Sermons on Romans 3:28

Romans 3:28 Interpretation:

Justification by Faith Alone: The Heart of the Reformation (Ligonier Ministries) offers a detailed and unique interpretation of Romans 3:28 by contrasting the Roman Catholic doctrine of justification, which is based on inherent righteousness and a system of merit (condign and congruous), with the Reformation doctrine of justification by faith alone. The sermon highlights the Greek term "dikaiosune" (to declare righteous) versus the Latin "justificare" (to make righteous), emphasizing that justification is a legal declaration based on the imputation (imputatio) of Christ’s righteousness, not an infusion of righteousness into the believer. The analogy of "alien righteousness" (iustitia alienum) and "extra nos" (outside of us) is used to stress that the righteousness by which we are justified is entirely Christ’s, not our own, and is credited to us by faith alone. This is further illustrated by the metaphor of being "clothed" in Christ’s righteousness, so that God sees us as just because of Christ, not because of any inherent quality in us.

Contrasting Justification: Catholicism vs. Reformation Perspectives (Ligonier Ministries) provides a novel analogy by using Aristotle’s categories of causality (material, formal, efficient, and instrumental causes) to explain the difference between the Catholic and Reformation views of justification. The sermon explains that, for Rome, the "instrumental cause" of justification is the sacrament of baptism, whereas for the Reformers, the sole instrumental cause is faith. This philosophical framework is used to clarify that, in the Reformation view, faith is not a meritorious work but the means by which we are united to Christ and receive His righteousness.

Justification by Faith: The Heart of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) uniquely interprets Romans 3:28 by emphasizing the distinction between a "necessary" and "sufficient" condition for justification. The sermon uses the analogy of oxygen and fire: oxygen is necessary for fire but not sufficient; likewise, Rome sees faith as necessary but not sufficient for justification, whereas the Reformation sees faith as both necessary and sufficient. The sermon also employs Luther’s phrase "simul iustus et peccator" (at the same time righteous and sinner) to illustrate that, in justification, the believer is declared righteous while still a sinner, which is possible only through the imputation of Christ’s righteousness.

Understanding Baptism's Role in Salvation and Faith (Desiring God) offers a distinctive interpretation by directly addressing Romans 3:28 in the context of baptism and justification. The sermon argues that justification is by faith alone, apart from works of the law or sacraments, and that baptism is an outward expression of inward faith, not the means of justification. The preacher uses the analogy of "grabbing your hat and running for the train" to explain that, while baptism accompanies faith, only faith is causative for justification, paralleling the logic of Romans 3:28.

Forgiveness: The Pathway to Joyful Reconciliation with God (Desiring God) interprets Romans 3:28 as a declaration that justification is entirely by faith, apart from any works of the law, and uses a vivid analogy of reconciliation in marriage to illustrate the relational nature of forgiveness and justification. The sermon uniquely pushes beyond the standard forensic or legal understanding of justification to emphasize that the ultimate goal is not merely acquittal or a clear conscience, but restored, joyful fellowship with God Himself. The analogy of a husband seeking not just forgiveness but the restoration of intimacy with his wife is used to show that justification is a means to the end of delighting in God, not just escaping punishment. This interpretation is distinguished by its insistence that the benefits of the gospel (wrath removal, forgiveness, justification, eternal life) are only good news because they bring us to God, and that faith is the only way to receive these benefits because the work is already finished and cannot be added to by human effort.

Faith and Baptism: Understanding Salvation's True Order (Desiring God) interprets Romans 3:28 as the decisive scriptural basis for the doctrine that justification is by faith alone, not by works or by the act of baptism. The sermon offers a unique analogy: just as grabbing your hat and running to catch a train involves two actions but only one (running) actually gets you to the train, so repentance (faith) is the cause of justification, while baptism is an accompanying but non-causative act. This analogy is used to clarify that while baptism is important, it is not the means by which justification is received—faith alone is. The sermon also draws a parallel between circumcision and baptism, using the Greek text of Colossians 2:11-12 and Romans 4:11 to argue that baptism, like circumcision, is a sign and seal of a righteousness already received by faith, not a means of obtaining it.

