(Romans 3:9) Is it fair to place Jews and Gentiles on equal footing in sin when the Old Testament sets Israel apart as God’s chosen people?

Definition and Context

Romans 3:9 states, “What then? Are we any better? Not at all. For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.” This raises a question about whether it is fair to group both Jews (who are described in the Old Testament as chosen by God) and Gentiles on the same footing in terms of sin. Understanding this situation requires examining the unique covenant relationship God established with Israel, the broader narrative on sin in Scripture, and how this culminates in the New Testament revelation that all people—Jew and Gentile alike—are in need of redemption.

Israel’s Chosen Status in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, God designates Israel as His chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). They were set apart through patriarchal promises (Genesis 12:1–3) and the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:5–6). This covenant relationship established Israel as a nation intended to demonstrate God’s holiness, moral law, and redemptive plan.

However, being set apart carried the responsibility of obedience. Israel’s chosen status did not mean Israel was immune from sin. The Old Testament chronicles numerous instances of Israel’s disobedience—leading to judgments such as the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 25). Despite being chosen, Israel displayed the universal human tendency toward rebellion against God’s commands.

The Universality of Sin

Romans 3:9 points to a core biblical truth: sin is a universal problem. The Old Testament recognizes that all humanity is affected by sin from the aftermath of the Fall (Genesis 3:17–19, cf. Psalm 14:2–3). By the time Paul writes his epistle to the Romans, he underscores this principle with references to the Jewish Scriptures (Romans 3:10–12, referencing Psalm 14).

The fact that Israel had the Law and the Prophets actually heightened their accountability, because they were more fully aware of God’s standard (Romans 3:19–20). Yet it does not make them inherently more righteous; instead, the Law served to reveal humanity’s deep-rooted sinfulness (Romans 7:7). Therefore, both Jew and Gentile share the same basic condition: they stand guilty before God without exception.

Fairness in the New Testament Perspective

1. God’s Impartial Judgment

Scripture asserts that God judges all people impartially. Romans 2:11 says, “For God does not show favoritism.” Even though Israel held a special role in salvation history, there are no exceptions when it comes to the human inclination toward sin. The impartiality of God ensures that the fair standard of righteousness applies to every person.

2. Role of the Messiah

Israel’s chosenness ultimately pointed to the coming of the Messiah through their lineage (Isaiah 11:1). In sending Jesus Christ, God extended salvation beyond the boundaries of ethnicity or national identity, fulfilling promises such as the one given to Abraham: “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). Thus, while Israel had a distinct part in revealing God’s plan, Jesus’ work brought about a universal provision for forgiveness, demonstrating that Jews and Gentiles alike need the same Savior.

3. Unity Through Faith in Christ

The New Testament clarifies that in Christ, any dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is removed (Ephesians 2:14–16). Whether one is ethnically Jewish or Gentile does not alter the reality of sin or the necessity of grace (Galatians 3:28). In this sense, equality in sin is matched by equality in the opportunity for redemption through Christ (Romans 3:22).

Reinforcing the Old Testament’s Call for Holiness

Though the Old Testament names Israel as God’s “treasured possession” (Exodus 19:5), it never suggests that Israel (or anyone else) is free from sin. In fact, the prophets repeatedly rebuke Israel for failing to honor the covenant. For instance, Isaiah 1:4 calls the nation “a sinful nation” and “a people laden with iniquity.”

Archaeological studies, such as those examining ancient Israelite cities, illuminate Israel’s cyclical pattern of devotion to God followed by idolatry—mirroring the biblical narrative in Judges. These historical and archaeological findings confirm that even those called apart for God’s purposes could (and did) fall short of His holiness.

Addressing Potential Objections

1. Objection: “Israel’s Chosen Status Means Exemption”

The Old Testament explicitly denies that chosenness equates to moral superiority or sinlessness (Deuteronomy 9:4–6). The consequence for disobedience was quite severe (cf. the exile). Thus, being chosen sets people apart for service, not for moral exemption.

2. Objection: “It Is Unfair to Equate Both Groups When God Gave Israel Special Promises”

The promises (e.g., those given to Abraham and David) were certainly special, but they primarily served to pave the way for universal redemption. Israel’s role was to point toward the coming of the Messiah, whose salvation includes “everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). The fairness is in God’s willingness to offer salvation to all people, holding all to the same standard of righteousness.

Theological Implications

Recognizing that Jews and Gentiles stand equally in sin highlights God’s mercy and grace. God’s law proved humanity’s helplessness to achieve righteousness by works alone (Romans 3:20). This underscores the necessity of a Savior (Romans 3:21–26). Grace, extended through Christ’s sacrifice, unites believing Jews and Gentiles under the umbrella of redemption. Without this equality in sin, the breadth of Christ’s grace would not be as universally apparent.

Practical Application

1. Gratitude for God’s Mercy

Since all are equally dependent on divine mercy, individuals can find humility and gratitude toward God. This perspective removes any sense of self-righteousness or superiority among believers.

2. Unity in the Church

Recognizing the equal footing of sin—and thus the equal need for redemption—promotes unity. Believers form one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–13). Whether from a Jewish heritage, a Gentile background, or any other walk of life, unity is secured through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

3. Continued Faithfulness

Israel’s historical example encourages believers to remain faithful and obedient, recognizing that privileges (knowledge of Scripture, fellowship, teaching) come with the responsibility to walk in holiness and spiritual maturity.

Conclusion

God’s fairness in placing Jews and Gentiles on equal footing with regard to sin is grounded in the consistent scriptural message that all have sinned and stand in need of redemption (Romans 3:23). The Old Testament does present Israel as chosen and set apart, yet it also records Israel’s own failures under sin. This chosen status served the purpose of revealing God’s character and preparing the way for Christ, who provides salvation for all.

“For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...” (Romans 3:22–23).

From Genesis to Revelation, the overarching narrative points to the universal need for salvation and the provision of that salvation in Jesus, ensuring that God remains both perfectly just and exceedingly merciful.