Romans 3:20: Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Now, I challenge any person today who believes that you have to keep the Law to be saved to take this verse and explain it. You can never do it, my beloved. It’s absolutely impossible for mankind to do. “By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified.” Then what is the purpose of the Law? “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rather than providing a salvation for man, the Law reveals man to be a sinner. 1
Between verses 20 and 21 there is a “Grand Canyon” division. We move out of the night into the day. Now Paul begins to speak of God’s wonderful salvation. He will talk about justification by faith, which will be explained in the remainder of the chapter. 2
Application
- A speed limit sign will reveal immediately if you are guilty. That’s what the law does.
- A speed limit sign will also make you feel good about your driving, because you’re not breaking the speeding laws as bad as those other drivers! The law will also promote the sin of self righteousness, which can actually be a greater sin than speeding.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for revealing my need for Your forgiveness and complete justification.
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.