We often think of the Bible as helpful, applicable and practical. However, if the Bible was only this then there might be more evangelical Christians in the world. There are, however, many truths in Scripture that are upsetting to some and have been rejected by many. One in particular is the fact that sin is universal.
In Romans 3:9-20, Paul speaks of the affects of universal sin. The first is that because sin is universal, all are without excuse. "Without excuse" means that other than through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, no one will be exempt from judgment. Paul asserts, "What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one'" (Romans 3:9-10).
Because sin is universal all are also proven guilty. In Romans 3:11-18, Paul shows that the evidence against mankind is overwhelming. He asserts that mankind has corrupt understanding (v. 11), a corrupt will (v. 12), corrupt speech (vs. 13-14), corrupt actions (vs. 15-17), and a corrupt outlook (v. 18).
Universal sin also means that all are accountable to God. Paul affirms, "Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God" (Romans 3:19). In this verse, Paul turns his emphasis toward the Jewish people, but the point he makes is to be applied to all. Although the Jews were under and failed to keep the written law of God, we are all lawbreakers because we have broken God's moral laws. Because this is true, we are all accountable to Him. This means that we have to answer for our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Lastly, because sin is universal all are in need. This is where the truth of universal sin becomes inconvenient for many. People do not like to think of themselves in need of anyone or anything. Our Society tells us that if you work hard enough you can be whatever you want to be. Scripture, however, teaches that no matter how hard we try we cannot be righteous. In Romans 3:20, Paul explains that the purpose of the Law was never meant to make us righteous through keeping it, but to show us our sinfulness and need.
The good news for mankind is that God provides hope to this seemingly tragic situation. Paul affirms later in Romans 5:8 that, "God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Even though we all stand guilty before God and deserve to be punished by Him for our sins, God sent Christ to live the perfect life for us and lay down his life as our substitute and perfect sacrifice. As a result, if we turn from our sin and trust in Him for salvation we can be rescued from this desperate state of existence.
In Romans 3:9-20, Paul speaks of the affects of universal sin. The first is that because sin is universal, all are without excuse. "Without excuse" means that other than through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, no one will be exempt from judgment. Paul asserts, "What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one'" (Romans 3:9-10).
Because sin is universal all are also proven guilty. In Romans 3:11-18, Paul shows that the evidence against mankind is overwhelming. He asserts that mankind has corrupt understanding (v. 11), a corrupt will (v. 12), corrupt speech (vs. 13-14), corrupt actions (vs. 15-17), and a corrupt outlook (v. 18).
Universal sin also means that all are accountable to God. Paul affirms, "Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God" (Romans 3:19). In this verse, Paul turns his emphasis toward the Jewish people, but the point he makes is to be applied to all. Although the Jews were under and failed to keep the written law of God, we are all lawbreakers because we have broken God's moral laws. Because this is true, we are all accountable to Him. This means that we have to answer for our thoughts, words, and deeds.
Lastly, because sin is universal all are in need. This is where the truth of universal sin becomes inconvenient for many. People do not like to think of themselves in need of anyone or anything. Our Society tells us that if you work hard enough you can be whatever you want to be. Scripture, however, teaches that no matter how hard we try we cannot be righteous. In Romans 3:20, Paul explains that the purpose of the Law was never meant to make us righteous through keeping it, but to show us our sinfulness and need.
The good news for mankind is that God provides hope to this seemingly tragic situation. Paul affirms later in Romans 5:8 that, "God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Even though we all stand guilty before God and deserve to be punished by Him for our sins, God sent Christ to live the perfect life for us and lay down his life as our substitute and perfect sacrifice. As a result, if we turn from our sin and trust in Him for salvation we can be rescued from this desperate state of existence.
