What does Romans 3:19-20 teach about the law and sin?

Romans 3:19-20 provides a profound insight into the purpose of the law and its relationship with sin. These verses read:

"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin" (Romans 3:19-20, NIV).

In these two verses, the Apostle Paul encapsulates a significant theological principle that underpins much of his teaching in the Epistle to the Romans. To fully understand the depth of these verses, it is crucial to explore their context, the purpose of the law, and the nature of sin.

Paul's letter to the Romans is a comprehensive exposition of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the first three chapters, Paul meticulously builds a case for the universal need for salvation. He begins by addressing the Gentiles' sinfulness (Romans 1:18-32), then turns to the Jews, arguing that their possession of the law does not exempt them from God's judgment (Romans 2:1-29). By the time he reaches Romans 3:19-20, Paul is concluding his argument that both Jews and Gentiles are equally guilty before God.

The phrase "whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law" highlights that the law speaks to those who are subject to it, primarily the Jews in this context. However, the implications extend to all humanity, as Paul will soon make clear. The law, given through Moses, was a specific revelation to the Israelites, but its moral imperatives reflect God's universal standards of righteousness.

Paul states that the purpose of the law is "so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God." This imagery of silencing mouths is powerful. It suggests that the law leaves no room for self-justification or excuses. When confronted with the law's demands, every person must recognize their inability to meet its standards perfectly. This universal accountability means that all people, regardless of their background, are subject to God's righteous judgment.

In verse 20, Paul makes a crucial assertion: "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law." This statement directly challenges the notion that adherence to the law can earn righteousness. The law's purpose is not to provide a means of achieving righteousness but to reveal the extent of human sinfulness. By setting a standard that no one can fully attain, the law exposes the pervasive nature of sin.

The latter part of verse 20, "through the law we become conscious of our sin," is key to understanding the law's function. The law acts as a mirror, reflecting our true moral condition. It reveals our shortcomings and our need for divine grace. This idea is echoed in other parts of Scripture. For instance, in Galatians 3:24, Paul describes the law as a "guardian" or "tutor" that leads us to Christ, so that we might be justified by faith. The law's role is to bring us to an awareness of our sinfulness and our need for a Savior.

To further illustrate this point, consider the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). These commandments provide a moral framework that reveals God's holy standards. When we examine our lives in light of these commandments, we quickly realize that we fall short. Whether it is through dishonesty, covetousness, or failing to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we see our inability to uphold the law perfectly. This realization drives us to seek God's mercy and forgiveness.

Paul's teaching in Romans 3:19-20 also aligns with Jesus' own words in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus affirms the law's enduring significance but also intensifies its demands. He teaches that righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, who were meticulous in their observance of the law. Jesus then goes on to expound the deeper, heart-level implications of the law, showing that anger is akin to murder and lust to adultery (Matthew 5:21-30). Jesus' teaching underscores the impossibility of achieving righteousness through mere external compliance with the law.

The recognition of our sinfulness through the law is not an end in itself but a means to an end. It prepares us to receive the gospel of grace. In Romans 3:21-22, Paul transitions to the good news: "But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." The law points us to our need for a righteousness that comes from God, a righteousness that is received by faith in Jesus Christ.

Theologian John Stott, in his commentary on Romans, aptly summarizes this dynamic: "The function of the law was not to bestow salvation, however, but to convince people of their need of it. The law was intended to bring about the knowledge of sin and thus to drive people to despair of themselves and so to Christ."

In conclusion, Romans 3:19-20 teaches that the law serves to reveal human sinfulness and to silence any claims of self-righteousness. It shows that no one can achieve righteousness through their own efforts, as the law makes us conscious of our sin. This awareness of sin is essential, for it leads us to seek the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The law, therefore, is not opposed to the gospel but is a crucial part of God's redemptive plan, guiding us to the grace and mercy found in Christ alone.