“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”– Romans 3:31 (KJV)
“Well then, if we emphasize faith, does that mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.”– Romans 3:31 (NLT)
“So, do we cancel out the law by emphasizing faith? Not at all! Instead, we uphold the law.”– Romans 3:31 (MSG)
What Does Romans 3:31 Mean?
The verse Romans 3:31 asks a profound question about the relationship between faith and the law. This reflects a central theme in the book of Romans. The Apostle Paul is writing to the Roman Christians, addressing concerns and misconceptions about faith and the law. He emphasizes that having faith in Jesus does not nullify the law but rather establishes it. Understanding this relationship is crucial for us as believers.
When Paul refers to “the law,” he’s speaking about the moral and ethical guidelines found in the Old Testament. These laws were given to guide God’s people toward righteous living. The teachings contained therein affirmed God’s character and His expectations for how we should live. Now, some may have believed that since salvation comes by faith alone, the law was rendered useless or irrelevant. Paul vehemently refutes this notion.
Faith in Christ does not diminish the importance of the law; instead, it enhances it. In our lives, when we place faith in Jesus, we discover a deeper understanding of what it truly means to follow God’s commandments. Rather than seeing the law as a burden, we recognize it as a pathway to fulfilling God’s righteousness through love and obedience.
We must also consider that the law points us to our need for a savior. In Romans 3:20, we find that by the law comes the knowledge of sin. This means that the law reveals our shortcomings and failures. We see our need for God’s grace and mercy through Jesus’ sacrifice. Therefore, faith and the law work together to bring us into a right relationship with God.
Romans 3:31 Explanation and Commentary
Paul begins this verse with a rhetorical question, which leads us to think deeply about how faith in Jesus fits into the overarching narrative of the Bible. In his time, many believed that once Jesus came, the laws they had followed were no longer necessary. Paul is reminding us that while our means of salvation has changed with the coming of Christ, the character of God and His moral law remain intact.
When we accept Christ, we do not get a free pass to disregard His commandments. Instead, our faith inspires us to live in accordance with them. Genuine faith produces evidence in our lives. As it says in James 2:17, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” This means our belief must result in action, where our lives become a reflection of Christ’s love and righteousness.
Throughout Scripture, we see how Jesus upheld the law while introducing grace. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus tells us that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. This is significant because it shows us that the essence of the law—love God and love others—remains vital. Jesus’ life exemplified this principle. He honored the law by perfectly obeying it, and His sacrifice made it possible for us to be seen as righteous before God.
Not only does this verse affirm the law, but it demonstrates that faith gives us the power to uphold it. Without faith, we rely on our efforts and abilities, which will ultimately fall short. Faith helps us recognize that we need the Holy Spirit’s guidance to live in a manner that reflects God’s heart. In Galatians 5:22-23, we read about the fruit of the Spirit. When we walk in faith, we naturally exhibit love, joy, peace, and kindness among others.
Thus, Romans 3:31 serves as a powerful reminder that faith in Jesus equips us to fulfill the law, not disregarding it, but letting it guide our lives. As we step forward in our daily walks, we must remember how our faith empowers us to live righteously. When Christ is the foundation of our lives, we fulfill the law’s requirements, urging us to love others genuinely.
Context of Romans 3:31
To understand Romans 3:31 fully, we need to look at the context in which Paul wrote this letter. The book of Romans is often considered a theological masterpiece, where Paul articulates the essence of the Gospel. Romans 1-3 establishes the idea that everyone—both Jews and Gentiles—falls short of the glory of God, and that no one can attain righteousness on their own.
In chapters leading up to this verse, Paul discusses the nature of sin and how it separates us from God. He emphasizes that our attempts to be righteous through the law alone are futile, illustrating that it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be saved. This is a turning point in Paul’s message, transitioning from the problem of sin to the solution offered through Christ.
Furthermore, Paul addresses the Jewish audience who viewed the law as a source of boasting. In his explanations, he refutes the notion that Jewish heritage or adherence to the law alone leads to salvation. Instead, salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus—showing that faith transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries.
