In Romans 3:9-20, Paul presents a sobering and all-encompassing truth: all of humanity, whether Jew or Gentile, is under the dominion of sin. No one is exempt from this reality.
Through these verses, Paul unpacks the universal depravity of man and the undeniable need for God’s intervention. While the Jews were privileged to have the Law, Paul clarifies that the Law itself cannot save; rather, its purpose is to reveal sin and make people conscious of their sinful nature. He asserted that the advantage of this truth exposes man’s need for a Saviour.
Paul makes a crucial distinction: it is not merely the sinful acts (“sins”) we commit that define us as sinners but the pervasive sin nature (“sin”) within us. This sinful nature dominates all humanity outside of Christ. As a result, no one is righteous—not even one. Whether Jew or Gentile, all are sinners, and entire humanity is under the power of sin.
To emphasise the extent of human depravity, Paul weaves together several Old Testament Scriptures. He begins by exposing the depravity of the character:
• No one is righteous (verse 10): Paul asserts that everyone has fallen short of God’s perfect standard. This is a universal truth without exception.
• No one understands or seeks God (verse 11): Humanity, in its natural state, has no desire or capacity to pursue God earnestly. The word “seek” implies an intense, determined search, but Paul makes it clear that no one genuinely seeks after God apart from divine intervention.
• All have turned aside (verse 12): Sinful humanity has veered off God’s intended path, rendering themselves unable to fulfil His purposes or produce consistent good works aligned with His commandments.
Paul then addresses the depravity of conduct, focusing first on speech:
• Depraved speech (verses 13-14): Paul describes the unregenerate person’s speech as foul and destructive. “Their throat is an open grave” portrays the filth and stench of their words, while “the poison of asps is under their lips” reveals their speech’s deceptive and deadly nature.
• Depraved actions (verses 15-17): He highlights humanity’s propensity for violence and ruin, stating, “Their feet are swift to shed blood,” and “Destruction and misery are in their paths.” These behaviours leave a trail of harm and brokenness.
Finally, Paul identifies the cause of depravity in verse 18: “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Humanity’s sinful state stems from a deliberate exclusion of God from their thoughts and lives. Without reverence for God, there is no foundation for righteousness, and the result is a life characterised by sin and separation from Him.
Paul concludes that the Law brings awareness of this depravity. However, the Law cannot save us; it serves only as a mirror, revealing our true condition and driving us to recognise our need for God. This awareness is an advantage—a gift that enables us to turn from sin and seek God wholeheartedly.
Three Practical Lessons
• Recognise the depth of our sinful nature. True transformation begins with acknowledging our sinfulness and our complete dependence on God. The Law and the Word of God are mirrors that reveal our hearts and point us to our need for a Saviour.
• Guard against God’s absence in our lives. A lack of reverence for God is the root cause of human depravity. Cultivate a life centred on Him, seeking His presence, honouring Him in your thoughts, and aligning your actions with His Word.
• Let the Word of God lead you to repentance. Like the Jews who were privileged to have the Law, we have the immense privilege of Scripture. Allow its truths to convict, challenge, and change you. Don’t resist its revelation; instead, let it guide you into a closer walk with God.
Call to Action:
Let’s not live in denial about our sinful nature. Take the time to examine your heart in light of God’s Word and let its truth shape your life. Seek God earnestly, turning away from sin and toward Him in worship and obedience. As you draw closer to Him, ask the Holy Spirit to transform your character and conduct, making you a living testimony of His grace and truth. Let us embrace the privilege of God’s Word and respond to it with humility, repentance, and a deep desire to know and worship Him.
Daily Meditations
Monday – Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Tuesday – Romans 5:12
“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned –”
Wednesday – Romans 7:7 (NASB 2020)
“What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law…”
Thursday – Galatians 3:22 (NASB 2020)
“But the Scripture has confined everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”
Friday – Ephesians 2:1–3 (NASB 2020)
“And you were dead in your offenses and sins… and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”
Saturday – Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”
Sunday – Isaiah 64:6
“For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment…”
All scriptures are quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB1995) unless otherwise stated.
By Pastor Clarence Goh
