What role does the law play according to Romans 3:28?

Key Verse

“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)

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What the Law Cannot Do

• The law cannot make anyone righteous before God (Romans 3:20).

• The law cannot erase past sins; it exposes them (Romans 7:9–10).

• The law cannot mix with faith as a co-basis for justification (Galatians 2:16).

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What the Law Does Do

• Reveals sin: “Through the law we become conscious of sin.” (Romans 3:20)

• Silences self-defense: “Every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.” (Romans 3:19)

• Acts as a tutor leading us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

• Affirms God’s moral standard, showing humanity its need for a Savior.

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Faith’s Victory Over the Law for Justification

• Faith receives the righteousness God provides in Christ (Romans 3:22).

• Grace, not human effort, is the basis: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… not by works.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

• Believers are “dead to the law” for justification, yet alive to God (Romans 7:4–6).

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Does Faith Abolish the Law?

• No; “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Absolutely not! Instead, we uphold the law.” (Romans 3:31)

• The law’s righteous requirement is fulfilled in those who walk by the Spirit (Romans 8:3–4).

• Obedience flows from a changed heart, not from attempting to earn favor (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 10:16).

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Living in Light of Romans 3:28

• Rest in Christ’s finished work rather than striving for acceptance through rule-keeping.

• Approach Scripture’s commands as guidance for grateful obedience, not as ladders to earn salvation.

• Rely on the Holy Spirit to produce the love and holiness the law describes (Galatians 5:22–23).

The law exposes our need; faith unites us to the One who meets that need.