By the time we reach Romans 3:31, Paul is summarizing his teaching on faith and the law. He wants to ensure that the Roman believers grasp the true essence of their faith. He reminds them that while faith is critical, it does not negate the invaluable guidance of God’s law. Both faith and law play a role in our spiritual lives, propelling us toward holiness.
Seeing the context of Romans 3:31 helps us appreciate its importance. Paul isn’t arguing against the law; instead, he’s upholding its purpose through Christ. By accepting Jesus and living a life led by faith, we become empowered to keep the law, not out of obligation but out of genuine love for God and others.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Romans 3:31
Let’s take a closer look at the critical components of Romans 3:31 to uncover its profound meaning. The phrase “do we make void the law” signifies the query about setting aside God’s commandments due to faith. It’s a thought-provoking question because it challenges our understanding of how faith relates to obedience.
Paul’s firm answer, “God forbid,” indicates how strongly he feels about this issue. He clarifies that rather than nullifying the law, faith provides a new perspective on it. This is where the beauty of the Gospel lies—faith doesn’t lessen the importance of God’s standards but instead enhances our understanding of how to apply them in our lives.
Then we see the phrase “we establish the law.” This declaration is crucial. When faith transforms us, we begin to recognize our identity in Christ and our capability to respond to God’s commandments. God equips us through the Holy Spirit to embody the law in love and compassion. This is why faith and obedience must work hand-in-hand, causing us to fulfill God’s desires.
We ought to remember that the law serves as a guide, illuminating our path as we grow in our relationship with Christ. As we trust Him and lean into our faith, our heart aligns with God’s, and we become more sensitive to His guidance. We can appreciate the law’s role in teaching us how to live and interact with others, showing love and righteousness.
When we break down Romans 3:31, it speaks volumes about our faith journey. We are not called to dismiss God’s commandments; instead, we are encouraged to embrace them wholeheartedly. In doing so, we confidently walk the path of righteousness, establishing God’s law through our actions and choices as we represent Christ’s love in the world.
Lessons to Learn From Romans 3:31
As we reflect on Romans 3:31, several important lessons emerge for us as believers. One of the key takeaways is that our faith should lead to a life that honors God’s commandments. Rather than viewing the law as obsolete, we recognize its value as a tool for growth and understanding. This perspective transforms how we approach our daily lives and relationships.
This verse inspires us to examine our motives and how we live each day. Are we allowing faith to inform our choices, guiding us to love one another and to act justly? We learn that faith is not passive; it requires action as we seek to embody Christ and demonstrate His love. By trusting in Jesus, we align our hearts with His commands.
Another lesson is the reminder that grace and obedience coexist in the life of a believer. As we grow in faith, we realize that God’s grace empowers us to follow His laws joyfully. We no longer strive in our own strength but rest in the assurance that we are supported by the Holy Spirit. In this dynamic relationship, we find encouragement to live righteously and share our faith with others.
Furthermore, this verse calls us to community. As believers, we are on this journey together, helping one another grow in our faith and understanding of God’s commandments. We can encourage each other to live out our faith authentically. Being in a supportive Christian community is essential, as it holds each of us accountable and helps us grow stronger.
Ultimately, Romans 3:31 teaches us that genuine faith leads us to uphold God’s commandments and reflect His love. Every aspect of our lives can be an outward manifestation of our trust in Him. We must nurture this relationship day by day, allowing it to shape our hearts, minds, and actions. By doing so, we continue establishing the law as we walk in faith.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our reflection on Romans 3:31, I encourage you to embrace the profound truth that faith and the law work beautifully together in our lives as believers. We are called to love God wholeheartedly and to honor His commandments genuinely. The call to faith does not exempt us from obeying His Word; it empowers us to live out His truth in love and kindness.
Let us approach God’s commands with joy, knowing that they lead us to a deeper relationship with Him. We can reflect on how Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law and be inspired to do the same, fueled by our faith and the Holy Spirit. In our everyday actions, we can demonstrate the love of Christ, bringing hope and light to the world around us.
Finally, I encourage us all to continue exploring God’s Word. If you wish to learn more about different aspects of the Gospel, feel free to check out more topics here. Each passage offers fresh insight into what God desires for our lives. Let’s commit to growing in faith together, loving God and each other as we establish His law through our lives.