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;

3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

3:13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the. poison of asps is under their lips:

3:14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

3:15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:

3:16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:

3:17 And the way of peace have they not known:

3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.

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.

3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

--KJV

We commonly separate the world into two camps, the saved and the unsaved. Paul gave a long list of Scriptures to illuminate sinful conduct in Romans 3:9-20. The list does not discriminate based on age, sexual orientation, education, or nationality. We may ascribe this list to the unsaved, so we ignore it when it comes to personal spiritual edification. In the previous chapter, Paul notes that “he is a Jew who is one inwardly” (Rom. 2:29). If we are Christians inwardly, would the traits of Romans chapter 3 be prevalent in us?

Christ in His teachings divides the people of God into two camps, those enjoying the present-day kingdom of God, and those who are not. Paul in his various epistles addresses all of the traits in Romans three. This list of sinful conduct is certainly found among God’s people. Paul’s desire is not to save them again, but to bring them into the enjoyment of God’s kingdom, into a life of faith and deeper intimacy with God.

 The list Jesus gives in the Beatitudes is in stark contrast with this list in Romans. In which list do we find ourselves? One is the kingdom of God, the other the kingdom of the world.

3:11. “There is none that seeketh after God." This person may still call himself a Christian. But because he does not seek after God, he is continuing in sin. One who is saved, enjoying the work of the Spirit in his life, is seeking after God. He has his relationship on track and priorities straight.

3:12. “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Since God saved us to good works, is this person (not doing good) on track for fulfilling God’s purpose for his life?

3:16. “Destruction and misery are in their ways.” If the Lord is at work in us, should our paths be strewn with loving works and words toward others, or leaving behind destruction and misery?

3:17. “And the way of peace have they not known” Walking with God with sins forgiven and forgotten through the blood and promises of God produces a peace that is maintained by faith. If our peace has been taken away from us, we should prayerfully seek the cause.

3:18. “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” However, Proverbs tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Where there is no fear of God, a foundation has not been laid in the Word and prayer. A relationship with God is not being preserved in love and passion.

Remember: It's not simply whether you are saved, but are you enjoying the kingdom of God, or not?