No One Is Righteous, Therefore, Trust In The Lord

As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. Romans 3:10

The Apostle Paul needed to straighten out some erroneous thinking in the minds of some Jewish believers. Because of their religious upbringing, they felt superior to the Gentile Christians.

Others erred in their thinking about how they could live their lives. Some considered the sins they committed beneficial to those who needed to understand the righteousness of God.

“But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.) Romans 3:5

Paul noted their human point of view and inexplicitly said, “Of course not!” Then He countered by asking, how would God be qualified to judge the world without complete fairness?

“But,” someone might still argue, “how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such things deserve to be condemned. Romans 3:7-8

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The apostle could have gone on, page after page, highlighting the sinful acts people justify in their minds. Therefore, he didn’t respond to the last two but gave an overall response.

We have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. Romans 3:9-10

Paul began a discourse about the true condition of our sinful nature. That nature does not exclude any of us. He deliberately used the all-inclusive words “no one” and “all.”

Our Sinful Nature Keeps Us from Living a Righteous Life

Please don’t get offended. At birth, our nature to sin became natural to each of us. When we justify ourselves and say, “I’m not that bad,” we have only compared ourselves to other sinners.

So, when trying to justify our actions, God still sees an unrighteous sinner held captive by the power of sin. Why? No one, not even one of us, can live a righteous life on our own.

No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” Romans 3:11-12

Do those statements answer why such ungodliness happens all around us? Maybe you’ve already come to the Lord. What happened that brought you to know Jesus and receive His salvation?

In my life, I didn’t know how to seek God. But the Holy Spirit revealed God’s love to me. Because I was sensitive to His prompting, I received Jesus as my Savior.

The Holy Spirit still reveals God’s love throughout the world. He often works through Christians. Satan, though, can make the world look exciting and fun while making Christianity look boring.

Without the Holy Spirit, any attempts of a righteous presentation will result in not one person accepting it. Paul continued by listing the effects of those dominated by the sinful nature.

Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with lies.”
Snake venom drips from their lips.”
Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
They rush to commit murder.
Destruction and misery always follow them.
They don’t know where to find peace.”
They have no fear of God at all.” Romans 3:13-18

Live Without Fearing The Law Everyone Has Sinned No One Is Righteous

What the Law Reveals

I mentioned earlier that people often compare themselves to others to justify their actions. Instead, Paul said we should compare ourselves with the law that will reveal our true selves.

God gave the law to keep people from having excuses. It also points out the sinfulness of the entire world and its guilt before almighty God.

Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. Romans 3:19

The apostle plainly communicated without mincing words that not one person can live a righteous life without God. The law, on the other hand, reveals the sin in our lives.

For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. Romans 3:20

So far, we have shared doom and gloom without much edification. Hang in there, though, because, in the next verse, the apostle looks at the other side of the coin. God has made a way for everyone.

But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. Romans 3:21

Do we, in our sinful state, stand guilty of all the things Paul listed earlier? Probably not, but our nature kept us from seeking God. Fortunately, because of God’s love, He sought after us.

The Grace of God

Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Romans 3:24-25

Many reading this article have already given their lives to the Lord. You, however, may need to turn to the Lord so you also, can live a righteous life. You do that by simply accepting Christ.

Are You Ready To Turn Your Life To Jesus?

Remember I told you that the Holy Spirit reveals the Love of God to us. Right now, the Holy Spirit is revealing God’s love to you. Please, don’t miss this awesome opportunity.

If you haven’t made Jesus a part of your life, you can come to him right now. The prayer is simple. I’m not going to give you a repeat after me prayer, but instructions on what to pray.

Admit that you are a sinner.
By faith, you confess that you believe Jesus. He died on the cross and rose from the dead, and you accept it for yourself.
Repent of your sins and sinful ways and ask the Lord to forgive you.
Then tell Him that you are committing your life to Him.

A Prayer for each of us to pray

Lord, thank you for making a way out of our sinful state. By grace, you saved us and made us into a new person. Because of Jesus, every one of us can live a righteous life.

Every One of Us can Live a Righteous Life

Accepting Christ is the beginning of your new life. Now, find a good Bible-believing church so you can learn the things God wants you to know. He wants us to live in obedience to Him. If you have any questions or need further direction, email me at robin@ramckinley.com

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