Romans 3:17-20 NKJV – 17 And the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
V17 And the way of peace they have not known.
The way of peace is the life of peace—body, soul, and spirit. God’s way of life under His kingship is the way of peace. God’s way results in peace for the body without war or personal conflicts. Soul peace is rest and quiet in the emotions without emotional disturbances. Spiritual peace is peace with God, not fearing God’s wrath.
How can we have peace?
Placing faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, forgiveness of sins, and restoration of fellowship with God.
Living by the Law of Christ, which covers church life, family life, finances, society, etc.
God is the giver of peace—Psalm 4:8 and Zechariah 9:10.
Worldwide peace will exist when Jesus reigns—Psalm 29:10-11 and Psalm 72:7.
God’s rules, when followed, promote peace—Proverbs 11:12 and Proverbs 12:20.
Jesus can command peace—Mark 4:39.
Peace is a priority for the believer—Romans 14:17.
Before we believe, we have no peace with God and often no peace in any sense.
V18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Fear of God = faith in Jesus for salvation. It is mainly an Old Testament term.
The fear of God may concern judgment, for He is the king (Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 20:11-15). The ungodly do not have the fear of God as in Psalm 36:1.
The fear of God may be recognizing and honoring the King of kings. It is being a willing and obedient servant. See 2 Samuel 23:3 (ruling as undershepherd).
Comments:
Cyclopedia has “Adam says, “I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid” (Genesis 3:10). Fear of God (יַרְאִת יְחוָֹה) stands thus in close connection with conscience, and with the fact of actual or possible sin.”
ISBE under godliness “Godliness, as denoting character and conduct determined by the principle of love or fear of God in the heart, is the summing up of genuine religion.”
V19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
The law is the Mosaic law. Those under the law are Israel whose fathers agreed to the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:8, Exodus 24:3, and Exodus 24:7).
Every mouth stopped refers to there are no excuses for one’s sins.
All people have felt guilt. The Law convicts but doesn’t bring eternal life (Romans 7:7 and Romans 7:13). The Holy Spirit uses the Law to convict (John 16:8).
V20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
Paul is stating the obvious “No one can keep the law to God’s satisfaction.” The law must be kept perfectly in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.
Since the law cannot justify anything, there needs to be another way to justify. The other way is through Jesus Christ (John 3:15-18).
We learn:
- No one can keep the law.
- Everyone is guilty of sin.
- No one in the sin nature can have the fear of God correctly.
Questions:
- Are you guilty of sin?
- Are you believing that your good works are enough to earn God’s pleasure?