Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Romans 3:31 ¶ Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 3:31 ¶ Do we then nullify the Law by this faith [making the Law of no effect, overthrowing it]? Certainly not! On the contrary, we confirm and establish and uphold the Law [since it convicts us all of sin, pointing to the need for salvation]. |
Bible Question: Since we are justified by faith without the works of the law, (Rom 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law), then in what sense is the law established in this Rom 3:31? |
Bible Answer: Hi tortoise, I believe your answer is found in the reference in the NASB Study Bible, Matthew 5:17. Romans had been talking about what it means to be a Jew. Romans 2:29, "But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not be the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God." Here it talks about the importance of having new hearts and new spirits within us, not being concerned about the letter of the law. Romans 3:29 asks if God is the God of Jews only? Romans 3:29, "...Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since indeed God/ who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. 31 Do WE then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary WE establish the Law." Emphasis on we is mine. Also the slash mark for comparison later. Roman law was to become established on the Ten Commandments. And for us who believe in (Him), who have new hearts within us, our faith is reckoned as righteousness. Romans 4:5, "But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness." Matthew 5:16-20, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 17 Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I/ did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished. 19 Whoevern then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." Compare/contrast Matthew 5:19, 20 with Romans 4:1-3. Our righteousness, our justification, comes through faith and belief in Him who justifies the ungodly. From the heart, Ray |