Paul's Defense In Romans Chapter Three

                                               

The Apostle Paul had to diffuse some illogical conclusions he knew he would anticipate based on his teaching on justification by faith with his Jewish readers in Rome. The corrections Paul had to make are no doubt corrections we as teachers of the Word of God must face today.                            

Paul at the end of Romans chapter two is discussing circumcision. Paul explains to his readers that those are who are physically circumcised have no essential advantage over those who are not circumcised if those circumcised (the Jews) are disobedient to the law of God. Paul also indicates those who are not circumcised (the Gentiles) are blessed if they keep the law. In addition this makes them circumcised by the Spirit (Rom 2:29). This is the real circumcision, spiritual circumcision for this is equivalent to salvation.                                                                                

Paul then asks himself a hypothetical question at the beginning of chapter three, “Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?” Paul replies that the Jews have an advantage because to the Jews came the oracles of God (i.e. the OT scriptures). Paul then asks a second hypothetical question, “What if some are unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?” (vs. 3). Paul I imagine hearing the absurdity of this question emphatically replies, “By no means”, or in today’s vernacular, “No way!” Here is where the plot thickens. Paul says, “Let God be true, and every man a liar!” (vs. 4a).                                                  

There was no doubt that Paul’s words were misunderstood when he said let every man be a liar. Paul was by no means advocating that men should lie so that God could be glorified through their lying. Paul I believe here was using hyperbolic language saying that if there is anyone who is to be true it is God, and by comparison, all men are liars.        

To put it another way, God’s plans are never neutralized because of the disobedience of men. What God has decreed will always come to pass no matter what man does.                                                                                                         

God cannot lie. Men always lie.                                                                                            

Paul continues in verse 5, “But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (Paul speaking in human terms) By no means! For then how could God judge the world?” But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to His glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come? – as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.” (vs. 5-8).                                                                                                                          

Paul continues asking himself hypothetical questions – questions he knows his readers would eventually ask him regarding his doctrine.

Q1. If our unrighteousness displays the righteousness of God why would God afflict            us?                                                                                                                                                   

A1. Man’s wickedness never propels or displays the righteousness of God. Rather, the wickedness of men dishonors God, and that is what incurs God’s righteous judgment. It is absolutely ridiculous to assume that God would get glory through man’s disobedience and then punish him for it. This type of thinking clearly shows the ignorance of some of Paul’s audience.

Q2. There were those that were slandering Paul saying he was advocating evil so that good may come.

This ridiculous conclusion hinged on the absurd belief that Paul was teaching that lying or doing evil was good because somehow it glorified God. So why not do more evil so more good can come as a result? Laymen’s terms: evil is good because it honors God. This was the lie that some said Paul was teaching. Notice Paul says in verse 8 that their condemnation or judgment is just.

                           Why did Paul’s opponents say he condoned unrighteousness?

The reason Paul’s opponents believed that is because they were accusing him of Antinomianism. It means against the law. In this context, against the Law of Moses. There were those that were saying Paul’s teaching of the Law of Grace or justification by faith advocated ignoring God’s moral code in the OT law such as, you shall not commit adultery. You are not to steal, you are not to bear false witness, etc. Their misunderstanding of Paul’s teaching was declaring since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we want – even commit sin since our sins have been forgiven right? Paul deals with an almost identical issue later in this letter. Let’s take a look at it.             

In Romans 5:20 – 6:2 we read, “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more. So that sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ.”  “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” “How shall we who died to in sin live any longer in it?”                                                                                                                                              

Here Paul makes it unequivocally clear that he is by no means advocating that we sin on purpose. Paul’s teaching on justification by faith does not abolish the law, rather fulfils it Rom 3:31).                                                                                                                                                            

 Concluding, the purpose of God’s holy law was designed to amplify our sin, not to save us. If man does not have a standard on which to compare his sin against the righteousness of God, then man will not have a correct view of his sin, and therefore will not regard his sin as sinful (Romans 7:13b). The Law of God is good because it condemns us when we realize we are unable to meet its rigid requirements. The law of God exists so that when we fail to meet it perfectly, we will feel ashamed and cry out for deliverance from under its heavy yoke (Acts 15:10). This is where the beauty of Jesus Christ’s loving invitation comes in:

           

“Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30).                                                     

The life of the Christian verses that of one who is trying to keep all the commandments of the law is definitely and easier yoke and a lighter burden by comparison.