Romans: Guilty Without Grace

Romans 3:9-20

Many people believe that deep down, most of us are inherently good—that given the chance, we’ll choose what’s right. If we stack up enough good deeds over a lifetime, doesn’t that earn us favor with God?

It’s true—no one is perfect. But neither are most people as evil as they could be. Even history’s worst figures, like Hitler, could have done more harm than they did. Still, this doesn’t mean people are naturally good. In fact, Scripture and experience suggest the opposite: we’re not born good—we’re born broken.

This widespread belief that people are naturally good encourages the mindset that we can earn our way to God, and that when we die, we will go to a “better place.” 

That thinking was so popular in Paul’s day that he dedicated half of Romans 1 and the entire chapters of Romans 2 and 3 to refute it. Today, he concludes his argument in Romans 3:9-20. 

Romans 3:9
What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin….

The “we” in this passage refers to Paul and his fellow Jews. Previously, Paul explained that the Jews had a special position in receiving the law and were chosen by God to demonstrate his love and power to other nations. However, when it comes to a personal relationship with God, nationality doesn’t matter. All men and women, Jews and non-Jews alike, are subject to the penalty of sin. 

The word translated as “under” is the Greek word “hypo.” Here, it is used to designate a controlling person or power. Paul personifies sin “as a cruel master over fallen humanity.”[1] It holds us down and keeps us away from God. 

To prove his point, Paul goes to the Old Testament. Romans 3:10-18 contains six Old Testament passages. Let’s consider each one. 

Romans 3:10-12: Quote from Psalm 14:1-3

Romans 3:10-12
…As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” 

In these verses, Paul explains the doctrine of “total depravity” to describe humanity’s condition. Theologian R.C. Sproul argued that “radical corruption” is a better way to describe our state. Sin is embedded at the core of our being and influences our hearts.[2] Every human action is tainted by our sin nature and, therefore, is unacceptable to God. Left to ourselves, we do not seek God; instead, we turn away from him. That’s why Paul says, “No one does good, not even one.” We’ll discuss this further in the Weekend Recharge. 

Romans 3:13-14: Quotes from Psalm 5:9; 140:3; 10:7

Romans 3:13-14
“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”

This passage compares the sinner’s mouth to an open grave; the words that come out carry a foul smell. Words emerge like a snake whose bite leads to death. 

Romans 3:15-17: Quote from Isaiah 59:7-8

Romans 3:15-17
“Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” 

Just as the sinner’s words are poisonous, their path in life leads to death, destruction, and misery; maybe not right away, but inevitably. Jesus said, “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matt. 7:13 NIV).

Romans 3:18: Quote from Psalm 36:1

Romans 3:18
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 

No one can deny the existence of God (Rom. 1:19-20). However, we still choose to live as if God doesn’t exist. For the sinner, there is no reverence for God in their eyes, in their hearts, or in their actions.

Certainly, not everyone is as bad as they could be, and some people do admirable things. But ultimately, the sinner who lives without Jesus is on that broad road leading to destruction. No matter how brilliant, powerful, or spectacularly life-saving a person’s actions may be, without Jesus, their heart is in spiritual chaos, lacking reverence or fear of God. Without God’s presence, we live in arrogance and pride. 

Paul has one final point to make as he concludes this section, illustrating the sinfulness of the human heart. While Paul argued that the law could not save a person, some mistakenly believed that Paul opposed the law entirely. They accused him of being against the law or antinomian (anti-against; nomos—law). Paul addressed these accusations and summarized the purpose of the law.  

Romans 3:19-20
Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 

The law is our ongoing teacher; it acts as a standard of righteousness. Paul explains that “through the law comes knowledge of sin.” When we compare ourselves to God’s law, we always fall short. The law constantly reminds us of our faults and our inability to meet God's requirements. It makes us aware of our sin and holds us accountable to God, the Law Giver. We stand before God guilty because “by the works of the law no human being will be justified in [God’s] sight.” 

In Romans 1:18 through 3:20, Paul has driven home a key point: Humanity stands helpless and hopeless before God. The Jew cannot know God based on their nationality. The moralist cannot know God because of their adherence to high ethical standards. The legalist cannot know God by keeping the law. No one is righteous. No one is good. No one seeks after God. 

It’s not that God will judge us. He already has. And God pronounced us guilty.

So, what’s the solution to our problem? That’s where Paul begins next time. Spoiler alert!! His name is Jesus! A right standing before God comes through faith in Jesus for all who believe (Rom. 3:22). 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 3:9-20. Consider your total depravity and need for a Savior. 

Talking to God: Do you genuinely believe that, apart from Christ, you are spiritually helpless—or do you still think your "goodness" contributes to your salvation?

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