Romans 3:13-18. All Guilty.

This part of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans has a straightforward, biblically-supported explanation of the condition of mankind: his inherent sinfulness, and his natural enmity with God. When Paul wrote the letter to the Romans, there were philosophers and other critics of the gospel message who had very different ideas about sin and about finding favor with God. Some said Paul’s message of “grace through faith alone” was essentially a “license to sin” and that Paul was thus encouraging sinful behavior. Later, and throughout the Epistles, this accusation is addressed.

In verses 13-18, Paul quotes from the Old Testament, pointing out the universality of sin. We all stand condemned by the law! There were heresies then, as now. One such teaching was that mankind was born good, or without sin, that we learn bad behavior and sin.

This is known as Pelagianism (named after Pelagius). This teaching denies that we inherit original sin from Adam. However, King David acknowledged that from conception, we are sinful (Ps 51:5). Another heresy, known as “sinless perfectionism,” teaches that after we hear and understand the law, we can master and follow it and no longer sin against God. The biblical truth of the matter is that Grace is Grace. We do not earn it. Christ alone lived in perfect obedience to the law; having never sinned, yet he died a sinner’s death, saving the sinner from bondage to the law he could not keep.

Verse 13 quotes Psalm 5:9. Just as an open tomb has the stench of death and decay of the dead body in it, so our throats and tongues spew forth the condition of what is in our hearts. Our words are like the poison of a venomous snake.

Verse 14: Cursing and bitterness are words used by the wicked (Ps 10:7). Have you ever cursed or spoken bitterly?

Verse 15: “ Their feet are swift to shed blood”(Proverbs and Isaiah). Maybe you think to yourself, “ I have never done this! I’ve never murdered anyone!” Remember Jesus’ words when He expounded on the law “Thou shall not murder”? Jesus said that whoever is angry with his brother is in danger of judgment. Destruction and misery are the ways of the sinful heart; we do not know the ways of peace.

Finally, in verse 18, Paul gets to the heart of the matter. “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” We have heard that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This fear consists of awe and wonder at the majesty, power, and holiness of God. It also consists of dread, as a sinner considers the consequences of violating God’s holy nature.

If we are honest with ourselves, after examining our lives and behaviors, we will conclude we are all guilty. Almost half of the population who describe themselves as “Christian” believe that as long as they are good, or do enough good things during their lives, they will be admitted into heaven. This is a clear rejection of the gospel and a devilish lie. The truth is that the good works of Christ are the ONLY good thing in us! Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! By faith in Him (Christ), we are adopted into His family as children of righteousness. A wonderful verse to commit to memory, which summarizes this truth, is 2Cor 5:21

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21

My sin, O the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin not in part but the whole; is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more; praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul. - It Is Well With My Soul

-Mike Vander Dussen