What does Romans 3:28 mean?

Explanation

Romans 3:28 is a cornerstone verse of Christian theology, particularly in the context of salvation.

The apostle Paul makes a definitive statement regarding the means by which individuals are made righteous before God, solely through faith, apart from works prescribed by the Law of Moses.

The "law" here refers chiefly to the collection of commandments and rituals outlined in the first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah.

Paul's assertion is that adherence to these laws is not the basis for justification, meaning being declared righteous and in right standing with God.

Instead, he emphasizes that it is one's faith in Jesus Christ that justifies.

This verse encapsulates the doctrine of justification by faith, suggesting that human effort cannot achieve salvation, but instead, it is a gift received through belief in Jesus Christ and his redemptive work.

Historical Context

When Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans in the mid-1st century AD, the early Christian community was grappling with the relationship between Jewish Law and the new faith in Jesus Christ.

Many of the early Christians were Jews, who observed the Mosaic Law, and there was significant debate as to whether non-Jewish converts to Christianity needed to follow these laws, especially circumcision and dietary restrictions.

Paul himself a Pharisee turned Christian apostle, advocates strongly for a gospel that is not bound by the old Jewish law but is accessible to all through faith in Christ.

This theological stance was not just spiritual but also carried significant social and cultural implications, fostering unity and inclusivity within the diverse early Christian movement.

Theological Insights

Romans 3:28 has been influential in shaping various Christian theological strands:

• Lutheran Theology: Martin Luther, who sparked the Protestant Reformation, heavily emphasized justification by faith.

He famously added the word "alone" to his German translation of this verse ("faith alone"), although the word "alone" does not appear in the original Greek text.

This reflects Luther's strong stance on this doctrine.

• Catholic Theology: The Roman Catholic Church teaches that while faith is essential for salvation, it must be a faith that manifests itself in acts of love and mercy (i.e., works).

The Council of Trent was a significant response to the Reformation's emphasis on faith alone and articulated the Catholic view that faith and works together play a role in justification.

• Reformed Theology: Following Calvinist tradition, Reformed theology holds that justification is by faith alone, but it distinguishes between justification and sanctification, the latter being a process of growing in holiness evidenced by a life of good works, which flows naturally from a genuine faith.

Practical Applications

The teaching of Romans 3:28 encourages individuals to trust in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for their salvation, rather than relying on their good deeds.

Practical applications include:

• Emphasizing faith in Christ as the foundation for one's relationship with God.
• Encouraging believers to rest in the assurance of their salvation.
• Motivating Christians to live out their faith as a response to God's grace, not as a means to earn it.
• Promoting an inclusive approach to evangelism, emphasizing that salvation is available to all, regardless of background or previous adherence to religious law.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
• Galatians 3:11 - "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith."
• James 2:17-26 - Discusses the relationship between faith and works, suggesting that faith without works is dead.
• John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "justified" is translated from the word "δικαιοῦται" (dikaioutai), which means to be declared or deemed righteous.

The phrase "by faith" comes from "πίστεως" (pisteos), which implies trust, belief, or confidence in someone, ultimately, faith in Jesus Christ.

"Without the deeds of the law," is expressed as "χωρὶς ἔργων νόμου" (choris ergon nomou), signifying an absence of the requirement for works of the law, affirming that such works have no bearing on the justification of a believer in Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, many religions teach that moral behavior or adherence to certain codes or rituals is the path to divine favor or afterlife rewards.

For example, the ancient Egyptian concept of Ma'at involved living in a way that balanced truth and justice, which would be assessed in the afterlife.

In contrast, Paul's message in Romans is radical, proposing that righteousness before God does not come from following a set of rules but through faith in a sacrificial savior, Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might be drawn concerning the psychological effects of belief systems on behavior and mental health.

While Romans 3:28 is inherently theological and spiritual in nature, science acknowledges the influence of beliefs on human wellbeing.

For instance, the concept of being justified by faith could offer individuals relief from the psychological burden of striving for perfection, reducing stress and associated mental health issues.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of Romans 3:28:

• John Stott, an influential evangelical leader, emphasized that this verse underlines the fact that no amount of human achievement or observance of the law could ever count towards justification.
• Douglas Moo, a New Testament scholar, points out that for Paul, faith and works of the law are mutually exclusive in the matter of justification, and faith is what unites believers to Christ and his redemptive work.
• N.T.

Wright, a prominent New Testament historian and former Bishop, argues that Paul's notion of justification encompasses not just individual salvation but also the idea of being part of the covenant community of God's people, challenging a purely individualistic interpretation.