Romans 3:27-31

Ninth Passage (3:27-31). The Harmony of this Mode of Justification with the true Meaning of the Law.

The apostle had asserted, Romans 3:21, that the law and the prophets themselves bear witness to the mode of justification revealed in the gospel. This he demonstrates, first generally, from the spirit of the law, then specially, from the example of Abraham, in the two following pieces: chap. Romans 3:27-31 and chap. 4. As the theme of the preceding piece was expressed in the words of Romans 3:21-22: righteousness of God revealed without law...by faith in Jesus Christ, that of the following development is found in the words of Romans 3:21: witnessed by the law and by the prophets. We see how rigorously the apostle adheres to order in his work.

The piece, Romans 3:27-31, argues from all that precedes to the harmony of justification by faith with the Old Testament 1. Inasmuch as the law and the gospel equally exclude justification by works, Romans 3:27-28; this is the negative demonstration; and 2. Inasmuch as only justification by faith harmonizes with the Monotheism which is the doctrinal basis of the whole Old Testament, Romans 3:29-31; such is the positive demonstration.