ALL HAVE SINNED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Romans 3:9-23
Key Verse: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23, KJV)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 14:1-3; Isaiah 53:6; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 5:12; 1 John 1:8-10; Galatians 3:22.
Description: Every human being is guilty of sin before God and is in desperate need of His grace, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
INTRODUCTION
Romans 3:9-23 is one of the most significant passages in the Bible concerning the sinful condition of humanity. After demonstrating that both Gentiles and Jews are guilty before God, the Apostle Paul concludes that every person stands condemned because of sin. No one can claim moral perfection or righteousness before God based on personal merit or religious observance.
Sin is more than isolated acts of wrongdoing; it is a condition that affects every aspect of human life. It separates people from God, corrupts the heart, distorts human relationships, and leads to spiritual death. Regardless of race, nationality, education, wealth, or religious background, all people have fallen short of God's perfect standard.
Although this passage exposes humanity's hopeless condition apart from God, it also prepares the way for the glorious message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Before anyone can appreciate the greatness of God's grace, they must first recognise the seriousness of sin and their need for a Saviour.
1. SIN IS THE UNIVERSAL CONDITION OF HUMANITY
No human being is exempt from the reality of sin. Every person is born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam.
a) Both Jews And Gentiles Are Under Sin (Romans 3:9)
Paul declares that every person, regardless of background, stands equally guilty before God.
b) No One Is Naturally Righteous (Romans 3:10)
Human beings cannot attain God's perfect standard through their own efforts.
c) All Have Gone Astray (Isaiah 53:6)
Like wandering sheep, humanity has turned away from God's righteous path.
d) Sin Entered Through Adam (Romans 5:12)
The fall of Adam introduced sin and death into the human race, affecting every generation.
Biblical Example: Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-24). Through their disobedience, sin entered the world, bringing separation from God and affecting all humanity.
2. SIN AFFECTS EVERY AREA OF HUMAN LIFE
Sin corrupts the heart, the mind, the speech, and the conduct of every person.
a) The Heart Is Deceived By Sin (Jeremiah 17:9)
Without God's grace, the human heart naturally inclines towards evil.
b) The Tongue Can Spread Evil (Romans 3:13-14)
Paul describes sinful speech as destructive, deceitful, and harmful.
c) Human Conduct Reflects Sinful Nature (Romans 3:15-18)
Violence, pride, selfishness, and rebellion are evidence of humanity's fallen condition.
d) Sin Separates People From God (Isaiah 59:2)
The greatest consequence of sin is broken fellowship with the holy God.
Biblical Example: Cain (Genesis 4:3-12). Sin grew within Cain's heart until it resulted in jealousy, hatred, and the murder of his brother Abel.
3. NO HUMAN EFFORT CAN REMOVE SIN
No amount of good works, religious observance, or moral achievement can make a sinner righteous before God.
a) The Law Reveals Sin (Romans 3:20)
God's law exposes sin but cannot save the sinner.
b) Good Works Cannot Justify Anyone (Galatians 2:16)
Salvation cannot be earned through personal effort or religious performance.
c) Religious Privilege Does Not Remove Guilt (Romans 2:28-29)
External religion without inward transformation cannot make anyone acceptable before God.
d) Everyone Needs God's Mercy (Titus 3:5)
Salvation comes through God's mercy rather than human righteousness.
Biblical Example: The Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). The self-righteous Pharisee trusted in his works, while the humble tax collector sought God's mercy and was justified.
4. GOD PROVIDES SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
Although all have sinned, God has graciously provided forgiveness and righteousness through His Son.
a) Christ Died For Sinners (Romans 5:8)
God demonstrated His love by sending Jesus to die for us while we were still sinners.
b) Salvation Is By Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Forgiveness is received by trusting in Christ rather than relying upon human works.
c) Jesus Cleanses From All Sin (1 John 1:7)
The blood of Jesus completely removes the guilt and penalty of sin.
d) Believers Receive A New Life (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Everyone who trusts in Christ becomes a new creation with a transformed heart and a new beginning.
Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). Jesus did not condemn her but extended mercy, forgave her, and called her to live a new life free from sin.
CONCLUSION
Romans 3:9-23 reminds us that every human being stands guilty before a holy God. No one can boast of personal righteousness because all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Sin is universal, destructive, and impossible to overcome through human effort. The law exposes our guilt but cannot remove it.
The wonderful news of the Gospel is that God has provided the perfect solution through Jesus Christ. Those who repent of their sins and place their faith in Him receive forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life. Let us humbly acknowledge our need for God's grace, trust completely in Christ, and live each day as people who have been redeemed by His mercy.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for providing salvation through Jesus Christ, despite my sinful condition, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, forgive every sin in my life and cleanse me by the blood of Jesus, in Jesus name.
3. Father, help me never to depend upon my own righteousness but upon Your grace, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me, in Jesus name.
5. Father, deliver me from every habit and desire that leads me into sin, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, strengthen me to live a holy and obedient life before You, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let the Holy Spirit continually convict me and lead me into righteousness, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, use my testimony to bring sinners to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.
9. Father, help me to extend the same grace and mercy to others that You have shown to me, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, keep me faithful until the end and preserve me for Your heavenly kingdom, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall continually walk in the grace and forgiveness that are found in Jesus Christ.
2. Every chain of sin and spiritual bondage shall be broken over your life by the power of the blood of Jesus.
3. The Lord shall strengthen you to overcome every temptation and walk in holiness.
4. You shall never return to the lifestyle from which Christ has delivered you.
5. The Holy Spirit shall transform your heart and renew your mind daily.
6. You shall experience the joy, peace, and freedom that come through God's saving grace.
7. Your life shall become a testimony of God's mercy and transforming power.
8. Every accusation of the enemy against your life shall be silenced through the finished work of Christ.
9. The righteousness of Christ shall be evident in your conduct, character, and testimony.
10. From this day forward, you shall walk in the assurance of your salvation, grow in the knowledge of God's grace, fulfil His purpose for your life, and finish your Christian race victoriously, in the mighty name of Jesus.
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