On Boasting and the Law
On Boasting and the Law
Romans 3:27-31 (KJV)
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
If we have been justified by faith in Jesus and not because of anything we have done, there is nothing for us to brag about. At first glance it may seem strange that Paul brings up this idea at all. Who among us would consider bragging about how righteous we made ourselves? Yet, it can happen that we become boastful without even noticing.
As we mature in Christ and come to understand the Gospel more fully, we can begin to see ourselves as farther along the path, more mature, beyond certain errant beliefs, etc. Some, or all, of these things may in fact be true. Sometimes these thoughts begin to impact the way we think or act toward others. If we notice that, we may want to step back and remember that it is He who works in us to will and to do godly things. It is He who produces the fruit that we get to bear. It is His life that we are privileged to manifest.
In this passage Paul is primarily talking to the Jews who are in Rome. They would have struggled with this because they had been raised to believe that, as God’s chosen people, they were special. Consequently, in yet another way Paul says that Father is the God of Jews and Gentiles alike. He adds that justification by faith is for both Jews and Gentiles as well. There is one Gospel, just as there is one God.
This begs the question of whether the Law has been done away with. His answer is a resounding no. In fact, he says that by accepting that we are saved through faith by the gift of the grace of God we establish the Law.
The logical end of the Law is “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (see Matthew 5:48)
We changed our minds about what makes us righteous. We agreed with God that only He can make us righteous. By believing Him, we establish that the Law has shut our mouths and shown us that we are guilty before God. (see Romans 3:19)
The Law shows people their sinfulness. (Romans 3:20)
The Law condemns sinful people to death. (2 Corinthians 3:6-9)
The Law has been fulfilled by Jesus. (Matthew 5:17)
The Law is no longer your tutor. (Galatians 4:1-7)
The Law is for the unrighteous. (1 Timothy 1:8-10)
The Law has nothing to do with you. (Romans 6:14)
You are under grace, which brings righteousness, life, and liberty.
