Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. Romans 3:27-31
A. The Gospel removes any ground for human boasting
1. Justification is not a work of human effort
Rom. 3:27, Rom. 2:23, Luke 18:9-14
2. Justification is through grace as a free gift
Rom. 3:28, Rom. 3:24, Rom. 5:18
B. The Gospel is exclusive and inclusive
1. Exclusive: The Gospel is the only way to be justified
Rom. 3:29-30, Deut. 6:4, Isa. 45:21-22, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, John 8:24
2. Inclusive: The Gospel is open to all
Rom. 3:29-30, Matt. 11:28-30, John 6:37
C. The Gospel harmonizes with the Law
1. The Law establishes the need for the Gospel
Rom. 3:30-31, Gal. 3:24, Rom. 3:20, Rom. 7:7
2. The Gospel honors the law by fulfilling its demands
Rom. 3:31, Matt. 5:17-18