Romans 3:21

"Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin."

Key Reflection

Romans 3:21 challenges the notion that one can achieve righteousness solely through adherence to the law. Paul asserts that human effort, no matter how rigorous, cannot satisfy God's standards of justice and holiness. Instead, it is through faith in Jesus Christ that individuals gain justification, as the law only reveals the depth of sin and our inherent inability to meet divine requirements. This verse highlights the transformative power of grace over legalism, emphasizing that true righteousness comes not from works but from trusting in Christ's atonement.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. But now. The apostle, having shown the entire failure of all attempts to be justified by the law, whether among Jews or Gentiles, proceeds to state fully the plan of justification by Jesus Christ in the gospel. To do this was the main design of the epistle, Ro 1:17. He makes, therefore, in the close of this chapter, an explicit statement of the nature of the doctrine; and in the following parts of the epistle he fully-proves it, and illustrates its effects. The righteousness of God. God's plan of justifying men. See Barnes "Ro 1:17". Without the law. In a way different from personal obedience to the law.

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