Paul in Roman’s 3:9 has scanned the horizon of humanity with only one question: “Is there any way any person can be good enough to make it to heaven on their own apart from faith in Christ?” His answer to that question is found in verses 10-18 as Paul compiles a 14 fold divine verdict on the entire human race which is not based upon his opinion but upon what the scriptures say.
These quotations are from Psa. 14:1-3; 5:9, 140:3, 10:7 and 36:1 and from Isa. 59:7-8. All support the opening statement that, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Paul looks at the human condition as one would an X-ray study of the lost sinner, from head to foot. As depressing as this X-ray is, Paul wants us to understand our complete inability to save ourselves.
The fall (of man in the garden of Eden) touched every part of our being, and the inventory of body parts in verses 13-18 that are corrupted, (throat, tongues, lips, mouth, feet and eyes) demonstrate this. As bad as this diagnoses is to all of humanity it is good news as it means all of humanity can all be made new and righteous by one way, Jesus, He is the only cure and He is 100% effective and free for all that choose Him!