Dear Brother Donfriesen1, I appreciate your response but feel that you don't understand the argument Paul is making.
In Romans chapters 1-3, the Apostle Paul meticulously builds a case to demonstrate that all humanity, both Jew and Gentile, has fallen short of God's glory and is in dire need of salvation. Paul's argument is twofold: first, he establishes that sin is a universal problem that affects everyone, regardless of their religious background or moral standing (
Romans 1:18-3:20). Second, he shows that God's righteousness cannot be attained through human effort or religious observance, but only through faith in Jesus Christ's sacrifice (
Romans 3:21-31).
Paul begins by exposing the Gentiles' sinfulness, describing how they have rejected God and indulged in idolatry and immorality (
Romans 1:18-32). He then turns to the Jews, who possess the Law and boast in their religious heritage, yet fail to live up to its standards (
Romans 2:1-29). By highlighting the hypocrisy and sinfulness of both groups, Paul demonstrates that all humanity has fallen short of God's glory (
Romans 3:23).
The climax of Paul's argument comes in
Romans 3:20, where he declares that "by works of the law no human being will be justified in God's sight." This statement underscores the futility of human efforts to achieve righteousness through religious observance or good deeds. Instead, Paul reveals that God's righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ's blood, which atones for sin and reconciles us to God (
Romans 3:24-26).
In conclusion, Romans chapters 1-3 present a compelling case that sin is a universal problem that can only be solved through faith in Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Paul's message is clear: no one can be saved by their own efforts or religious background; only the grace of God, received through faith in Jesus, can restore us to a right relationship with our Creator.