READ: Rom. 3:1–8: … But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? …
In the previous chapter it was stated that having the law and circumcision has no value for Jews in themselves if it is not accompanied by a heart directed to God and a life that follows from God’s Word.
This may raise the question: what benefit, then, is there in being a Jew? Does it mean a privileged position? Paul does not answer negatively. As a privilege he mentions that God has revealed Himself to the Jewish people. He made a covenant with them, He gave them His covenant words and covenant law (Old Testament). These are privileges, but not guarantees of salvation.
For what remains of that privilege if the people have become disobedient and unfaithful to the LORD? Paul does not deny that, but he states that God has remained faithful to His people from His side.
Paul will later in his letter speak more extensively about the position of Israel in chapters 9–11, especially 9:4,5. For now, he establishes that God is true. He keeps His word, and He is faithful in curse and blessing. Also in His judgment and wrath, God shows that He is glorious, unchangingly faithful, and completely righteous.
It is precisely our sins and transgressions that bring His justice and righteousness to light. We as humans are not true, we are liars. But God is true, even when He unmasks and judges our sins. His punishment for breaking the covenant is by no means unjust. On the contrary, God is glorified by showing His rightful wrath! This idea must not be rejected as though He were not allowed to judge sin.
Nor may that ever be a reason for us humans to go on sinning with the idea that our sins serve the good—namely, the glorification of God. Whoever thinks or speaks like that blasphemes God and therefore deserves His judgment.
How seriously do we take our own sins?
Sing: Ps. 51:2