Romans 3:5–6: But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?
Now, the whole point is this: if my unrighteousness reveals the marvelous, wonderfully infinite faithfulness of God in the grace of God, then has God a right to judge me? That’s what Paul is asking here. This makes it very clear that the unsaved world in Paul’s day understood that Paul was preaching salvation by the grace of God. How wonderful! 1
The argument here is that if this particular sin merely enhances the glory of God and the grace of God, then all sin would do the same. Therefore, God would not be able to judge the world. He would abdicate His throne as Judge of all the earth. 2
Application
- Thank God for not giving us what we all deserve: which is hell, and not heaven. We only escape the coming judgement by receiving Jesus as our Savior.
- God is never unjust, or unrighteous, or unholy. But He is always merciful to sinners; therefore we all qualify to receive His mercy which is new every morning.
Prayer
Lord, thank you that all my sin was put upon Jesus, the sin bearer for the entire world. Because He is my righteousness, I have every reason to rejoice.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
