Justification by Faith: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Romans 3

Executive Summary ✨

Romans 3 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, profoundly impacting our understanding of salvation. It declares the universal sinfulness of humanity, both Jew and Gentile, shattering any notion of righteousness through adherence to the Law. Instead, it introduces the pivotal concept of justification by faith in Jesus Christ, a free gift of God’s grace available to all who believe. This chapter dismantles pride, highlighting our utter dependence on God’s mercy and establishing the foundation for a relationship with Him rooted in faith, not works. Through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, we are reconciled to God and made righteous in His sight. The Apostle Paul masterfully weaves together Old Testament prophecy and New Testament revelation, presenting a cohesive and compelling argument for the universality of sin and the singular path to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul embarks on a crucial exposition in Romans 3, solidifying his argument that salvation comes through faith, not works of the Law. He confronts the misconception that Jewish identity or observance of the Law guarantees righteousness before God. The chapter unfolds a stark reality: all humanity, regardless of background, has fallen short of God’s glory. Paul then unveils the good news of justification by faith, a gift of grace offered through the redemption found in Jesus Christ. This commentary delves into the depths of Paul’s argument, drawing upon the rich tradition of Coptic Orthodox theology and the wisdom of the Church Fathers to illuminate the transformative power of faith.

Commentary Sections 📖

Romans 3:1-2 (KJV): What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

The Apostle Paul anticipates a natural objection: if all are sinners, what benefit did the Jewish people derive from their unique covenant with God and the sign of circumcision? He responds emphatically: “Much in every way!” The foremost advantage lies in the privilege of being entrusted with the “oracles of God”—the Holy Scriptures. This reveals the profound responsibility that accompanies divine revelation. The Jewish people were stewards of God’s Word, tasked with preserving and transmitting it to future generations. Their history, laws, and prophecies served as a preparatory school, pointing towards the coming Messiah. This doesn’t guarantee salvation but establishes a unique role in God’s plan of redemption.

Spiritual Application: We, too, have been entrusted with the oracles of God, the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church. We must diligently study them, applying them to our lives and sharing them with others. This requires humility and a recognition that we are merely stewards, not owners, of God’s truth. Consider exploring the resources available on the best web hosting to create a platform for sharing these truths.

Romans 3:3-4 (KJV): For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Paul addresses another potential objection: Does the unbelief of some negate God’s faithfulness? His response is a resounding “God forbid!” (μὴ γένοιτο – mē genoito), a strong Greek expression meaning “absolutely not!” God’s truth and faithfulness are not contingent upon human belief or behavior. Even if everyone were to reject God, His truth would remain immutable. Paul quotes Psalm 51:4 to underscore this point: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.” This verse highlights God’s unwavering integrity and ultimate vindication, regardless of human judgment.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius says, “οὐ γὰρ ἀδυνατεῖ ὁ Θεὸς διὰ τὴν ἀπιστίαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἀλλ’ ἐστὶν ἀεὶ ἀληθής” (ou gar adunatei ho Theos dia tēn apistian tōn anthrōpōn, all’ estin aei alēthēs) – “For God is not powerless because of the unbelief of men, but He is always true” (Contra Arianos, 3.59). This emphasizes the unshakeable nature of God’s truth, irrespective of human disbelief.

Spiritual Application: We must anchor ourselves in God’s unwavering truth, even when surrounded by doubt and disbelief. Our faith should not be based on fleeting emotions or popular opinion, but on the solid foundation of God’s Word and His unchanging character.

Romans 3:5-8 (KJV): But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

This section tackles a dangerous and distorted perspective: If our sin somehow highlights God’s righteousness, does God benefit from our wrongdoing? This argument quickly descends into absurdity. Paul vehemently rejects the notion that God would condone sin for the sake of demonstrating His righteousness. He argues that if this were the case, God could not justly judge the world. Such a twisted logic leads to the perverse conclusion: “Let us do evil, that good may come,” a statement that Paul attributes to slanderous reports against him. He condemns this mentality, affirming that those who hold such views are justly condemned.

Historical Context: Paul faced accusations of promoting antinomianism – the belief that Christians are free from moral law. This accusation stemmed from his emphasis on grace and freedom from the Law. Paul vehemently refuted this distortion of his teachings.

Spiritual Application: We must be vigilant against twisting God’s grace into a license for sin. True grace leads to transformation, not complacency. We are called to live lives of holiness and obedience, not to exploit God’s mercy for selfish gain.

