“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”– Romans 3:31
Romans 3:31 Meaning
This verse is foundational in understanding the relationship between faith and the law. Paul raises a significant question, one that addresses a concern that arose in the early church: does faith in Jesus Christ nullify the law? His emphatic response is, “God forbid!” This declaration signals that faith does not undermine the law; instead, it fulfills and upholds it. It is essential for us to grasp that faith in Jesus Christ and observance of God’s law are not opposing forces, but rather complementary aspects of our relationship with God. Through faith, we enter into a new covenant that enables us to live in harmony with God’s original intentions for His people.
Paul’s assertion encourages us to see that, while we are justified by faith, it does not mean that the moral standards God set forth in the law are irrelevant. Rather, by embracing faith, we are empowered to live out the essence of that law in our lives. The law, which reveals God’s character and His desires for humanity, is made active in our lives through faith. It illuminates our hearts, guiding us in how to love God and others.
Romans 3:31 Commentary and Explanation
As we unpack this verse, we find that Paul is addressing the Jewish believers within the Roman church, who might have been concerned that emphasizing faith over the works of the law could lead to a disregard for the law itself. This was a serious issue for the early church, as many Jewish followers of Jesus found it difficult to fully grasp the implications of faith in Christ as a fulfillment of the law. Paul is steadfast in his declaration that faith does not abolish the law but establishes it.
Understanding how we establish the law through faith means appreciating that faith in Christ embodies the very essence of the law. This is highlighted throughout the New Testament, particularly when Jesus proclaims that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus embodies not only the righteous requirements of the law but also transforms our hearts to fulfill those requirements through love and obedience.
Interestingly, establishing the law through faith means that we are now called to live out the law’s intentions rather than merely adhering to its commands mechanically. We are no longer servants of the law, but are empowered by the Spirit to fulfill the law by loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves. This transformative power of faith means that our relationship with God is not based on legalistic observance but rather on a loving relationship fueled by faith.
Another critical point is the importance of grace. Paul emphasizes that our standing before God is based on grace—an unmerited favor—not our adherence to the law. This grace empowers us to live as God intended, reflecting His character in our lives. So, while we might stumble in our walk, grace covers our mistakes, allowing us to keep moving forward in our relationship with God and our love for others.
Context of Romans 3:31
To grasp the full meaning of Romans 3:31, we must consider the context of Paul’s letter to the Romans. In earlier chapters, Paul establishes the universal need for salvation due to sin. He eloquently explains that both Jews and Gentiles stand in need of God’s grace (Romans 3:9). As he unveils God’s plan of salvation through faith in Christ, he also addresses the law’s role in highlighting sin. The law points us to our need for a savior — it does not offer salvation but rather reveals our shortcomings.
In the previous verses, Paul discusses how all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). He leads us to the understanding that justification comes by faith apart from the law (Romans 3:28). By the time we reach Romans 3:31, Paul’s readers are equipped with a solid understanding of grace, justification, and what it means to live in faith. He clarifies that our faith affirms the truth of God’s law, confirming its role in guiding our lives as followers of Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Romans 3:31
In the first portion, “Do we then make void the law through faith?” Paul is posing a rhetorical question that hints at a misconception. Many might have thought that by emphasizing faith, the law lost its power and relevance. However, Paul counters this notion firmly. “God forbid!” is his intense rebuttal, showing the gravity of the statement. He assures us that faith leads us deeper into the understanding of the law rather than away from it.
The phrase “yea, we establish the law” reveals Paul’s positive and affirming stance. This establishment signifies that the essence of God’s law remains intact and relevant in the life of every believer. Through our faith, we embrace the law’s moral standards and purpose as a reflection of Christ’s love in our hearts. Therefore, true obedience to God’s law stems not from a spirit of fear or obligation but from a loving relationship with Him.
Lessons From Romans 3:31
This verse teaches us valuable lessons about our faith and relationship with the law. First, we can learn that faith in Christ empowers us to live out God’s commands with joy rather than regret. As we experience God’s grace, we will fulfill the law’s spirit due to our love for God and others. This principle aligns with Jesus’ teaching that loving God and our neighbors sums up the law (Matthew 22:37-40).
Another important lesson is recognizing the importance of balance. We must not view grace and the law as opposites. They work together in harmony. Living by grace does not allow us to break God’s law carelessly; instead, we aim to embody it in our everyday lives. Our actions reflect our allegiance to God’s truth as we demonstrate love, kindness, and humility to those around us.
Lastly, reflecting on Romans 3:31 should lead us to examine our own hearts and motivations. Are we legalistic in our approach to God or motivated by love? Do we allow our faith to guide us in establishing God’s law in our lives, or do we take it casually? By continuously assessing our heart’s posture, we can better ensure that our walk with Jesus is authentic and anchored in love and obedience.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of Romans 3:31, let us remind ourselves of the beautiful balance that exists between faith and the law. They are intimately related, with faith acting as the very foundation that enables us to uphold God’s promises and moral standards. The law is not an oppressive burden; instead, it guides us in reflecting God’s character.
We are invited to live lives that establish the law through our faith, demonstrating love in action as we follow Christ. Each day, let us seek to understand the depths of our relationship with Christ and how that translates into our interactions with others. The call to establish the law through faith urges us to walk in grace, love deeply, and live righteously as we cling to the truth of God’s Word, engaging with the world around us in a way that reflects Christ’s love.
If you are eager to explore other topics related to faith, consider checking out these resources on praising Jesus or practicing what you preach. There are countless avenues to deepen our understanding and strengthen our faith journey.