Romans 3:31 – “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.”

Extended Explanation

After spending the previous verses explaining that salvation comes by faith alone and not by works of the law, Paul anticipates a possible objection: Does faith in Jesus make the Law meaningless? If people are justified by faith and not by keeping the Law, does that mean the Law no longer matters?

Paul answers with a strong “Not at all!” Instead of doing away with the Law, faith actually upholds it.

What does this mean? Paul is saying that faith in Jesus does not cancel or contradict the Law—it actually fulfills its purpose. The Law was never meant to be a way for people to earn salvation. Its real purpose was to:

1. Show people their sin. The Law reveals God’s perfect standard and exposes human failure (Romans 3:20).
2. Point to the need for a Savior. Since no one can perfectly keep the Law, it drives people to Jesus, who fulfills it for them (Galatians 3:24).
3. Find its fulfillment in Christ. Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).

So, faith does not replace the Law; it confirms what the Law was always pointing to—righteousness through Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to a mixed group of Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. Many Jewish Christians were struggling with how faith in Jesus related to the Law of Moses. They had been taught from birth that the Law was central to their relationship with God. Now Paul was saying that justification comes apart from the Law (Romans 3:28).

This raised serious concerns. If the Law was not the basis of righteousness, was Paul saying it was worthless? Some Jews may have thought that Paul was rejecting the Law altogether.

But Paul clarifies: Faith does not destroy the Law—it upholds it. The Law was never about making people righteous through obedience. It was always meant to lead people to faith in God’s grace.

For Gentiles, this was also significant. They were not required to follow Jewish customs like circumcision, but Paul still affirmed that the Law had an important purpose—it pointed to Jesus.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths about the Law and faith:

1. The Law and faith are not enemies. They work together—faith in Christ fulfills what the Law was always pointing toward.
2. Faith does not mean lawlessness. Just because salvation is by faith does not mean people should ignore God’s moral standards.
3. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law. Everything the Law required, Jesus completed perfectly.
4. The Law still has value. It continues to reveal God’s holiness and show people their need for Christ.

This verse helps clear up confusion: Faith in Jesus does not cancel the Old Testament—it completes it. The Law is not thrown away, but it is understood in light of Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is very intentional:

• “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith?” – This is a rhetorical question, anticipating a misunderstanding. Paul knows some will think he is rejecting the Law.
• “Not at all!” – A strong rejection of that idea. Paul is saying faith does not destroy the Law.
• “Rather, we uphold the law.” – Faith does not erase the Law—it confirms its true purpose.

Paul is using contrast:

• He has just said righteousness comes apart from the Law (Romans 3:28).
• Now he explains that faith actually supports the Law by leading to Jesus, who fulfills it.

This balance is crucial—faith does not make the Law useless, but it places it in its proper role.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Jesus Himself affirms that He fulfills the Law.)
• Romans 10:4 – “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” (Jesus is the completion of the Law.)
• Galatians 3:24 – “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” (The Law was meant to lead people to Christ.)
• Romans 8:3-4 – “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son.” (The Law could not save—Jesus did.)
• Hebrews 10:1 – “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves.” (The Law pointed to Jesus.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today misunderstand how the Old Testament Law relates to faith in Christ. Some think that because we are saved by faith, the Law is irrelevant. Others believe that people must still follow Old Testament rules to be right with God.

This verse helps bring clarity:

1. Faith in Christ does not mean ignoring God’s commands. We are not saved by works, but true faith produces obedience (James 2:17).
2. The Old Testament is still important. It shows us God’s holiness, justice, and the need for a Savior.
3. Jesus is the center of everything. The Law, the prophets, and all of Scripture point to Him.
4. Faith does not lead to sin. Some think that if salvation is by grace, people can live however they want. Paul rejects this idea—faith leads to a transformed life.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He did not abandon the Law or demand impossible standards from people. Instead, He sent Jesus to fulfill the Law on behalf of sinners.

• God’s love provides a way. The Law showed our need, and Jesus met that need.
• God’s love is consistent. He did not change His standards—He upheld them through Christ.
• God’s love brings freedom. Instead of being trapped under the burden of the Law, we are made righteous through faith in Jesus.

This verse shows that God’s plan has always been one of love and grace. The Law was never about earning salvation—it was about pointing people to their need for Jesus.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the key to understanding this verse.

• He is the fulfillment of the Law. Every commandment, sacrifice, and prophecy pointed to Him.
• He met the Law’s demands. Where people failed, Jesus succeeded—He lived a perfect life and took the punishment for sin.
• He is the focus of faith. The Law cannot save, but Jesus can.
• John 1:17 – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Jesus completes what the Law started.)
• Colossians 2:17 – “These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (The Law was a preview—Jesus is the real thing.)
• Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” (Through Christ, we are free from the Law’s condemnation.)

Jesus does not replace the Law—He fulfills it and brings it to its true purpose.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to “uphold the law” through faith?
2. How does this verse help us understand the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament?
3. Why is it important to see Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law?
4. How can Christians avoid both legalism (trusting in works) and lawlessness (ignoring God’s commands)?
5. How does faith in Christ lead to a transformed life?

Romans 3:31 is a powerful reminder that faith does not cancel the Law—it fulfills it. The Law shows our need for a Savior, and Jesus meets that need perfectly. Through faith in Him, we are made right with God, not by works, but by grace through faith.