Romans 3:20 – Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit some towering pyramids in South America. These ancient structures, steep and imposing, were once used by their builders for sacrifices—both animal and human—hoping to please their gods and secure a place in the afterlife.
It struck me that, even today, people across the world are trying to “work” their way to heaven in similar ways.
Across Asia, many pursue heaven or spiritual peace through religious practices. Buddhists seek nirvana by following the Eightfold Path and meditation; Hindus aim for moksha by ritual devotion and good deeds. In Islamic regions like Indonesia, fulfilling the Five Pillars is essential for Allah’s favor, while Shinto worshipers in Japan seek purity through shrine visits and offerings. Confucians honor ancestors to ensure harmony after death, and Taoists meditate to align with the “way” for spiritual peace.
In India, the pursuit of karma through good deeds is thought to influence one’s future, possibly allowing them to escape the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
In Africa, traditional beliefs often call for offerings, rituals, and sacrifices to please spiritual powers of the dead relatives, hoping to gain favor or protection.
Even here in America, we see people trying to earn heaven through giving money, being baptized, or simply attending church.
But the Bible is clear: no matter how many good deeds we do, the law—God’s holy standard—will never justify us before Him.
Romans 3:20 reminds us, “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.” This means that no amount of rule-keeping, good behavior, or even sacrifice can secure our entrance into heaven. In fact, the law doesn’t bring salvation; it reveals our need for God.
The Law: A Mirror for Our Sin
The law is like a mirror—it shows us our true reflection, highlighting our flaws and shortcomings. Take a moment to test yourself against a few of God’s laws. Have you ever lied? Taken something that wasn’t yours? Used the Lord’s name in vain? According to God’s standards, that makes us lying, thieving, blaspheming sinners. And that’s just three out of many commandments!
James 2:10 tells us, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” The law isn’t something we can pick and choose to follow; it demands complete perfection, which none of us can fulfill.
The Solution: God’s Gift of Salvation
So, if keeping the law can’t get us to heaven, how do we get there? This is where the good news of the Gospel comes in!
The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
We’re all in the same boat—each of us has missed the mark. But God, in His mercy, provided a way for us to be saved. Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Though our sin earns us death, God offers eternal life through His Son, Jesus.
Romans 10:9 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
This is God’s invitation to each of us: to repent of our sins, believe in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and receive the gift of salvation.
The law shows us that we can’t climb our way to heaven, no matter how hard we try. But through Jesus, heaven is brought down to us as a free gift.
