By No Means!

I’ve been reading through the book of Romans—easily one of my favorite books in the Bible—and I couldn’t help but notice how often the Apostle Paul uses the phrase “By no means!” in his letter. As arguably the most influential author in the New Testament and a pioneer in the early years of the Christian church, Paul’s intent is for the reader to regard his statement with the proper urgency. This led me to dive deeper into what he meant behind his bold 10 Gospel statements.

“By no means!” in the Greek is μὴ γένοιτο, a phrase so strong it could be translated as “Absolutely not!”, “Perish the Thought!”, or even “God forbid!”  Paul used this phrase intentionally like a hinge in his gospel arguments: to slam the door on misunderstandings and open the way to deeper clarity of the Gospel truths of grace. It is not just a rejection of ideas, but protection of the very nature of the Gospel and its goodness!

Here are the key verses where Paul says, “By no means!” where we distinctly see the depth of what he’s guarding against and revealing about the good news in Christ.

1.       Romans 3:3-4

“What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words and prevail when you are judged.”

By No Means! God’s faithfulness is never based on ours. This anchors us in His endless grace, not our fleeting performance.

2.       Romans 3:5-6

“But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world?”

By No Means! Grace does not get rid of justice. In fact, it satisfies it. Without justice, there would be no need for the cross. But praise God who both is just and justifies!

3.       Romans 3:31

“Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”

By No Means! Paul shows that the law points directly to Christ, and through faith in the only Son of God, righteousness is fulfilled in us. Grace produces holiness!

4.       Romans 6:1-2

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”

By No Means! The power of the Resurrection of Jesus not only forgives all sins, but it also breaks all its power. We are not merely saved from sin’s penalty; we are free from its reign!

5.       Romans 6:15

“What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

By No Means! Because of God’s grace, we no longer live under sin. We now live under the One and only true master of Christ Jesus!

6.       Romans 7:7

“What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”

By No Means! The law reveals sin, but it does not cause it. It acts like a mirror, revealing our need for a perfect Savior. The problem is not the law, it’s the sin in us, revealed by the law.

7.       Romans 7:13

“Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.”

By No Means! The law exposes the dark depravity of our sin but also leads us to seek righteousness in Christ. The Gospel does not shame God’s commands; it has in fact fulfilled them through Christ.

8.       Romans 9:14-15

“What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”

By No Means! Election does not mean injustice. The truth of the Gospel sits on mercy – undeserved and freely given. This shows that God could never be unfair, because it’s his justice to begin with, now rooted in mercy.

9.       Romans 11:1

“I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.”

By No Means! Paul is living proof that God keeps His promises with His covenant people. The Gospel includes both Jew and Gentile, promised throughout all scripture.

10.  Romans 11:11

“So, I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.”

By No Means! Even the rejection of Israel serves as a pivotal part of God’s redemptive story. He uses all things for good and for His glory. And He is still writing that story until the day Jesus returns!

In our world that constantly wants to misunderstand and misuse grace, may we use Paul’s powerful μὴ γένοιτο, “By no Means!” to remind ourselves to revere the Gospel rightly, and to continue to live in Reverent Awe of the only God that saves!

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