Romans 3:5-8
5 “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking from a human viewpoint.) 6 Far from it! For otherwise, how will God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say (just as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), ‘Let’s do evil that good may come of it’? Their condemnation is deserved.”
The Romans were wondering if humanity’s unrighteousness was actually good because it highlighted God’s righteousness. And if this were so, then why would God judge humanity for sin? However, Paul puts such a thought to rest. God is still the righteous judge even if His truth is revealed in the midst of rebellion.
A similar line of thinking appears to be behind the accusation that the message of grace leads to sinful behavior (3:8). These words were being thrown at Paul and the other apostles. But such logic is nonsense as Paul shows in his condemnation of such accusers. Grace does not lead to sin, ever. Can people abuse it and still be forgiven? Yes, and Paul addresses this later on (Romans 6:1). But we can never have too much grace. We can, however, know that we are preaching the right message when such questions are asked.
