In the context of the first two and a half chapters, v23 is in effect saying that while your sins aren’t as open and visible as those of the most disgraceful and notorious lawbreakers, you are just as hopelessly distant from “the glory of God” as they are. The harlot, the liar, the murderer, drug dealers, and pedophiles are short of it; but so are you.! Perhaps they [from our faulty perspective] stand at the bottom of a mine shaft, and you on the crest of an Alp, but you are as little able to touch the stars as they are! 

Some Greek grammar will help us here: “All have sinned” is in the past tense, but the “fall short” is in the present continuous tense indicating an unending process. Paul has embedded v23 right in the middle of his treatment of righteousness by grace through faith. In this context, it highlights the full meaning of “no difference.” 

Just as we are all sinners, even so, we all (every one of us) need God’s grace. And only when we realise that in God’s sight there is no difference between us and the wildest profligate can we be saved. With that realisation comes the first step in our salvation. Whether we like it or not, Paul is correct when he declares that there is “no difference.”  

Justification is the central doctrine of the Bible. It is the master and ruler over all other doctrines. It is the centre of Paul’s gospel. It is the unique Christian doctrine that distinguishes our religion from all others. Paul the Pharisee, Luther, Wesley, and myriads of others, including myself, had great spiritual breakthroughs when we understood justification as God’s free gift. 

Justification, a legal term, is the opposite of condemnation. Both are pronouncements by a judge. Justification does not mean “to make righteous”, but rather to “declare righteous”. It is more than pardon, which is the remission of a penalty or debt. On the contrary, justification is a positive pronouncement of righteous status on the repentant sinner. This is the wonderful exchange made at the cross. Christ becomes sin for us and we receive His righteousness (2Cor.5:21).