Romans 3:7
For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
Truth to Learn
We are sinners and God will judge sinners.
Behind the Words
“Increased” is from the Greek word perisseuō, which is based on the preposition peri, meaning “around, through, or over.” Perisseuō, means “to be in excess,” “to be overly abundant,” or “to have more than enough.”
The word “lie” is translated from the Greek word pseusma, which is based on the verb pseudomai, meaning “to speak an untruth” or “to attempt to deceive by falsehood.” Therefore, pseusma refers to “a lie” or “a falsehood.”
Meaning Explained
Paul now states another rhetorical question that could be asked by those who argue against his line of reasoning. The argument could be stated like this: “Hey, Paul, if God is shown to be true by judging my sin and He receives glory for it, then my sin really isn’t bad, is it? If it glorifies God, it must be OK!”
The fallacy of that argument is that the act of sin does not glorify God any more than someone committing murder glorifies the court system. It is the fact that God judges the act of sin just as He said He would (God is shown to be true to His word) that glorifies Him. In the same manner, punishing a murderer glorifies the court system because the court has fulfilled its stated purpose and responsibility.
Some might claim that in the current verse Paul is confessing to be a liar, but that is not the case. You will recall back in verse five he said:
God is true but every man a liar.
That is to say, there is no one who tells the truth all the time, except God. Therefore, every man is a liar. And, if every man is a liar, then that includes Paul.
In effect, what Paul was saying back in verse 4 is, “God is true! And every man is a liar. Therefore man cannot nullify the faithfulness of God.” It is the fact that God is true, i.e. He always does just what He said He would do that brings glory to Him, not our sinfulness.
Also, God’s truth is what separates Christians from the rest of mankind. In John’s gospel he related the prayer that Jesus prayed for his disciples after the Last Supper. In that prayer Jesus said:
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
(John 17:17)
We have been set apart … from sin to God (that’s what “sanctify” means). Believing the gospel message is what sets up apart because that message is truth.
Application
Once again, we are brought face to face with how holy our God is and how sinful we are. And, it is absolutely amazing that a Holy God who judges sin manages to find a way for sinners like us to avoid His judgment. He sent His Son to sacrifice His perfect life so that my sins and yours could be forgiven. How great is His love and how marvelous is His grace!
I am as grateful as I am unworthy! And that’s the truth!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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