Romans 3:23-24 reveals one of the most foundational truths in all of Scripture: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” These verses confront humanity with the sobering reality of sin while simultaneously offering the glorious hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.
In a culture that minimizes sin, dismisses absolute morality, and promotes self-righteousness, Romans 3:23-24 stands as a divine diagnosis and divine cure. Whether you’re grappling with guilt, seeking assurance of salvation, or wondering why the cross was necessary, these verses provide the essential answer to humanity’s greatest problem.
What Does Romans 3:23-24 Say? (Scripture & Context)
The Complete Text of Romans 3:23-24
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 3:23-24 (NIV)
These two verses form a pivotal turning point in Paul’s systematic presentation of the Gospel in the Book of Romans. After establishing the universal guilt of humanity (Romans 1:18–3:20), Paul introduces God’s solution—justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:23-24 encapsulates:
- The Problem: All have sinned (v. 23a).
- The Consequence: We fall short of God’s glory (v. 23b).
- The Solution: Justification by grace through redemption in Christ (v. 24).
The Context: Paul’s Argument in Romans 1-3
To fully understand Romans 3:23-24, we must grasp Paul’s theological progression:
Romans 1:18-32 – The Guilt of the Gentiles
Paul exposes humanity’s rebellion against God. Despite knowing God through creation, people suppressed the truth, worshiped idols, and descended into moral corruption. God gave them over to their sinful desires.
Romans 2:1-16 – The Guilt of the Moralist
Religious and self-righteous people are equally guilty. They judge others while committing the same sins. God judges impartially based on deeds, not religious heritage.
Romans 2:17-29 – The Guilt of the Jews
Even God’s chosen people—those with the Law, circumcision, and covenant promises—are guilty. Possessing the Law doesn’t save; obeying it does. And no one obeys perfectly.
Romans 3:9-20 – The Universal Verdict
Paul concludes: “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). Both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. The Law reveals sin but cannot save from it.
Romans 3:21-24 – The Righteousness of God Revealed
But now, apart from the Law, God’s righteousness has been revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. This is where Romans 3:23-24 fits—the transition from universal condemnation to universal offer of grace.
Understanding “All Have Sinned” (Romans 3:23a)
What Does “All” Mean?
The Greek word pantes means “all, every single one, without exception.” Paul leaves no room for self-righteousness, religious pride, or moral superiority.
“All” includes:
- Every ethnicity, nationality, and culture.
- Every social class—rich and poor, educated and uneducated.
- Every religious background—Jews, Gentiles, Christians, atheists.
- Every moral category—”good people” and “bad people.”
- Every generation—past, present, and future.
No Exceptions:
- Not Abraham, Moses, David, or Peter.
- Not your grandmother, pastor, or kindest neighbor.
- Not you.
Scriptural Confirmation:
- Ecclesiastes 7:20 – “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.”
- 1 John 1:8 – “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
- Psalm 14:3 – “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
What Does “Sinned” Mean?
The Greek word hamartanō means “to miss the mark” or “to fall short of a standard.” In biblical terms, sin is:
1. Violation of God’s Law
“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).
2. Falling Short of God’s Holiness
Sin is not just breaking rules—it’s failing to reflect God’s perfect character.
3. Rebellion Against God
Sin is cosmic treason—choosing self over the Creator (Isaiah 53:6).
4. Both Action and Nature
We sin because we are sinners. Sin is both what we do (transgression) and what we are (fallen nature).
The Origin of Sin: The Fall of Humanity
Why has everyone sinned?
Genesis 3 – The Fall of Adam and Eve
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, sin entered the human race. Their rebellion corrupted human nature, passing spiritual death to all descendants.
Romans 5:12 explains:
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”
Key Theological Concepts:
Original Sin – The inherited sinful nature passed from Adam to all humanity. We are born with a bent toward sin (Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:3).
Total Depravity – Every part of human nature (mind, will, emotions, body) is affected by sin. This doesn’t mean we’re as evil as possible, but that sin touches everything.
Universal Guilt – Because of Adam’s sin and our own personal sins, all stand condemned before God (Romans 5:18).
Categories of Sin
1. Sins of Commission – Wrong actions we commit (lying, stealing, adultery, murder).
2. Sins of Omission – Good things we fail to do (James 4:17).
3. Sins of the Heart – Internal sins invisible to others (pride, lust, hatred, envy, bitterness) (Matthew 5:21-28).
4. Sins Against God – Idolatry, blasphemy, irreverence, unbelief.
5. Sins Against Others – Injustice, slander, betrayal, unforgiveness.
6. Sins Against Self – Self-harm, self-worship, gluttony, laziness.
All sin, ultimately, is against God (Psalm 51:4).
