Works in Romans 3-4

by Terry Wane Benton

We are justified “by faith apart from the deeds of the Law” (Romans 3:28). To be justified by means of the deeds of the law, one would have to be perfect and never sin. Break one law and being justified by the deeds of the law is all over.

Jews trusted in circumcision and being the ones favored with a written law code from God, and wrongly concluded that this was proof that they were God’s favored people. Paul pointed out that circumcision would indeed be profitable “if you keep the law”(Romans 2:25), but said if you break the law, circumcision does you no good. So, since all have sinned (violated the law), then “by the deeds (works) of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight” (Romans 3:20).

Paul then points out two cases, neither of which was justified by the works of the law. Abraham was pronounced right before God, before circumcision, and before the Sinai law was written in stone. He was blessed to have forgiveness through faith. No one who needs forgiveness can be justified by works. The second case was their favorite king, David. Was he justified before God on the basis of circumcision and the law? No! He too broke that law. He talked about the “blessed” condition of those who have faith and have forgiveness of sins. Thus, “works” in Romans 3-4 are works whereby one could boast and where God would owe us (Romans 4:4). Thus, works of perfect law-keeping are a program where grace and forgiveness are not needed from God. If there are no law violations, then there is no sin and no need for what Jesus offered on the cross.

I’m in the same boat with Abraham and David. I have “worked not.” I have sinned. (Romans 3:23; 6:23). I count it a blessed condition to be on the program of grace through faith. In this program, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:3,7).

One gets “in Christ” at the point of baptism within faith (Galatians 3:27). The Roman brethren and Paul himself had, by an obedient faith, died to sin (repented) and were “buried with Him in baptism” (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12). Repentance and baptism are not “deeds of the law.” They are open admissions that we have failed the law and need mercy. They are the appeals of faith for mercy (Acts 2:37-41). At this point in faith, God washes away our sins in the blood of Jesus. (Acts 22:16). If this does not happen in this order, one has simply not believed in the words of Jesus and remains under the condemnation of the law. Enter the blessings of Jesus to escape.