“What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.” – Romans 3:9
After methodically examining the sins of both Jew and Gentile, Paul finally declares, “All are under sin.” There’s no favoritism, no escape clause, no appeal. The Jews had the advantage of receiving God’s Word—just like many today are blessed to grow up hearing truth in a Christian home. But that privilege doesn’t equal pardon. It’s an opportunity, not a guarantee. The Gospel is good news, but it only becomes good when we first recognize the bad—when we see our guilt and realize our need for a Savior.
Paul’s imagery resembles a courtroom where all defendants—religious, moral, rebellious—are brought before the Judge. The arraignment is complete, and the charges are universal. Every soul stands guilty. Romans 1:18 sets the tone: “The wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness.” That inner unease we try to suppress? It’s guilt. And guilt isn’t just an emotional fog—it’s a spiritual signal pointing to sin. Yet culture tells us to ignore it, medicate it, or redefine it. But Scripture calls it what it is and offers a cure—not distraction, but redemption.
So what do we do with guilt? We stop treating it like a bad habit and start acknowledging it as a symptom of something deeper: sin. And sin requires a Savior. The truth is, no amount of counseling, tradition, or rationalization can remove guilt permanently—but Jesus can. He doesn’t just cover it—He cancels it. So take stock today: Are you holding onto religious advantages without true repentance? Let Scripture do what it’s meant to—point you to Christ. Your diagnosis is clear. But praise God—the cure is closer than your next breath.
“Paul’s point is clear: No one is righteous—not the pagan, not the moralist, not the religious person. All are under sin. That’s the bad news. But it sets the stage for the best news ever: justification by grace through faith.” – Chuck Swindoll
surrendered devotions 