Why Is There No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile in Terms of Righteousness?

Direct Answer

There is no distinction because all have sinned and all receive God's righteousness the same way — through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:22 says righteousness is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe, 'for there is no difference.' Romans 3:23 gives the reason: 'For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.' Les Feldick emphasizes that Jew and Gentile come on the same level playing field; nobody can claim an advantage.

Key Scriptures

Romans 3:22 — The key verse declaring that righteousness is to all who believe with no difference.

Romans 3:23 — Explains why there is no difference — all have sinned and come short of God's glory.

Romans 3:9 — Paul asks whether Jews are better than Gentiles and answers no, proving both are under sin.

Romans 3:19 — Shows that the law stops every mouth and makes the whole world guilty before God.

What Does the Bible Say?

In Romans 3:9, Paul asks, 'What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.' The Scripture plainly states that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin. Romans 3:19 says: 'Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.' The law's verdict extends to the whole world. Romans 3:22-23 declares: 'Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.' The Bible gives both the remedy and the reason: righteousness is available to every believer because all are sinners.

What Does Les Feldick Teach About the Jew-Gentile Distinction?

Les teaches that 'no difference' in Romans 3 means a level playing field. A Jew cannot come before God on covenant ground or claim Jewish identity as an advantage; God sees the Jew as no different from a Gentile. The same applies to white and black, yellow and brown, rich and poor — nobody has a better or lesser advantage. Les also explains that although the law was given to Israel, it applied to the whole human race, making the entire world guilty. The law could only point the finger and say guilty. Righteousness is now manifested apart from the law, yet it is based on all the Old Testament writings. Everyone, including Jewish people, must be saved by the same gospel of grace and must drop any works religion.

What Does 'No Difference' Mean in Romans 3?

Les explains that Paul's statement 'for there is no difference' is specifically between Jew and Gentile. A Jew cannot come before God today and say, 'I'm a Jew.' God sees him no differently than a Gentile. Likewise, no one can claim advantage because of skin color or wealth; there is no difference between white and black, yellow and brown, rich and poor. The Scripture makes a level playing field where nobody is at a better or lesser advantage.

Why Are Both Jews and Gentiles Guilty?

Paul asks, 'are we Jews better than they? No, in no wise.' Every Jew and every non-Jew has been guilty of disobeying the revealed will of God. Even though the law was given to Israel, its verdict applied to the whole human race, so that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. The law itself could only point the finger and say guilty.

Do Jews Have Any Advantage in Righteousness Today?

No. Les says a Jew today is under no different situation than a Gentile so far as God is concerned. A Jew does not have an advantage over the Gentile, nor is he disadvantaged; both are all under sin and all in need of salvation. Even Jewish people have to understand that if they are saved by this gospel of grace, they must drop their works religion of Judaism. Jews must be saved the same way Gentiles are today.

From the Teaching

Righteousness Apart from the Law

Les explains that 'righteousness of God' means whatever God does is fair, just, and right, and that this righteousness is manifested without the law while still being based on all Old Testament writings.

The Level Playing Field

Les says the Jew must come on the same level playing field as the Gentile; he cannot claim covenant ground, and God sees no difference between races or social classes.

Same Level for Jew and Gentile

Les applies Romans 10 to today, arguing that salvation is offered on the same level playing field — a Jew has no advantage and is not disadvantaged over a Gentile.

Jews Must Drop Works Religion

Les says Jews are no different from Gentiles — all are unworthy and without hope, so a Jew must be saved by grace and drop the works religion of Judaism.

Jews Not Better Than Gentiles

Les reads Romans 3:9 to show that every Jew and non-Jew has disobeyed God's revealed will and is guilty of sin.

All Have Sinned

Les says there is no difference because both law-keeping Jews and unlawful Gentiles are sinners; only faith in the gospel that Christ died and rose again brings salvation.

The Law Makes the Whole World Guilty

Les explains that although the law was given to Israel, it applied to the entire human race so that all the world is guilty before God.

No Difference in Righteousness

Les points to Romans 3:22-23 and emphasizes that righteousness is by faith in Jesus Christ unto all who believe — Jew and Gentile, black and white, rich and poor — with no difference.

Bible Verses

Romans 3:9: What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

Paul directly asks whether Jews are better than Gentiles and answers no, proving both are under sin.

Romans 3:19: Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

The law stops every mouth and declares the whole world guilty, not just Israel.

Romans 3:22: Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

This is the key verse showing righteousness is for all believers with no distinction.

Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Explains why there is no difference — every person has sinned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Jew claim covenant ground before God today?

No. Les says God sees the Jew as no different than a Gentile; he cannot come before God today and say, 'I'm a Jew.' The Scripture declares there is no difference.

What did the law do for both Jew and Gentile?

The law was given to Israel, but its verdict applied to the whole human race. It stopped every mouth and made the whole world guilty before God; it could only point the finger and say guilty.

How is righteousness received if there is no difference?

Righteousness is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe. Both Jew and Gentile alike must believe that Christ died for their sins and rose from the dead; there is no difference.

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Source Video

Watch the Teaching: Romans 3: Why No One Can Be Saved by the Law