What is the meaning of Romans 3:31? Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? - Paul has just declared, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law” (Romans 3:28). Anticipating an objection, he asks whether trusting Christ renders God’s commands meaningless. - Faith in Jesus does not erase the moral framework God established. The law still reveals His holiness (Psalm 19:7; Romans 7:12) and exposes human sinfulness (Romans 3:20). - New-covenant faith answers the law’s demand for perfect righteousness by pointing to Christ, “who knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), rather than by denying the law’s authority. Certainly not! - Paul’s strongest negative—used elsewhere when rejecting any notion that grace encourages sin (Romans 6:2)—underscores that the gospel never undermines God’s standards. - The cross shows the law’s seriousness: Christ suffered its penalty for us (Galatians 3:13). If the law could be set aside, Calvary would be unnecessary. - The law’s role as tutor “to lead us to Christ” (Galatians 3:24) continues: it drives sinners to seek the Savior, proving faith and law work in harmony, not opposition. Instead, we uphold the law. - Faith fulfills the law’s righteous requirement through union with Christ: “what the law was powerless to do…God did by sending His own Son” so “that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us” (Romans 8:3-4). - Believers, indwelt by the Spirit, now obey from the heart (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:27). The same grace that saves empowers holy living (Titus 2:11-12). - Genuine faith produces works that reflect God’s commands (Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:17). Thus the law is upheld—not as a ladder to earn salvation, but as a mirror of God’s character and a guide for grateful obedience. - Jesus affirmed, “I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). When we trust Him, His fulfillment becomes ours, and His life in us leads to practical righteousness. summary Romans 3:31 teaches that salvation by faith never cancels God’s law. Faith honors the law by pointing to Christ’s atoning death, by fulfilling its righteous demands in the believer, and by motivating Spirit-empowered obedience. Grace does not lower the standard; it enables us to live it. |
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