Transforming Mind and Heart Through the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) interprets Romans 3:28 as a foundational statement that the gospel is a free offer, received by faith apart from works, and insists that this is essential to the very definition of the gospel. The sermon’s unique contribution is to connect this doctrinal truth to the shaping of both mind and heart, arguing that the gospel’s freeness is what liberates the heart from guilt and enables true spiritual affections for God. The preacher uses the analogy of marital reconciliation (a spouse’s back turned, then restored intimacy) to illustrate that justification is not an end in itself but a means to the ultimate end: enjoying God Himself. This interpretation is set apart by its focus on the affective and transformative power of justification by faith alone, not just its legal or forensic aspect.

Embracing Racial Harmony: A Gospel-Centered Call (SermonIndex.net) interprets Romans 3:28 as not only a doctrinal statement about justification by faith apart from works, but as a text with radical implications for ethnic and racial inclusion in the church. The sermon’s unique insight is to read Romans 3:28 in its immediate context (vv. 29-30), arguing that justification by faith alone is the theological foundation for the inclusion of all nations and ethnicities in the people of God. The preacher highlights the rhetorical question, “Or is God the God of Jews only?” to show that the doctrine of justification by faith is inseparable from the breaking down of ethnic barriers, making the gospel a “blood issue” rather than a mere social issue. This is a distinctive application that moves beyond the typical individualistic reading of the verse.

Romans 3:28 Theological Themes:

Justification by Faith Alone: The Heart of the Reformation (Ligonier Ministries) introduces the theme of "alien righteousness" and the legal (forensic) nature of justification, emphasizing that the believer’s status before God is based solely on Christ’s righteousness imputed to them, not on any inherent or infused righteousness. This theme is further developed by the insistence that removing the doctrine of imputation is tantamount to removing the gospel itself.

Contrasting Justification: Catholicism vs. Reformation Perspectives (Ligonier Ministries) adds the theological theme of the incompatibility of the Catholic and Reformation doctrines of justification, arguing that the two are mutually exclusive and that the true gospel is at stake in this distinction. The sermon also highlights the ongoing relevance of the Council of Trent’s anathemas against justification by faith alone, suggesting that the divide is not merely historical but remains a live theological fault line.

Justification by Faith: The Heart of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) brings a fresh angle by warning against reducing justification by faith alone to mere intellectual assent or profession, stressing that only the possession of genuine faith justifies, not the mere affirmation of the doctrine. The sermon also applies Romans 3:28 pastorally, cautioning against giving false assurance based on external acts or professions rather than true faith.

Understanding Baptism's Role in Salvation and Faith (Desiring God) presents the theme that faith is the sole instrument of union with Christ and justification, and that baptism, while important, is not causative for justification. The sermon also explores the idea that even the best works of Christians are tainted by sin and are only acceptable to God because they are cleansed by Christ, reinforcing the sufficiency of faith apart from works.

Forgiveness: The Pathway to Joyful Reconciliation with God (Desiring God) presents the theme that justification by faith is not merely about legal acquittal or escaping punishment, but about being brought into joyful, affectionate fellowship with God. The sermon adds the fresh angle that all the benefits of the gospel are ultimately means to the end of knowing and delighting in God Himself, and that if we stop at forgiveness or justification as ends in themselves, we miss the true heart of the gospel.

Faith and Baptism: Understanding Salvation's True Order (Desiring God) introduces the theme that the order of salvation is crucial: faith precedes baptism, and justification is by faith alone, not by any ritual or work. The sermon’s new facet is its use of the analogy between circumcision and baptism to argue that both are signs of a righteousness already received by faith, and that baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality, not a means of obtaining justification.

Transforming Mind and Heart Through the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) develops the theme that justification by faith alone is the only basis for a heart that is truly freed from guilt and fitted for joy in God. The sermon’s distinct contribution is its emphasis on the affective transformation that flows from the doctrine: the heart is shaped for supreme joy in God, and the mind’s right thinking serves the heart’s right affections, all made possible by the gospel’s freeness.