Romans 3:9-18 (KJV): What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Paul delivers a powerful indictment of humanity’s universal sinfulness. He draws extensively from the Old Testament (Psalms, Isaiah) to demonstrate that both Jews and Gentiles are “under sin.” He uses a series of devastating descriptions to portray the depth of human depravity: “There is none righteous, no, not one…There is none that understands; there is none that seeks after God…Their throat is an open tomb…the poison of vipers is under their lips.” These vivid images paint a grim picture of a world alienated from God and consumed by wickedness. Paul leaves no room for self-righteousness or the illusion of moral superiority.

Biblical Connection: Paul’s use of Old Testament passages underscores the continuity between the Old and New Covenants. He demonstrates that the problem of sin is not a new phenomenon, but a persistent reality throughout human history. He’s not inventing a problem; he’s revealing the existing condition of humanity.

Spiritual Application: This unflinching assessment of human sinfulness should humble us and drive us to seek God’s mercy. We must acknowledge our own shortcomings and recognize our utter dependence on His grace for salvation. This acknowledgment is the first step towards true repentance and a transformed life. Reflect on the environmental impact of our actions; even in our modern world, are we truly seeking the way of peace?

Romans 3:19-20 (KJV): 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. 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.

Paul clarifies the purpose of the Law. It was not given as a means of attaining righteousness but as a mirror reflecting humanity’s sinfulness. The Law’s pronouncements are directed towards those “under the law,” exposing their transgressions and silencing any claims of innocence. Through the Law, the entire world becomes “guilty before God.” Paul explicitly states that “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight.” The Law reveals sin, but it cannot eradicate it or make us righteous. Justification by faith is the only path to righteousness.

Theological Significance: This passage is crucial for understanding the relationship between the Law and Grace. The Law serves as a tutor, leading us to Christ, the only one who can truly fulfill the Law’s demands and redeem us from its condemnation (Galatians 3:24).

Spiritual Application: We should not view the Law as a burden but as a guide that reveals our need for God’s grace. The Law convicts us of our sin and points us to Christ, the only one who can deliver us from its power. Understanding this helps us to appreciate the gift of grace more deeply.

Romans 3:21-22 (KJV): But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 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:

A pivotal shift occurs with the introduction of “the righteousness of God apart from the law.” This righteousness is not a new invention but is “witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,” meaning it was foreshadowed and anticipated in the Old Testament. This righteousness is “through faith in Jesus Christ,” available “to all and upon all who believe.” Paul emphasizes the universality of this offer: “for there is no difference.” Jew and Gentile alike can receive God’s righteousness through faith in Christ.

Patristic Interpretation: St. Cyril of Alexandria beautifully explains this verse: “Ἡ δικαιοσύνη ἡ ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς πάντας καὶ ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς πιστεύοντας, οὐ γὰρ ἔστι διαστολή.” (Hē dikaiosynē hē ek pisteōs Iēsou Christou eis pantas kai epi pantas tous pisteuontas, ou gar esti diastolē.) – “The righteousness from faith in Jesus Christ is for all and upon all who believe, for there is no distinction” (Commentary on Romans, 3.22).

Spiritual Application: This is the heart of the Gospel: God’s righteousness is freely offered to all who believe. We need not strive to earn it through works of the Law, but we can receive it as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ. This truth should fill us with gratitude and motivate us to share this Good News with others. It’s a message that transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Romans 3:23-26 (KJV): For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 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; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Paul reiterates the universal scope of sin: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This is the fundamental problem that necessitates God’s intervention. The solution is “justification freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Jesus is presented as the “propitiation” (ἱλαστήριον – hilastērion), meaning He appeased God’s wrath and satisfied His justice through His sacrifice on the cross. This act of redemption secures the “forgiveness of sins that are past” and demonstrates God’s righteousness, both in His judgment against sin and in His justification of those who believe in Jesus. God is both “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Justification by faith through Christ’s sacrifice is the core of our salvation.

Theological Depth: The concept of “propitiation” is crucial for understanding the atonement. Jesus’ sacrifice was not simply a demonstration of love, but a substitutionary act that satisfied God’s righteous demands and reconciled us to Him. The word “redemption” implies a price being paid – the price of Christ’s blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Spiritual Application: We are justified “freely by His grace.” Salvation is not something we earn, but a gift we receive. This should cultivate humility and gratitude in our hearts. We are called to live lives that reflect the grace we have received, striving to please God in all we do.

