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 
Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 
Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 
Rom 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 
Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 
Rom 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 
Rom 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 
Rom 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 
Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.