Romans 3:19-20 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Paul continues the topic of speech that indicates a person is sinful. Now it is the law that speaks on the topic. The law sets the standard for obedience and righteousness. To be “under the law” is to be obligated to follow what the law says. The “law” here could be for the Jews the written Law of the Old Testament, and for the Gentiles the law of the conscience. Once a law is given, those who are under its authority must obey it or be found guilty. God give the law to all people in one form or another, making all people accountable to follow this law. The problem, however, is that everyone falls short of obedience. No one can keep the law, therefore no one is righteous. All are guilty of sin. There is no Gentile or Jew good enough to get to heaven. Paul’s logic is clear and logical. The law does have value because by setting the standard, it shows that we fall short in our humanness and selfishness. We become aware of this condition because of the law. Without the law, we would fool ourselves into thinking we are good people. There are people today who ignore God’s laws and think they are good enough to go to heaven because they do not do the “bad things.” They are like the Jews in their self-righteousness and hardened hearts. It takes humility leading to repentance to see our need for a Savior.
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