Romans 3
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
CONTEXT: The above image makes a lighthearted seasonal attempt to poke fun at Calvinists’ and the Biblical truth that all are woefully guilty of sin. It is however a serious topic and one that cartoons aside should never be taken lightly. Matthew Henry breaks down the chapter as follows:
The apostle, in this chapter, carries on his discourse concerning justification. He had already proved the guilt both of Gentiles and Jews. Now in this chapter, I. He answers some objections that might be made against what he had said about the Jews (v. 1-8). II. He asserts the guilt and corruption of mankind in common, both Jews and Gentiles (v. 9-18). III. He argues thence that justification must needs be by faith, and not by the law, which he gives several reasons for (v. 19 to the end). The many digressions in his writings render his discourse sometimes a little difficult, but his scope is evident.
A little further on v.23 Paul reiterates man’s depraved state when he writes, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. What is it man deserves from a righteous God? Nothing less than death!
For those who still argue and believe that they are “GOOD” I ask against whose standard are you good? The righteous Holy God creator of the universe? I think not. Compare if you dare your self-proclaimed righteousness (good) against what God says is bad (sin).
There are many types of sin that God reveals in the Bible. Here’s an incomplete list of sins we find in Scripture:
- Not loving God with all of your being (Mark 12:30)
- Irreverent use of God’s holy name (Exodus 20:7)
- Coveting your neighbors’ things (Luke 12:15)
- Blaspheming God’s name (Revelation 13:6)
- Whining and complaining (Philippians 2:14)
- Speaking ill of your parents (Leviticus 20:9)
- Suing other Christians (1 Corinthians 6:1–8)
- Division among brothers (Proverbs 16:28)
- Sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18–20)
- Loving yourself too much (2 Timothy 3:1)
- Talking to dead people (Leviticus 19:31)
- Homosexual activity (Romans 1:26–27)
- Forsaking the church (Hebrews 10:25)
- Not loving your neighbor (Mark 12:31)
- Disobedience to God (John 14:15)
- Unforgiveness (Matthew 6:14–15)
- Laziness (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
- Pornography (Matthew 5:27–28)
- Loving money (1 Timothy 6:10)
- Crude joking (Ephesians 5:4)
- Idol-worship (Colossians 3:5)
- Making idols (Leviticus 26:1)
- Substance abuse (Proverbs 20:1)
- Gluttony (Proverbs 23:21)
- Stealing (Ephesians 4:28)
- Cursing (Ephesians 4:29)
- Anger (Matthew 5:21–22)
- Bribery (Proverbs 15:27)
- Abortion (Exodus 20:13)
- Adultery (Proverbs 6:32)
- Hypocrisy (Matthew 7:5)
- Gossip (1 Timothy 5:13)
- Greed (Proverbs 28:25)
- Sorcery (Exodus 22:18)
- Murder (Exodus 20:13)
- Lying (Proverbs 12:22)
- Slander (Psalm 101:5)
- Lust (Matthew 5:28)
- Hate (1 John 3:15)
- Pride (James 4:6)
How did you stack up, can’t say you didn’t fail in any of them did you. Of course not, even true believers fail to uphold this list. So maybe you won’t get a lump of coal for Christmas, but deep down you know you deserve worse? Still think this is a cartoonish or joking matter? If not God has a solution, Christ! God offers sinners through His irresistible Grace a way out of the mire of sin and a new birth in Christ Jesus.
Here is a resource to help you understand God’s Grace:
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 