Understanding “Fall Short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23b)
What Is the “Glory of God”?
The glory of God (Greek: doxa) refers to:
1. God’s Perfect Holiness and Moral Excellence
God is infinitely pure, righteous, and good. His glory is the radiant display of His perfection.
2. God’s Original Design for Humanity
Humans were created to reflect God’s glory—to image His character and rule His creation in righteousness (Genesis 1:26-27).
3. God’s Standard for Righteousness
God’s glory is the measuring stick of holiness. Anything less than absolute perfection falls short.
How Do We Fall Short?
1. We Lack Inherent Righteousness
No human possesses the moral perfection God requires. Even our best deeds are tainted by selfish motives (Isaiah 64:6).
2. We Cannot Earn God’s Approval
All our efforts, religious rituals, and good works are insufficient to bridge the gap between us and God.
3. We Are Spiritually Dead
Apart from Christ, we are “dead in transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1), incapable of generating spiritual life on our own.
4. We Face Eternal Separation
The consequence of sin is death—physical, spiritual, and eternal (Romans 6:23). We fall short of eternal life in God’s glorious presence.
The Illustration of the Chasm
Imagine standing on one side of the Grand Canyon, trying to jump to the other side. It doesn’t matter if you jump:
- 1 foot.
- 10 feet.
- 100 feet.
You still fall into the canyon.
Similarly, compared to God’s perfect glory:
- A “good person” falls short.
- A religious person falls short.
- A moral person falls short.
- Everyone falls short.
The distance of the fall doesn’t matter—everyone needs a Savior.
Understanding “Justified Freely by His Grace” (Romans 3:24a)
After establishing universal sin, Paul introduces the astounding news: justification by grace.
What Does “Justified” Mean?
Justification (Greek: dikaioō) is a legal term meaning “to declare righteous.” It’s a courtroom verdict where God, the Judge, declares the guilty sinner “not guilty” based on the work of Jesus Christ.
Justification Means:
1. Legal Acquittal
God pronounces you righteous, not because you are innocent, but because Christ’s righteousness is credited to your account (2 Corinthians 5:21).
2. Imputed Righteousness
Your sins are transferred to Christ (He bore them on the cross), and His righteousness is transferred to you (Romans 4:5-6).
3. Restored Relationship
Justification removes the legal barrier between you and God, making peace and fellowship possible (Romans 5:1).
4. Once-for-All Declaration
Justification is not a process—it’s an instantaneous, permanent verdict the moment you believe (Romans 5:9; 8:1).
What Does “Freely” Mean?
The Greek word dōrean means “as a gift, without payment, undeserved.”
Justification is free because:
- You didn’t earn it (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- You can’t purchase it (Isaiah 55:1).
- You don’t deserve it (Romans 5:8).
It’s free to you—but infinitely costly to God. Jesus paid the price with His blood.
What Is “Grace”?
Grace (Greek: charis) is “unmerited favor”—God’s kindness toward those who deserve punishment.
Grace Is:
- Unearned – Not based on your performance.
- Unconditional – Not dependent on your worthiness.
- Abundant – Overflowing and limitless (Romans 5:20).
- Transformative – Changes hearts and lives (Titus 2:11-12).
Key Verse:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Understanding “Through the Redemption That Came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24b)
What Is Redemption?
Redemption (Greek: apolytrōsis) means “to buy back, to ransom, to set free by payment of a price.”
In the ancient world, redemption was used for:
- Buying slaves out of slavery and setting them free.
- Paying a ransom to free prisoners of war.
- Purchasing something back that was lost or sold.
Biblical Redemption:
1. Humanity Was Enslaved to Sin
Before Christ, we were slaves to sin, unable to free ourselves (Romans 6:16-18; John 8:34).
2. Christ Paid the Ransom Price
Jesus’ death on the cross was the payment that purchased our freedom (1 Peter 1:18-19; Mark 10:45).
3. We Are Set Free
Through faith in Christ, we are liberated from sin’s dominion, Satan’s power, and the Law’s condemnation (Galatians 5:1; Colossians 1:13-14).
Why Was Christ’s Sacrifice Necessary?
1. God’s Holiness Demands Justice
Sin cannot be overlooked or dismissed. God’s righteous character requires that sin be punished (Nahum 1:3; Habakkuk 1:13).
2. The Penalty for Sin Is Death
“The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Someone had to die to satisfy divine justice.
3. Only a Perfect Sacrifice Could Atone
Animal sacrifices in the Old Testament were temporary and insufficient (Hebrews 10:4). Only a sinless, infinite sacrifice could pay for humanity’s infinite debt.
4. Jesus Is the Perfect Substitute
Jesus, fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God (1 Peter 2:22; John 1:29).
