Romans 3:27-31

Romans 3:27-31 (WEB) Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn't he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.

🔑 Key Points

1. All Boasting Is Excluded

Paul asks, 'Where is boasting then?' and answers emphatically: it is excluded. No human being can bring any merit, significance, or achievement as contributing to the ground of their justification. As Sproul puts it, 'take your boasting and park it in the parking lot' — it has no place before a holy God. We boast only in Christ's righteousness, never our own.

2. Justified by Faith Alone, Apart from Works

Romans 3:28 is sola fide with a vengeance: 'a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.' Faith is not what saves us — faith is the instrument that links us to Christ. We are not justified because of faith, but by faith, which connects us to Christ's perfect righteousness. Our works play no part whatsoever in our justification.

3. One God for All People

God is not the God of Jews only — He is the God of Gentiles also. There is one God who justifies both the circumcised and the uncircumcised by the same faith. Ethnic heritage, religious ritual, and cultural identity cannot save. There is only one way to be justified, and it is by faith alone in Christ alone.

4. Faith Establishes the Law

Paul anticipates the objection: does justification by faith nullify the law? 'May it never be!' Sproul explains that the law was never given to justify anyone — it was given as a mirror to reveal our unrighteousness and drive us to Christ. The law demands perfection, which only Christ achieved. The doctrine of justification by faith fulfills the law because the law itself teaches us our need for a Savior.

💬 Discussion Questions

Sproul says we must get Paul's answer about excluded boasting 'into our bloodstream.' What areas of your life do you still tend to boast in or rely on your own merit? How does the doctrine of justification by faith alone challenge that?
Paul says faith 'establishes' the law rather than nullifying it. How would you explain to someone that grace doesn't make God's law irrelevant but actually honors it?

You have nothing to bring to God but your empty hands — and His grace is more than enough to fill them.

📖 The Passage