What does Romans 3:20 reveal about the purpose of the Law? The Text: Romans 3:20 “Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the Law. For the Law merely brings awareness of sin.” Immediate Context Romans 3:9-19 establishes universal guilt: “we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin” (v. 9). Verse 19 states, “so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.” Verse 20 then crystallizes the purpose of the Law—exposure, not exoneration. Paul’s argument leads straight to the unveiling of God’s righteousness “apart from the Law” (v. 21), culminating in redemption “through faith in Jesus Christ” (v. 22). Key Terms • “Justified” (dikaioō): declared righteous in a forensic sense. • “Works of the Law” (ergōn nomou): all human efforts—ceremonial, civil, moral—performed to earn right standing. • “Awareness of sin” (epignōsis hamartias): full, conscious recognition of violating God’s standard. Diagnostic Function: The Law as a Mirror Romans 7:7 echoes Romans 3:20: “I would not have known sin except through the Law.” Like a medical scan, the Law detects moral cancer but supplies no cure. Galatians 3:19 confirms the diagnostic role: “It was added because of transgressions, until the Seed should come.” Awareness precedes repentance (Luke 5:31-32). Judicial Function: Silencing Every Mouth By defining wrong, the Law secures a just verdict. Deuteronomy 27:26 pronounces a curse on all who fail to keep “all the words of this Law.” This impartial standard removes every plea of innocence (Romans 3:19). Pedagogical Function: Tutor to Christ Galatians 3:24: “The Law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we might be justified by faith.” The Greek paidagōgos guided minors to maturity; likewise, the Law escorts sinners to the Savior by exposing need and foreshadowing atonement through sacrifices (Hebrews 10:1-4). Covenantal Function: Preserving a People Civil and ceremonial statutes fenced Israel off from idolatry (Leviticus 20:26). By maintaining a distinct lineage, the Law safeguarded messianic prophecy (Genesis 49:10). Archaeological evidence such as the Ketef Hinnom silver scrolls (7th century BC) confirms early priestly benedictions (Numbers 6:24-26), underscoring continuity between Law and Gospel. Moral Function: Revealing Divine Character The Ten Commandments reflect God’s holiness (Exodus 20:1-17). Jesus reaffirms and intensifies them (Matthew 5:17-48). Thus the Law is not arbitrary; it mirrors the Creator’s nature, which is why violating it is tantamount to rebellion against His person. Practical Applications • Evangelism: Use the Law to reveal sin, then present grace (1 Timothy 1:8-11). • Sanctification: Believers, though not under Law for justification, fulfill its righteous requirement through the Spirit (Romans 8:4). • Worship: Recognition of God’s holiness fosters reverent gratitude for Christ’s fulfillment of the Law. Summary Romans 3:20 teaches that the Law’s primary purpose is revelatory and condemnatory, not redemptive. It diagnoses sin, silences self-righteousness, and serves as a tutor directing every sinner to seek justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone. |
    |