”for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23New International Version (NIV)
Romans 3:23 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23, themed “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God“, is the apostle Paul’s justification for his claim in Romans 3:22. For in Romans 3:22a, Paul stated that “the righteousness of God is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe”. And, therefore, in Romans 3:22b, Paul concluded that “there is no difference between Jew and Gentile”.
Consequently, Romans chapter 3 verse 23 is not an independent declaration by the apostle Paul. Instead, it is an explanation of why there is no longer any distinction between humankind in God’s new covenant through Jesus Christ.
All have sinned
Moreover, Paul’s use of the word sin in the phrase “all have sinned” translates to “all have failed to honor God as He deserves” (Romans 1:21-25). Therefore, all have failed to be “loyal to God” (Romans 2:23-24).
All have fall short
Additionally, Paul’s use of the words “fall short” translates to “become dishonorable”. The words can also be translated to “lacked divine glory”.
The Jews are not superior
Furthermore, when God instituted His New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the Jews did not comprehend that they did not enjoy superiority before God they thought they did. Up to that time, the Jews had boasted of ethnic superiority (Romans 3:29). And therefore Romans chapter 3 verse 23 is counter to the Jewish boasting, and a reminder that God doesn’t, and will not favor any nation over another.
Additionally, in chapter 2 of the book of Romans, Paul wrote to his audience about the righteousness of God. And in his writing, Paul stated that God isn’t partial.
The question of circumcision
Subsequently, Paul, in chapter 3 of the book of Romans, started off with the question of whether the Jew had an advantage or whether circumcision had a profit. And this is because the Jews wanted to understand the purpose of their circumcision.
Further, the Jews wondered whether God will judge them differently from the other nations owing to their rich heritage in Him. And Paul wrote that the law could only advantage them in obtaining salvation, but not saving them from sin.
Therefore, only Jesus could make one be declared righteous (Matthew 26:28, John 3:16, and Romans 5:12).
Prayer/Blessing
May you give God thanks today, for you are truly fearfully and wonderfully made. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Luke 6-7 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
