In Romans 3 In What Ways Does The Law Serve A Purpose In The Life Of A Believer Today?

The Law’s Purpose for Believers Today: Insights from Romans 3

Romans 3 stands as a pivotal chapter in understanding the relationship between God’s Law and the life of believers. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives profound insight into why the Law was given and how it continues to serve a purpose—especially for Christians who live under grace, not law. Let’s explore the role of the Law as revealed in Romans 3, drawing out key lessons for us today.

1. The Law Reveals the Reality of Sin

One of the primary purposes of the Law is to make us aware of sin. Paul writes:

because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin. - Romans 3:20 ASV

The Law acts as a mirror, exposing our inability to meet God’s perfect standard. This is not limited to the Old Testament era; even today, reading the Law reminds believers of their need for God’s mercy and grace. It prevents self-righteousness, revealing that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23 ASV).

2. The Law Points Us to Christ

While the Law reveals sin, it also points us to the only remedy—Jesus Christ. Paul explains:

But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe. - Romans 3:21-22 ASV

The Law and the Prophets (the Old Testament Scriptures) testify about the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Today, the Law continues to direct believers’ attention away from self-justification and toward God’s provision for salvation through Christ alone (Romans 3:24 ASV).

3. The Law Silences Boasting

The Law removes any grounds for boasting in human effort:

Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works? Nay: but by a law of faith. - Romans 3:27 ASV

The Law’s demands are so high that no one can claim to have fulfilled them perfectly. Salvation is a gift, not an achievement (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). This truth guards believers against pride and leads to humble reliance on Christ.

4. The Law Upholds God’s Justice and Grace

God’s Law demonstrates His justice in condemning sin, but also His grace in providing a way of forgiveness:

to show his righteousness at this present season: that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him that hath faith in Jesus. - Romans 3:26 ASV

By upholding the Law, God remains just; by providing Christ as our substitute, He becomes the justifier of those who trust in Him. The Law thus magnifies both God’s holiness and His mercy.

5. The Law Guides Christian Living (But Doesn’t Save)

Although believers are not under the Law as a means of salvation (Galatians 3:24-25 ASV), the moral standards within the Law still reflect God’s character. Paul concludes:

Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law. - Romans 3:31 ASV

Faith does not abolish the Law’s moral principles. Instead, believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are called to live out God’s righteousness—not to earn salvation, but as the fruit of a transformed life (Romans 8:4 ASV).

Conclusion

Romans 3 reveals that the Law is not obsolete; it still serves vital purposes. It exposes sin, points us to Christ, removes boasting, upholds God’s justice, and guides our conduct. As believers, we honor the Law by responding in faith to Christ—trusting His finished work and allowing His Spirit to produce true righteousness in us.

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