Romans 3:9-20 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;… The text gives us man's native character. Such he is till the Spirit of God has sanctified him. I. MANY HAVE MISTAKEN THE NATIVE CHARACTER OF MAN, FROM HAVING SEEN HIM CAPABLE OF AFFECTIONS AND DEEDS THAT ARE PRAISEWORTHY. We do not deny that there has been seen in men not sanctified. II. MEN HAVE BEEN LED TO CONTROVERT THIS DOCTRINE BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT CONSCIOUS OF THE WRONG MOTIVES BY WHICH THEY ARE ACTUATED. What the prophet says of the idol maker is more or less true of all unregenerate men in all ages, "A deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" They do not consider it important to know what their designs are, and have not that familiarity with their hearts that would render it easy to discover. III. THE DOCTRINE OF THE TEXT IS OFTEN CONTROVERTED TO SUPPORT SCHEMES WITH WHICH THIS SENTIMENT WOULD NOT COMPARE. The sinner's entire depravity is a fundamental doctrine on which there can be built only one, and that the gospel system. Make this doctrine true, and it sweeps away, as with the besom of destruction, every creed but one from the face of the world. It settles the question that God may righteously execute His law upon all unregenerate men; that "by deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified"; that the doings of unregenerate men are unholy; that an atonement, such as God has provided, is the only medium through which we can purge our consciences from dead works to serve the living God. IV. THIS DOCTRINE HAS BEEN CONTROVERTED THROUGH THE PRIDE OF THE HUMAN HEART. Depravity is a most degrading doctrine, and entire depravity intolerable, till the heart has been humbled by the grace of God. There is in apostate men great pride of character. With the promptness with which we fly the touch of fire does pride resist imputation. Hence inquires the unregenerate man, Would you deny me the credit of loving my Creator, Preserver, and Benefactor? Do I never obey His law, or do a deed from motives that please Him? And is there, among my noblest actions of kindness to men, nothing that amounts to love? V. I PROCEED TO OFFER SOME REASONS FOR ESTEEMING IT A VERY IMPORTANT DOCTRINE. 1. The fact that it is plainly revealed testifies to its importance. God would not have cumbered His Word with a doctrine of no value. 2. The doctrine of the text is esteemed important, as it is one of the first truths used by the Spirit of God in awakening and sanctifying sinners. 3. The doctrine of the text is esteemed important, as it lies at the foundation of the whole gospel scheme. (D. A. Clark.) Parallel Verses KJV: What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; |
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