Paul’s argument from 1:18-3:20 has thus been to express “why extraordinary righteousness is needed: neither Jews nor Gentiles measure up to God’s demand of ordinary righteousness.” One can surmise that Paul, is here talking about the total depravity of the human race. John Calvin states “Original sin, therefore, seems to be a hereditary depravity and corruption of our nature, diffused into all parts of the soul, which first makes us liable to God’s wrath, then also brings forth in us those works which Scripture calls “works of the flesh” [Gal. 5:19].” Therefore, according to Calvin, the human condition is not only effected by sin, but is a heredity problem that began with the fall of Adam. Adam, plummeted the entire human race into sin and we are now culpable for our sinful nature. …show more content…
Hence, Paul introduces the good news in the following verses by revealing God’s righteousness apart from the law, thus providing salvation to those who indeed believe. However, Paul, does not in any way devoid the law from its use. In fact, Paul exhorts the Gentiles to know its essential requirements (v. 2:14-15) and that they must be doers of the law (2:13, 26-27), but a law that; “requires conformity with its commandments cannot provide the basis by which sinners can be declared righteous.” Paul, then proceeds to use Abraham as the perfect example of one who “believed and was counted to him as righteousness” (v. 4:3). Nevertheless, the statement “that Abraham’s faith was credited to him for righteousness was made not for his benefit alone but also for the benefit of all who believe in him who raised Jesus from the dead.” Therefore, all those who possess an Abraham-like faith in God’s righteous judgment, which was passed on God’s only son Jesus Christ, then that individual has been justified by