New Testament
Romans 3:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Romans 3:31, Paul addresses a potential misunderstanding about faith and the law.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Do we then overthrow the law through faith? Absolutely not! Rather, we uphold the law.
Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 3:31, Paul addresses a potential misunderstanding about faith and the law. Some might think that faith in Christ nullifies the importance of the law, but Paul strongly refutes this idea. Instead, he emphasizes that faith actually upholds the law. This means that while believers are justified by faith and not by their adherence to the law, the moral and ethical standards of the law remain significant. Faith does not abolish the law; rather, it fulfills its true purpose by enabling believers to live in accordance with God's will. The law serves as a guide for righteous living, and through faith, believers are empowered to follow it. Thus, faith and the law work together, with faith providing the means to uphold the law's principles in a believer's life. Explore related fear.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Romans 3:31 to your life
As believers, we should recognize that our faith in Christ does not free us from the moral obligations of the law. Instead, we are called to live out the principles of the law through our faith, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions in daily life.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 3:31 mean about faith and the law?
Romans 3:31 clarifies that faith in Christ does not nullify the law but rather upholds it. Paul argues that while believers are justified by faith, the moral and ethical standards of the law remain important. Faith empowers believers to live according to God's will, fulfilling the law's true purpose rather than abolishing it.
How can faith uphold the law in daily life?
Faith upholds the law by enabling believers to live righteously. When we have faith in Christ, we are motivated to follow God's commands and principles. This means that our actions reflect the moral standards of the law, guiding our decisions and interactions with others, demonstrating that faith and obedience are interconnected.
Does Romans 3:31 suggest we should ignore the law?
No, Romans 3:31 emphasizes that we should not ignore the law. Instead, it teaches that faith does not make the law void but establishes it. Believers are called to respect and follow the law's moral guidelines, using their faith as the strength to do so, thereby living in a way that honors God's intentions.
What is the relationship between faith and moral standards?
The relationship between faith and moral standards is one of empowerment and guidance. Faith in Christ provides the believer with the strength to uphold moral standards found in the law. Rather than viewing the law as a burden, believers see it as a framework for righteous living, made possible through their faith.
The Book of Romans
Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.
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