Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. — Romans 3:31 KJV
Do we then make the law of none effect through faith? God forbid: nay, we establish the law. — Romans 3:31 ASV
Reflection
As Christians, we often grapple with the balance between faith and works. Faith in Jesus Christ does not make the law obsolete but instead it establishes the true purpose of the law. The law was given to show us our need for a Savior and to guide us in righteous living. Through faith, we recognize our inability to fulfill the law perfectly and our complete dependence on God’s grace.
Faith in Christ empowers us to live out the principles of the law in a way that is pleasing to God. It transforms our hearts and minds enabling us to pursue holiness not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done. Therefore, as we live by faith, we naturally uphold the law by embodying its true spirit—love for God and love for others.
Let us pray for a deeper understanding of how our faith in Christ not only justifies us but also leads us to live in accordance with God’s will, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law through the power of the Holy Spirit. May our lives be a testimony to the power of faith upholding the law in a way that glorifies God.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray for the strength to resist temptation and to live a life that honors You. Let my faith be evident in all that I do, upholding the law through love, compassion, and integrity. Help me to be a light in this world, shining Your love and truth to those around me.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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Understanding Romans 3:31: Faith and the Law
Romans 3:31, written by the Apostle Paul, is a significant verse in the New Testament, and it reads: “Do we then nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” This verse comes after Paul’s extensive discussion on the role of faith and the law in the life of a believer, particularly addressing the tension between Jewish law and the new faith in Jesus Christ. To fully grasp the meaning of Romans 3:31, it’s essential to consider its broader context and the message Paul intended for his audience.
Context of Romans 3
The book of Romans is a comprehensive presentation of Paul’s theology. In the preceding chapters, Paul argues that both Jews and Gentiles are equally under sin and can only be justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by the works of the law. Romans 3:23 famously states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, a central theme of his epistle.
The Role of the Law
In Romans 3:31, Paul addresses a potential misunderstanding: If righteousness is attained through faith, what then is the purpose of the law? Does faith make the law irrelevant? Paul’s response is a firm denial of this notion. Instead, he asserts that faith does not nullify the law but upholds it.
The Law and Faith: Complementary, Not Contradictory
To understand how faith upholds the law, it is crucial to recognize the different purposes of the law and faith:
The Law as a Guide: The Jewish law, given through Moses, served to guide God’s people, revealing His standards of righteousness and the nature of sin. It set apart the Israelites and showed them how to live in a way that pleased God. However, the law also demonstrated humanity’s inability to achieve perfect righteousness on its own, pointing out the need for a savior.
Faith in Jesus Christ: Faith in Jesus fulfills the law’s ultimate purpose. Jesus Himself stated in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly kept the law and provided the means for humanity to be reconciled with God.
By putting faith in Jesus, believers do not discard the law. Instead, they acknowledge that the law’s requirements are fully met in Christ. This faith leads to a transformed life that naturally aligns with the principles of the law because it is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Practical Implications for Believers
Paul’s assertion that faith upholds the law has several practical implications for believers:
Moral Living: Faith in Christ leads to a life that reflects God’s moral standards. While believers are not justified by their adherence to the law, their lives should demonstrate the ethical and moral values the law upholds. The Holy Spirit guides them to live in a way that honors God.
Grace and Obedience: Understanding that salvation is by grace through faith encourages a grateful obedience. Believers obey God not out of obligation to earn salvation but out of love and gratitude for what He has done through Christ.
Unity in Diversity: For the early church, this teaching was crucial in uniting Jewish and Gentile believers. It emphasized that both groups could uphold God’s law through faith, fostering unity within the diverse body of Christ.
Conclusion
Romans 3:31 encapsulates the harmonious relationship between faith and the law. Paul clarifies that faith in Jesus Christ does not render the law obsolete; instead, it confirms and fulfills the law’s purpose. For believers, this means living a life transformed by faith, guided by the moral truths of the law, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to reflect God’s righteousness. In essence, faith and the law are not in opposition but work together to manifest God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
