How does Romans 3:5 address God's righteousness in response to human unrighteousness? Setting the Scene “ But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust in inflicting His wrath? I am speaking in human terms.” (Romans 3:5) Paul’s Rhetorical Question • Paul anticipates an objection: if human sin makes God look even more righteous by contrast, is God unfair to judge us? • He labels this “speaking in human terms,” signaling that such reasoning springs from fallen logic, not divine truth. What the Verse Teaches about God’s Righteousness • Human unrighteousness serves as a dark backdrop, but God’s righteousness is inherently brilliant—never dependent on human conduct for its validity. • The very suggestion that God could be “unjust” exposes the warped perspective created by sin. • God remains perfectly righteous while still holding sinners accountable; the two truths stand together without tension in His character. Supporting Passages • Psalm 51:4 — “So that You may be justified in Your words and blameless in Your judgment.” David acknowledges God’s right to judge even when human sin magnifies His glory. • Romans 3:6 — “Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world?” Paul immediately rejects any hint of divine injustice. • 2 Timothy 2:13 — “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” God’s righteousness is unchangeable. • 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Divine righteousness provides both justice and mercy. Key Takeaways • Our sin never diminishes God; it only underscores His purity. • God’s right to judge flows from His very nature; questioning that right is a symptom of human rebellion. • Because His righteousness is unwavering, His offer of salvation through Christ (Romans 3:21-26) is completely trustworthy. |
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