Embracing Racial Harmony: A Gospel-Centered Call (SermonIndex.net) presents the theme that justification by faith alone is the theological engine for racial and ethnic inclusion in the church. The sermon’s unique angle is its insistence that the doctrine of justification is not just about individual salvation but is inherently global and inclusive, breaking down all ethnic barriers and making diversity a “blood issue” at the very heart of the gospel.

Romans 3:28 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Justification by Faith Alone: The Heart of the Reformation (Ligonier Ministries) provides extensive historical context about the late medieval Catholic system of penance, indulgences, the Treasury of Merit, and purgatory, explaining how these practices and beliefs set the stage for the Reformation. The sermon details the abuse of indulgences by Tetzel and the theological rationale behind the sacrament of penance, as well as the Council of Trent’s response to the Reformation.

Contrasting Justification: Catholicism vs. Reformation Perspectives (Ligonier Ministries) offers historical insight into the Council of Trent’s sixth session, its canons and anathemas, and the enduring authority of Trent in Catholic doctrine. The sermon also discusses the influence of Aristotelian philosophy on Catholic theology, particularly in the distinction of causes.

Justification by Faith: The Heart of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) provides historical background on the development of the doctrine of justification in both Catholic and Protestant traditions, referencing the Latin Vulgate’s influence on Catholic theology and the Greek New Testament’s influence on the Reformers. The sermon also discusses the historical significance of the Reformation’s insistence on faith as the sufficient condition for justification.

Faith and Baptism: Understanding Salvation's True Order (Desiring God) provides historical context by explaining the Jewish practice of circumcision as a sign and seal of righteousness received by faith, and then drawing a parallel to baptism in the early church. The sermon notes that, in Paul’s time, circumcision was a marker of Jewish identity and covenant membership, but Paul insists in Romans 4:11 that Abraham was counted righteous by faith before he was circumcised, making him the father of all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. This historical insight is used to argue that baptism, like circumcision, is not the means of justification but a sign of a prior reality.

Embracing Racial Harmony: A Gospel-Centered Call (SermonIndex.net) offers contextual insight into the first-century Jewish-Gentile divide, noting that the question of whether God is the God of Jews only (Romans 3:29) was a live issue in Paul’s day. The sermon references the incident in Galatians 2, where Peter withdrew from table fellowship with Gentiles, and Paul rebuked him for not acting “in step with the gospel.” This is used to show that the doctrine of justification by faith alone was, from the beginning, a doctrine with radical implications for ethnic inclusion and unity in the early church.

Romans 3:28 Cross-References in the Bible:

Understanding Baptism's Role in Salvation and Faith (Desiring God) references multiple passages to support the interpretation of Romans 3:28, including Romans 5:1 ("since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God"), Romans 4:5 ("to the one who does not work but believes... his faith is counted as righteousness"), John 3:16, Acts 13:38-39, Colossians 2:11-12 (baptism as an expression of faith), Romans 4:11 (circumcision as a sign of righteousness by faith), Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21 (baptism as an appeal to God for a good conscience), and Acts 2:38. Each passage is used to reinforce that justification is by faith alone, and that baptism, while commanded, is not the means of justification but a sign of faith. The analogy of circumcision in Romans 4:11 is particularly used to show that the sign (baptism or circumcision) follows the reality of faith and justification, not the other way around.

Forgiveness: The Pathway to Joyful Reconciliation with God (Desiring God) references several passages to support and expand on Romans 3:28: Ephesians 2:8-9 is cited to reinforce that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast; John 3:16 is used to show that faith is the means of receiving eternal life; Romans 5:1-11 is explored to show the sequence from justification by faith to peace with God, reconciliation, and ultimately rejoicing in God Himself; Psalm 32 is quoted to connect forgiveness with joy in God; and 1 Peter 3:18 is cited as the ultimate purpose of Christ’s suffering: to bring us to God.

Faith and Baptism: Understanding Salvation's True Order (Desiring God) references a wide array of passages: Romans 5:1, Romans 4:5, John 3:16, Acts 13:38, Colossians 2:11-12, Romans 4:11, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21, and Acts 2:38. Each is used to clarify that justification is by faith alone, and to distinguish between the role of faith and the role of baptism. Colossians 2:11-12 and Romans 4:11 are used to draw the analogy between circumcision and baptism; Acts 22:16 and 1 Peter 3:21 are interpreted to show that baptism is an outward sign of an inward faith, not the means of justification; and Acts 2:38 is explained with the “grab your hat and run” analogy to show that repentance (faith) is the causative means of forgiveness, not baptism.

