How does Romans 3:31 address the relationship between faith and works? Canonical Text “Do we, then, nullify the law through faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law.” – Romans 3:31 Immediate Literary Context Paul has just concluded a sweeping indictment of both Jew and Gentile (3:9–20) and unveiled justification “by grace … through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (3:24). Verse 31 serves as his anticipated rebuttal to critics who might accuse him of abolishing the Mosaic law. Far from discarding the law, Paul claims that sola fide—faith alone—actually “upholds” (Greek: ἱστάνομεν, histanomen, “establishes, validates”) the law’s intended function. Defining “Law” and “Faith” in Pauline Usage 1. “Law” (νόμος, nomos) in Romans alternates between (a) the Mosaic code, (b) the entire OT revelation, and (c) a principle or power (cf. 7:23). Here the Mosaic moral demands stand foremost. 2. “Faith” (πίστις, pistis) denotes personal trust in Christ, not mere intellectual assent (cf. 4:5; Galatians 2:16). Paul’s Theology of Law Fulfilled, Not Voided 1. Diagnostic Function – The law reveals sin (3:20). Faith directs sinners to the remedy the law anticipated (Christ), preserving its diagnostic role. 2. Typological Function – Ceremonial aspects prefigure substitutionary atonement. Faith sees the antitype in Jesus, honoring the law’s typology. 3. Moral Function – By the Spirit believers walk in obedience (8:1–13), something the powerless flesh could never achieve (7:18). Thus faith empowers what law demanded. Old Testament Harmony: Abraham & David Paul immediately turns to Abraham (4:1–25). Genesis 15:6 depicts justification by faith centuries before Sinai, demonstrating continuity. Psalm 32’s record of David’s forgiven transgression (4:6–8) likewise roots the doctrine in Torah and Writings, underscoring that faith has always established God’s righteous standard. Antinomianism Rebuked, Legalism Disarmed • Antinomian error: “If law cannot justify, it is irrelevant.” Paul: “Certainly not!” • Legalistic error: “Law-keeping merits salvation.” Paul: “No one will be justified by works of the law” (3:20). Faith neither disparages law nor trusts law; it puts law in its biblical place. Justification versus Sanctification Justification: declarative, forensic, received by faith apart from works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Sanctification: transformative, evidential, necessarily producing works (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17). Romans 3:31 is the hinge connecting the two without confusion. James 2 and Romans 3 in Concert James addresses a dead, verbal “faith” that shows no fruit; Paul targets reliance on works for justification. Both affirm that genuine faith manifests obedience. The archaeological discovery of the early second-century Papyrus P72 containing both canonical letters underscores their early, joint reception and perceived harmony. Christ’s Fulfillment Statement Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” Romans 3:31 echoes Jesus’ position: fulfillment, not abrogation. Early Church Witness • Ignatius (c. AD 110) spoke of believers who “observe the ordinances of the Lord” through faith. • Irenaeus (Against Heresies 4.9) argued that Gospel faith “establishes” the OT’s moral precepts by enabling obedience. Patristic testimony confirms that Christians have historically read Romans 3:31 as faith-affirming law. Practical Implications for Believers 1. Pursue holiness not to earn salvation but to display it (Titus 2:11–14). 2. Rely on the Spirit, not self-effort, to fulfill righteous requirements (Romans 8:4). 3. Use the law devotionally—as a mirror, guide, and compass—always interpreted through the cross. Conclusion Romans 3:31 resolves the apparent tension between faith and works by showing that faith in Christ vindicates, fulfills, and energizes the very law it supersedes as a means of justification. Faith justifies apart from works, yet simultaneously produces the works that the law always aimed to see, thereby upholding the law in its truest, Christ-centered sense. |
    |