How does Romans 3:12 connect with Psalm 14:3 regarding human righteousness? Setting the Stage • Romans 3:12 says, “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” • Psalm 14:3 records, “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Paul intentionally reaches back to David’s words to spotlight a timeless truth: the problem of human unrighteousness is not new—it has always been woven into the very fabric of fallen humanity. Parallel Phrases—A Direct Quote • “All have turned away” — identical wording in both passages underscores universal rebellion. • “Have become worthless/corrupt” — Sin warps our created purpose; what God made for His glory drifts into moral decay. • “No one who does good, not even one” — a sweeping, unqualified verdict that leaves no room for exceptions. Because Romans 3:12 quotes Psalm 14:3 almost verbatim, Paul roots the New-Testament gospel diagnosis firmly in Old-Testament revelation, showing continuity between covenants. Shared Message: Universal Sinfulness • Isaiah 53:6 echoes the same theme: “We all like sheep have gone astray; each one has turned to his own way.” • Romans 3:23 tightens the net: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Together these verses sweep every person—religious or irreligious—into the same category: unrighteous and unable to self-rescue. Implications for Our Understanding of Righteousness 1. Human goodness is relative at best and never meets God’s perfect standard. 2. Moral effort can restrain evil but cannot erase guilt. 3. Every attempt at self-justification collapses under Scripture’s verdict: “not even one.” The Only Source of True Righteousness • Romans 3:21-22 introduces the rescue: “But now, apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed… through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21 shows the exchange: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • Romans 5:8 displays love’s proof: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ fulfills what Psalm 14 laments and Romans 3 exposes: He supplies the righteousness no human possesses. Living in Light of This Truth • Humility: Recognize continual dependence on grace; no room for boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Gratitude: Celebrate the completed work of Christ that clothes believers in His righteousness. • Proclamation: Share the universal need and the singular remedy—faith in Jesus—confident that Scripture’s unified witness carries divine authority. |
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