How can Romans 3:23 deepen our understanding of Ecclesiastes 7:20? Setting the Texts Side by Side Ecclesiastes 7:20: “Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Shared Truth: Universal Sinfulness • Both verses state plainly that sin is universal—no one is exempt. • Ecclesiastes speaks in observational wisdom; Romans delivers an apostolic declaration. • Together they form a seamless testimony from Old and New Testaments. How Romans 3:23 Deepens Ecclesiastes 7:20 • Romans adds the phrase “fall short of the glory of God,” clarifying that sin is not merely failure to meet human standards but divine perfection. • Paul supplies theological weight: sin isn’t incidental; it creates distance from God’s glory, emphasizing the relational breach. • Ecclesiastes notes the absence of a perfectly righteous person; Romans explains why that matters—because falling short of God’s glory demands a remedy. Additional Scripture Connections • Psalm 14:3: “All have turned away, all alike have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” • Isaiah 53:6: “We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way.” • 1 John 1:8–9: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” Practical Takeaways for Today • Humility: Acknowledge personal sinfulness rather than comparing with others. • Gratitude: Recognize God’s grace in providing redemption through Christ (Romans 3:24). • Honesty in Community: Since all fall short, the church should be a place of transparent repentance, not pretense. • Worship: Understanding the depth of our need magnifies praise for God’s mercy and righteousness. |
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