How does Romans 3:31 affirm the importance of the law in Christian life? setting the verse in front of us Romans 3:31 — “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.” faith does not cancel the law • Paul has just proclaimed justification by faith apart from works (3:28). • The natural objection—“If faith alone saves, the law must be worthless”—is answered with an emphatic “Certainly not!” • “Uphold” (Greek histēmi) means “to establish, make firm, cause to stand.” Faith nails the law firmly in place; it does not loosen it. why the law still matters 1. Reveals sin (Romans 3:20) — The law shines a light on rebellion so we run to Christ for cleansing. 2. Reflects God’s character (Psalm 19:7-9) — Each command mirrors His holiness and love. 3. Defines love in daily terms (Matthew 22:37-40) — Loving God and neighbor is expressed through the very commands faith upholds. 4. Guides sanctified living (Psalm 119:105; 1 John 5:3) — Grace frees us to obey, not to ignore. 5. Silences boasting (Romans 3:27) — Because the law stands, no one can claim righteousness apart from mercy. how believers uphold the law • By trusting Christ, the only One who kept it perfectly (Romans 8:3). • By receiving the Spirit, who writes the law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 8:4). • By doing “good works, which God prepared in advance” (Ephesians 2:10). • By demonstrating a living faith that acts (James 2:17-18). • By refusing antinomianism—grace teaches us “to deny ungodliness” (Titus 2:11-12). scripture echoes • Matthew 5:17-18 — “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” • Romans 6:1-2 — “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? Certainly not!” • Galatians 5:13-14 — Freedom expresses itself in serving one another, “for the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” summary takeaways • Faith in Christ establishes the law’s ongoing authority. • The gospel provides pardon for law-breakers and power for law-keepers. • Christians honor God’s statutes, not to earn salvation, but because salvation has been freely given. |
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