Rom - Lesson 13

Question 1

How does Paul prove in Rom 1:18-3:8 that both Jew and Gentiles have sinned (3:9)?

Answer 1

Exposition of Romans 2:1-16
This section probably addresses Jews (Rom 2:13), but includes also “good” Jews and Gentiles (God-fearers) who do not feel included in Rom 1:18-32

1. The wrath of God comes on sinners (Rom 1:18)
2. In creation, God revealed himself to all (Rom 1:19-20)
3. Hence if one sins, he is without excuse (Rom 1:20)
4. In Rom 2:1-4
   A. Paul could have used many proofs to show that all “good” people have sinned, but uses the judgment argument
   B. If you ever condemned someone else for what you did, you deserve judgment and the wrath of God
5. Paul expounds principles by which Gentiles will be judged (Rom 2:14-15)
   A. Note in addition to creation, Gentiles have a “knowledge” of God’s laws “written on their hearts.”
   B. General Revelation includes creation and the “seed of religion” (Calvin, Institutes, 1.5.1)
   C. Yet, these two produce only a “confused knowledge” of God due to sin
   D. One needs the Word of God to clearly know God (Calvin, Institutes, 1.6.1)

Romans 2:17-3:8 - For Jews
1. For sure, this section is written to Jews Romans 2:17-24
2. Similar argument to Rom 2:1-4
3. If you rely on the law and boast in God, and then break any law, you have blasphemed God
4. Superior knowledge brings greater guilt Romans 2:25-29
5. Circumcision has no value when the law is violated (Rom 2:25)
6. If Gentiles keep the moral aspects of law, they are considered as if they were circumcised (Rom 2:26)
7. Hence, there are proofs here also that Paul is operating with a Covenant of Works principle in this argument

Romans 3:9-20
1. The conclusion of Rom 1:18-3:20 is that “No one is righteous!”
2. Compare the texts of Rom 3:20 with Ps 143:2b (LXX 142:2b)
3. Because all sin, doing the works of the law is useless for meriting salvation and righteousness
4. What is one purpose of the law? It makes us aware of sin and consequently we should renounce our own righteousness (2nd use of the law; see below)

Through creation all have perceived God’s power and divinity. Sinners are without excuse. (sin by not worshipping the true God and other sins) This deserves death, which we all face. God will fairly judge by the law (written on hearts) Covenant of Works. 2nd use of law to reveal we aren’t meeting the standard.

Question 2

According to Dr. Cara, does Rom 2:13 indicate salvation by works? Give a nuanced answer.

Answer 2

Salvation by Christ’s Works

YES, If someone is perfectly righteous, God would declare them righteous.

1, Part of the “law” is that “those who do the law will be declared righteous” (Rom 2:13)
Cf. Romans 5:12-19; 10:5; Matt 19:17b

2. Strongly supports Reformed bi-covenantal view, the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace (WCF 7.2; 19.1)
   A. The requirements of the Covenant of Works still exists.
   B. We are born having violated the CoW.
   C. Christ was born “under the law” and obeyed it perfectly
   D. Christ was under the requirements of the CoW (Law)
3. The Bible gives the option that doing perfectly results in righteousness

Romans 2:13 is the first time in Romans that the verb dikaioō (δικαιόω: to justify) is used

Question 3

“For by works of the law, no one will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes a knowledge of sin” (Rom 3:20). How does this verse relate to the “second use of the law”?

Answer 3

1. Because all sin, doing the works of the law is useless for meriting salvation and righteousness
2. It makes us aware of sin and consequently we should renounce our own righteousness