Romans 3:28 – “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is a bold and clear statement about how people are made right with God. Paul is saying that justification—being declared righteous before God—is received by faith, not by following religious laws or doing good works.

The phrase “we maintain” means that this is a settled truth—it is not up for debate. Paul is making a firm statement that salvation is through faith alone.

The key word here is “justified.” To be justified means to be declared righteous in God’s sight. It does not mean that we become perfect or sinless in our actions, but that God legally declares us righteous because of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul then says that this happens “apart from the works of the law.” This means that no amount of religious effort, good deeds, or obedience to the law can save a person. Faith, not works, is the foundation of salvation.

This verse is one of the strongest declarations in the Bible that salvation is by faith alone, not by human effort.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. Many Jewish Christians had grown up believing that righteousness came from obeying the Law of Moses—keeping commandments, offering sacrifices, and following religious customs.

But Paul had been explaining throughout Romans 3 that no one can be righteous through the Law because all have sinned (Romans 3:23). The Law reveals sin but cannot save anyone.

This teaching was especially controversial because many Jews believed that the Law was central to their relationship with God. Paul was challenging their way of thinking, showing that faith in Jesus is the only way to be justified.

For Gentiles, this was also important. Many of them had been told they were outside of God’s covenant blessings because they did not follow the Jewish Law. But Paul makes it clear: salvation is for all who believe, not just for those who follow Jewish customs.

Theological Implications

This verse is a key foundation for the biblical teaching of justification by faith alone.

1. Salvation is a free gift. It is not something people work for; it is received through faith.
2. Good works do not save. While good works are important, they are the result of salvation, not the cause of it.
3. Religious rituals do not justify. Whether it is baptism, church attendance, or following traditions, none of these things make a person righteous before God.
4. Faith in Jesus is the only way. There is no alternative path—salvation comes only by trusting in Christ.

This verse also serves as a direct challenge to legalism—the belief that people can earn God’s favor by keeping religious rules. Paul completely rejects that idea, saying that justification is apart from works.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is very precise:

• “We maintain” – This phrase shows that Paul is making a strong, non-negotiable statement.
• “A person is justified” – This applies to all people, not just Jews, Gentiles, or certain religious groups.
• “By faith” – Faith is the key. It is not faith in general, but faith in Jesus Christ.
• “Apart from the works of the law” – Paul leaves no room for misunderstanding—salvation is separate from works.

Paul is using contrast to make his point clear. Justification does not come by law-keeping—it comes by faith alone.

Biblical Cross-References

• Galatians 2:16 – “A person is not justified by the works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ.” (Paul repeats the same teaching in another letter.)
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Salvation is a gift, not something we achieve.)
• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (Good works do not save us—God’s mercy does.)
• Romans 4:5 – “However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.” (Faith alone justifies.)
• Philippians 3:9 – “Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.” (Righteousness comes through faith, not the law.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is incredibly relevant today because many people still believe that being a good person or following religious rules will earn them a place in heaven.

Paul’s message is clear: No one can earn salvation—it is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus.

For Christians, this means:

1. We can rest in God’s grace. Our salvation does not depend on our performance but on what Jesus has already done.
2. We should reject legalism. If we try to earn God’s favor by keeping religious rules, we are missing the gospel.
3. We should live with gratitude. Since salvation is a free gift, our response should be thankfulness and obedience out of love, not duty.
4. We should share the gospel. Many people are still trying to “be good enough” for God. They need to hear that faith in Jesus is the only way.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in the fact that He does not require people to earn their way to Him. If salvation were based on works, no one could achieve it. But because God loves us, He made a way for us to be saved by grace through faith.

• God’s love makes salvation possible. Instead of demanding perfection, He offers righteousness through Jesus.
• God’s love removes fear. If salvation depended on our good works, we would always wonder if we had done enough. But because it is by faith, we can have confidence in His grace.
• God’s love is for all people. This verse reminds us that anyone—Jew or Gentile, religious or non-religious—can be saved through faith in Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the key to this verse.

• He is the one we put our faith in. Faith is not just a general belief—it is trust in Jesus Christ as Savior.
• He fulfilled the Law. We are not justified by works because Jesus kept the Law perfectly for us.
• He paid for our sins. Justification by faith is possible because Jesus took the punishment we deserved on the cross.
• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Faith in Jesus is the way to eternal life.)
• Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Faith in Jesus brings peace with God.)
• Acts 16:31 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Faith, not works, is what saves.)

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important to understand that salvation is by faith, not works?
2. How does this verse challenge people who think they can earn their way to heaven?
3. What does it mean to truly have faith in Jesus Christ?
4. How does this verse change the way we share the gospel with others?
5. How can we live in gratitude for the free gift of salvation?

Romans 3:28 is a powerful declaration that we are justified by faith alone, apart from works. This is the heart of the gospel—that salvation is a free gift of grace, available to all who believe in Jesus Christ.