So if the Jews had many privileges, were the Jews at an advantage when it came to judgement? The answer is no. For all have sinned, Jews and Gentiles. Peter says that judgement begins with the house of God (1 Peter 4:17), so we too should never become complacent. Boasting that we are baptised, that we are filled with the Spirit, that we go to such and such a church, is of no value whatsoever unless we are penitent, trusting, and being transformed.
Paul then introduces a whole series of quotations from the Old Testament depicting the sinfulness of man. All have sinned. Their mouths speak deceit. Blood is on their hands. The do not know the way of peace and they do not fear God.
It is the law that says this, and what the law says it says to those under the law, so it applies to the Jews. It is a very human trait to think that some rule or law applies to everyone else except me. So all this applies to the Jews. Why then does Paul go on to say it applies to the whole world as well, for the world is not under the law? It is because the salvation of God goes out to the whole world.The plan was that all people's would be blessed through Abraham. The starting point for the message of salvation is accepting our sinfulness. Everyone needs to accept this, Jew or Gentile.
Justified, or declared righteous, refers to a legal decision in our favour. On the basis of the law no one is going to get a favourable verdict, for all have been declared guilty.
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