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"As it is written..."

Text: Romans 3:10

THE CITATION OF THE SCRIPTURES

The commencement of the Epistle to the Romans saw Paul making mention of “the Holy Scriptures” (Romans 1:2). His citation of the Scriptures reveals the following things:

1. His conscious knowledge and comprehension of the Scriptures.

2. His high regard for the authority of the Scriptures.

3. His wisdom and skill in correctly applying the Scriptures.

THE DOCTRINE OF SIN IS DERIVED FROM THE SCRIPTURES

Where did Paul derive his understanding of the doctrine of sin? Without a doubt, we conclude that his doctrine of sin was drawn from the Scriptures!

“As it is written:
There is none righteous, no not one;
There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no not one.”
Romans 3:10-12 (Cf. Psalm 14:1-3; 53:1-3)

1. Could Paul have arrived at the same conclusion without reference to the
Scriptures?

Yes!

2. Why would he then cite the Scriptures?

a) Because of his enemies

i) There were critics of Paul

ii) They would seize every opportunity to challenge his statements.

iii) He was on safer grounds if he cited the Scriptures as his source of insight and authority.

b) Because of the intrinsic power in the Scriptures

i) Man’s word has no intrinsic power to convict the heart of sin

ii) The Scriptures have a life imbued by God Himself!

iii) One of his purposes in writing would be to help people return to God through conviction of sin.