Sermons on Romans 3:20
The various sermons below on Romans 3:20 share a common emphasis on the doctrine of justification by faith, underscoring that salvation is not achieved through adherence to the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Both sermons highlight the role of the Old Testament law as a means to reveal God's righteousness and human sinfulness, rather than as a checklist for salvation. They use the example of Abraham to illustrate that faith has always been the path to righteousness, even before the New Testament. Additionally, both sermons emphasize the impartiality of God in offering salvation to all, regardless of their background, reinforcing the unity of God's message across both Testaments.
Despite these commonalities, the sermons diverge in their interpretation of the nature of justification. One sermon emphasizes the judicial and forensic nature of justification, portraying it as a legal declaration by God that does not involve a change in the believer's nature. This contrasts with views that see justification as involving an infusion of grace and transformation. The other sermon, while also focusing on justification by faith, places more emphasis on the unity of God's message and the role of the law in highlighting the need for a savior. This sermon underscores the continuity of God's righteousness being revealed through both the Old and New Testaments, offering a broader theological perspective on the purpose of the law.
Romans 3:20 Interpretation:
Justification by Faith: The Path to Salvation (Shelby Christian & Missionary Alliance) interprets Romans 3:20 by emphasizing that the Old Testament law was never intended to be a checklist for salvation. Instead, it was meant to reveal God's righteousness and humanity's sinfulness. The sermon highlights that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. The preacher uses the example of Abraham, whose faith was credited as righteousness, to illustrate that salvation has always been through faith, even in the Old Testament.
Justification by Faith: Freedom from the Law (MLJTrust) interprets Romans 3:20 by emphasizing the judicial and forensic nature of justification. The sermon highlights that justification is a declaration by God that we are righteous based on the merits of Christ, not a change in our nature. This interpretation contrasts with the Roman Catholic view, which sees justification as involving an infusion of grace and a transformation of the believer's nature. The sermon underscores that justification is about our standing before God, not our internal state, and is a once-and-for-all act, not a process.
Romans 3:20 Theological Themes:
Justification by Faith: The Path to Salvation (Shelby Christian & Missionary Alliance) presents the theme that God's righteousness is revealed through both the Old and New Testaments, and that the law serves to highlight human sinfulness and the need for a savior. The sermon also emphasizes the unity of God and His impartiality in offering salvation to everyone, regardless of their background or past.
Justification by Faith: Freedom from the Law (MLJTrust) presents the theme that justification is a legal declaration rather than a transformation of the believer's nature. This theme is distinct in its emphasis on the judicial aspect of justification, contrasting with views that conflate justification with sanctification or internal change. The sermon stresses that justification is about being declared righteous by God due to Christ's righteousness being imputed to us, rather than any inherent righteousness or holiness within us.
Romans 3:20 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Justification by Faith: The Path to Salvation (Shelby Christian & Missionary Alliance) provides historical context by explaining the diverse audience of the Roman church, which included Jews with a legalistic background and Gentiles who worshiped Roman gods. The sermon explains that Paul was addressing both groups to unite them around the gospel of Jesus Christ, rather than their own traditions or religious backgrounds.
Justification by Faith: Freedom from the Law (MLJTrust) provides historical context by discussing the Roman Catholic view of justification during the time of the Reformation. The sermon explains how the Roman Catholic Church taught that justification involved the infusion of grace and was a process that could be lost and regained through sacraments. This historical insight highlights the contrast between the Reformation's emphasis on justification by faith alone and the Catholic view of justification as a combination of faith and works.
Romans 3:20 Cross-References in the Bible:
Justification by Faith: The Path to Salvation (Shelby Christian & Missionary Alliance) references Genesis 15:6 to explain how Abraham's faith was credited as righteousness, illustrating that salvation has always been through faith. The sermon also mentions Romans 6, which describes eternal life as a free gift from God, and highlights the substitutionary sacrifice system in the Old Testament as a precursor to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
Justification by Faith: Freedom from the Law (MLJTrust) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation of Romans 3:20. It cites Psalm 143:2 to show that no one can be justified in God's sight, and Galatians 3 to explain the purpose of the law in revealing sin. The sermon also references Romans 7 to illustrate how the law exposes the sinfulness of sin and our need for Christ's righteousness. These cross-references are used to demonstrate that the law was never intended to save but to lead us to Christ.
Romans 3:20 Christian References outside the Bible:
Salvation Through Faith: The Misconception of Goodness (Zion Church Media) explicitly references Andy Stanley's book "How Good Is Good Enough" to discuss the concept that good people do not go to heaven, but forgiven people do. The sermon uses Stanley's ideas to challenge the belief that being good is sufficient for salvation and emphasizes the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ.
Justification by Faith: Freedom from the Law (MLJTrust) references Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation to illustrate the historical significance of the doctrine of justification by faith. The sermon explains how Luther's understanding of justification as a legal declaration, rather than an infusion of grace, was a key factor in the Reformation. This reference to Luther highlights the importance of distinguishing between justification and sanctification and the liberating effect of understanding justification as a declaration of righteousness based on Christ's merits.
Romans 3:20 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Salvation Through Faith: The Misconception of Goodness (Zion Church Media) uses several secular illustrations to explain the concept of being good enough for heaven. The sermon compares the idea of good people going to heaven to a reality show where contestants believe they will make the cut, or a race where participants do not know the parameters. These analogies are used to highlight the uncertainty and inadequacy of relying on personal goodness for salvation.
Justification by Faith: Freedom from the Law (MLJTrust) does not include any illustrations from secular sources in its discussion of Romans 3:20.