Romans 3:19

Memory Verse

And we know that as much as the law says, to those in the law it speaks, in order that every mouth is shut and all the world should become accountable to God (Romans 3:19).

The law does not justify. Instead, it holds all accountable to God. Both Jew and Gentile are under sin (Romans 3:9). None are righteous (Romans 3:10). The righteousness of man is as filthy rags to God. Our perversities have taken us away like the wind (Isaiah 64:6). No one understands or seeks after God (Romans 3:11). Before this dispensation—the dispensation of grace—men were required to seek God to find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29). This seeking had to be by faith, believing His promise that He rewards those who find Him (Hebrews 11:6). Now God seeks us. No one seeks Him (Luke 19:10; John 12:32).

Since the Gentile, who is not under the law, by nature does the things of the law, these are a law unto themselves, showing the law written in their hearts (Romans 2:14). Those who are in law are judged by law. Those without law perish apart from law because of their conscience, which shows the law written in their hearts (Romans 2:12).

The law does not justify. Its purpose is not to give men a way to be righteous before God through their works. Instead, through what the law says, every mouth will be stopped. The entire world, both Jew and Gentile, will be held accountable to God for their actions.