Transforming Mind and Heart Through the Gospel (SermonIndex.net) references Romans 3:28 to establish the freeness of the gospel, and then connects this to Acts 10:43 (“everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins”), 1 Peter 3:18 (“Christ suffered once for sinners, that he might bring us to God”), and Psalm 32:11 (“be glad in the Lord and rejoice”). These passages are used to show that the benefits of justification are meant to lead to joy in God, not just acquittal.

Embracing Racial Harmony: A Gospel-Centered Call (SermonIndex.net) references Romans 3:28-30 to show the connection between justification by faith and the inclusion of Gentiles; Galatians 2 is cited to illustrate the practical outworking of this doctrine in the early church’s struggle with ethnic division; and Revelation 5:9 and Ephesians 2 are used to show that the blood of Christ was shed to purchase people from every tribe and nation and to reconcile them into one body.

Romans 3:28 Christian References outside the Bible:

Justification by Faith: The Heart of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) explicitly references Martin Luther, John Calvin, and J.I. Packer in its discussion of Romans 3:28. Luther is quoted as saying justification by faith alone is the article upon which the church stands or falls, and Calvin is cited for calling it the hinge upon which everything turns. J.I. Packer’s metaphor of justification as "Atlas" holding up the world is used to illustrate the centrality of the doctrine. The sermon also references John Piper’s work on the importance of imputation, and alludes to the influence of Augustine and Aristotle on the development of Catholic doctrine.

Embracing Racial Harmony: A Gospel-Centered Call (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references William Wilberforce and his book “A Practical View of Christianity,” explaining that Wilberforce’s thesis was that the loss of the doctrine of justification by faith alone led to moral decline in England, and that true moral and social reform (including the abolition of the slave trade) must be rooted in the gospel and the right order between justification and works. The sermon also mentions John Newton as Wilberforce’s friend and counselor, and Mark Noll’s book “God and Race in American Politics” as a resource for understanding the failures of Christians to live out their worldview, especially in the area of race. The preacher also references J.I. Packer’s definition of the gospel as “propitiation by substitution,” emphasizing the centrality of substitutionary atonement in the doctrine of justification.

Romans 3:28 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Justification by Faith: The Heart of the Gospel (Ligonier Ministries) uses the metaphor of Atlas from Greek mythology, as described by J.I. Packer, to illustrate the centrality of justification by faith alone: just as Atlas holds up the world, so this doctrine upholds the entire structure of Christianity, and if it were to "shrug," the whole faith would collapse.

Contrasting Justification: Catholicism vs. Reformation Perspectives (Ligonier Ministries) employs Aristotle’s illustration of a sculptor making a statue to explain the different types of causes (material, formal, efficient, instrumental), using this as an analogy for the Catholic and Reformation views of justification. The sculptor’s tools (instrumental cause) are likened to the means by which justification is effected—baptism for Catholics, faith for Reformers.

Understanding Baptism's Role in Salvation and Faith (Desiring God) uses the analogy of "grabbing your hat and running for the train" to explain the relationship between faith and baptism: both are commanded, but only running (faith) actually gets you to the train (justification), while grabbing your hat (baptism) is an accompanying but non-causative act. This analogy is used to clarify that, according to Romans 3:28, faith alone justifies, and baptism is an outward sign that follows.

Faith and Baptism: Understanding Salvation's True Order (Desiring God) uses a detailed secular analogy to clarify the relationship between faith and baptism: the preacher compares Peter’s command to “repent and be baptized” to telling someone, “grab your hat and run or you’ll miss the train.” In this analogy, grabbing the hat is an accompanying but non-causative act, while running is what actually gets you to the train. This is used to illustrate that repentance (faith) is what brings justification, while baptism is an important but non-causative outward act. The analogy is extended with a humorous aside about not forgetting your hat in Phoenix to avoid sunburn, reinforcing the point that baptism is important but not the means of salvation.