Romans 3:27-31 (KJV): Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith: Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Paul concludes by emphasizing the exclusion of boasting. Since justification is by grace through faith, no one can claim credit for their salvation. He reaffirms that justification is “by faith without the deeds of the law.” He challenges the notion that God is only the God of the Jews, affirming that He is also the God of the Gentiles, justifying both “by faith.” Finally, he addresses the potential misinterpretation that faith makes the Law void. He vehemently denies this, stating, “On the contrary, we establish the law.” Faith fulfills the Law’s purpose by leading us to Christ, the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law’s demands. In Christ, we see the Law’s true meaning and purpose revealed.

Practical Relevance: The urban environment in Paul’s day, as now, was filled with inequalities and prejudices. Paul’s message dismantles any sense of superiority based on ethnicity or social status. The Gospel is for all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Spiritual Application: We must guard against pride and self-righteousness. Our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace. We are called to live lives of humility, recognizing that we are all equal in God’s sight, justified by the same faith in Jesus Christ. Faith doesn’t abolish the moral principles inherent in the Law; rather, it empowers us to live them out in the Spirit. We uphold the *intent* of the Law, even as we are freed from its *condemnation*.

Subtopic Sections ✨

The Universality of Sin

Paul meticulously lays out the pervasive nature of sin, impacting every individual, regardless of their background or adherence to religious practices.

• No Exceptions: The phrase “all have sinned” leaves no room for self-righteousness or claims of moral superiority.
• Deeply Rooted: Sin isn’t merely a surface-level problem but a deeply ingrained reality that affects our thoughts, words, and actions.
• Alienation from God: Sin separates us from God and prevents us from experiencing His fullness and glory.
• The Law’s Revelation: The Law serves as a powerful reminder of our sinfulness and our inability to attain righteousness on our own.
• Human Nature: Understanding the universality of sin helps us to have compassion for others and recognize our shared need for God’s grace.
• Need for Redemption: The universality of sin demonstrates our profound need for redemption through Jesus Christ.

The Meaning of Justification by Faith

Justification by faith is not merely a legal declaration but a transformative act that changes our relationship with God and empowers us to live a new life.

• God’s Initiative: Justification is entirely God’s initiative, a free gift offered to us through His grace.
• Faith as Trust: Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in God and His promises.
• Righteousness Imputed: God imputes (credits) His righteousness to us, making us righteous in His sight, even though we are still sinners.
• New Creation: Justification marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, characterized by the Holy Spirit’s transforming power.
• Ongoing Process: Justification is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of growth and sanctification.
• Works as Evidence: While justification is by faith alone, good works are the natural outflow of a genuine faith.

FAQ ❓

• Q: If salvation is by faith alone, does that mean we can live however we want?

  A: Absolutely not! While salvation is a free gift, it is not a license for sin. True faith produces a transformed life, characterized by love, obedience, and a desire to please God. As St. James says, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).

• Q: How does the Old Testament Law relate to Christians today?

  A: The Law serves as a guide and a reminder of God’s moral standards. While we are not under the Law as a means of salvation, its principles still apply to our lives. We strive to live according to God’s commands, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude.

• Q: What does it mean that Jesus is the “propitiation” for our sins?

  A: It means that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross satisfied God’s righteous anger against sin. He took the punishment we deserved, appeasing God’s wrath and reconciling us to Him. This allows God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus.

• Q: How can I be sure that I have genuine faith?

  A: Examine your life. Do you love God and your neighbor? Do you strive to obey God’s commands? Are you growing in your relationship with Christ? These are all signs of genuine faith. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the counsel of mature Christians.

Conclusion ✨

Romans 3 shatters the illusion of self-righteousness and reveals the universality of sin. It offers a powerful message of hope: justification by faith in Jesus Christ. This is not a justification based on our good deeds or our adherence to religious laws, but a free gift of God’s grace, offered to all who believe. Through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, we are reconciled to God and made righteous in His sight. This truth should inspire humility, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to live lives that reflect the grace we have received. Let us embrace this gift of salvation and share it with a world desperately in need of hope and healing.

Tags

Justification by faith, Romans 3, Coptic Orthodox, Salvation, Grace, Law, Sin, Righteousness, Jesus Christ, Atonement

Meta Description

Explore Romans 3 from a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover the meaning of justification by faith, grace, and the universality of sin in the light of salvation through Jesus Christ.