5. Christ Took Our Punishment
On the cross, Jesus bore the wrath of God that we deserved (Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
The Exchange: What Christ Did for Us
On the Cross:
- Jesus took our sin – He was made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- Jesus took our punishment – He endured God’s wrath in our place (1 Peter 2:24).
- Jesus broke sin’s power – He defeated Satan, sin, and death (Colossians 2:13-15).
Through Faith:
- We receive His righteousness – We are clothed in Christ’s perfection (Romans 5:19).
- We receive forgiveness – All sins—past, present, future—are forgiven (Colossians 2:13-14).
- We receive eternal life – The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:23).
This is the Great Exchange—our sin for His righteousness, our death for His life.
The Gospel Message in Romans 3:23-24
These two verses summarize the Gospel:
The Bad News (v. 23):
All have sinned. You are guilty. You fall short. You cannot save yourself.
The Good News (v. 24):
God offers justification freely by grace through redemption in Christ Jesus. Salvation is available. Forgiveness is offered. Freedom is possible.
The Response Required:
Faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22, 25-26). You must believe, repent, and trust in Him alone.
Practical Applications of Romans 3:23-24
1. Recognize Your Need for a Savior
You cannot earn salvation. Stop relying on:
- Your good works.
- Your religious activity.
- Your moral superiority.
- Your family heritage.
Admit: “I am a sinner in need of God’s grace.”
2. Humble Yourself Before God
Pride is the enemy of grace. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Pray: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13).
3. Receive Justification by Faith
Justification is received, not achieved. Trust in Jesus’ finished work, not your own efforts.
Believe:
- Jesus died for your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3).
- Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:4).
- Jesus is Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9).
4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Since all have sinned, comparing yourself to others is meaningless. The standard is God’s glory, not human morality.
Reject: “I’m better than most people.”
Embrace: “I’m a sinner saved by grace alone.”
5. Extend Grace to Others
If you’ve received unmerited grace, extend it to others. Forgive, show mercy, and love unconditionally (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).
6. Live in Gratitude and Worship
Justification should produce overwhelming gratitude. Worship God for His grace, sing His praises, and live for His glory (Psalm 103:1-5).
7. Share the Gospel
Romans 3:23-24 is evangelism gold. Use these verses to explain humanity’s problem and God’s solution to unbelievers.
Related Scriptures on Sin and Grace
Deepen your understanding with these passages:
- Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Ephesians 2:1-10 – Saved by grace through faith, not by works.
- Isaiah 53:5-6 – The suffering servant bore our sins.
- 1 John 1:8-10 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.
- Titus 3:4-7 – Saved by His mercy, not our righteousness.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Christ became sin so we could become the righteousness of God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 3:23-24
If everyone has sinned, why do some people seem so much worse than others?
While all have sinned, not all sin equally in degree or consequence. Some sins have greater earthly effects (murder vs. envy). However, all sin equally separates us from God and requires the same remedy—faith in Christ.
Can I lose my justification?
No. Justification is a permanent, legal declaration. Once justified, you are eternally secure (Romans 8:38-39; John 10:28-29). However, true faith produces ongoing transformation (sanctification).
What about people who have never heard the Gospel?
Romans 1:18-20 teaches that all people have knowledge of God through creation and conscience. Romans 2:14-15 says even Gentiles without the Law are accountable. God judges justly. Our responsibility is to proclaim the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
Does “all are justified” mean everyone is automatically saved?
No. Romans 3:24 says justification is available to all through redemption in Christ, but it must be received by faith (Romans 3:22, 25-26). Justification is universal in offer but particular in application.
Conclusion: The Glorious Exchange of Grace
Romans 3:23-24 confronts you with an uncomfortable truth: You are a sinner. You have fallen short. You cannot measure up. You stand guilty before a holy God.
But these verses also offer the most glorious hope: God justifies sinners freely by His grace through Jesus Christ. The penalty has been paid. The ransom has been given. Redemption is available.
The question is not whether you’re a sinner—all have sinned. The question is whether you will receive the free gift of justification through faith in Jesus Christ.
Today, you stand at a crossroads:
- Reject God’s grace and remain under condemnation.
- Receive God’s grace and be justified freely.
The invitation is clear:
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost” (Isaiah 55:1).
Salvation is free. Justification is offered. Grace is abundant. But you must respond.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” — Romans 3:23-24
Will you receive it today?
Take the Next Step: A Prayer of Salvation
“Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner. I have fallen short of Your glory. I cannot save myself through my own efforts or good works. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day. I receive Your free gift of justification by grace. Forgive me. Cleanse me. Declare me righteous through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. I surrender my life to You as Lord and Savior. Thank You for Your amazing grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”