WHEN GOD SAYS “SHUT UP!”

ROMANS 3:19–20

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God

(Romans 3:19).

For many of us, the expression “shut up” is regarded as impolite and unacceptable. But the Bible records an instance when God tells us to shut up, and He has the right to do it!

The Gospel Comes to Those Under Law

Romans 3:19 says that Paul’s message applies to those under the law. Does this mean only Jews? Not at all. In Romans 3:9, Paul says “we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.” He acknowledges that the Gentile cannot be “under sin” unless he is also “under the law” because “sin is not taken into account when there is no law” (Romans 5:13). However, because the Gentile has the law written on his heart (Romans 2:15), he is also under the law.

The Gospel Stops the Mouth

Thus, all men are brought before God’s tribunal, and all are found wanting. The law, which governs all men, now stops the mouths of all men. The scene is a courtroom, with God as Judge. The indictment is being read to fallen man. And just as the sinner starts to speak up and defend himself, God rebukes him, and tells him to “shut up.” The open grave of Romans 3:13–14 is stopped up.

We can compare Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In context these words are not an invitation to a “quiet time.” No, in this context God is rebuking the nations. He tells them to “shut up.”

At Judgment Day there will be a profound silence. When we stand before the judgment of God, the indictment against us will be so clear and the evidence so overwhelming that it will be futile to attempt to protest our innocence. We will have nothing to say. On that day our only hope is in the Gospel. The believer has the assurance that Jesus has dealt with our guilt, and our innocence is in the fact that His righteousness has been imputed to us.

CORAM DEO

God does not want to hear our excuses, now or on Judgment Day. However, He does want to hear our confessions and praises. As you pray today, ask God to show you where you have been making excuses regarding your relationship to Him.

For further study: 2 Corinthians 5:1–10; Psalm 9

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