Charles Spurgeon Commentary Romans 3:20-21

"because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law [cometh] the knowledge of sin. But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;" — Romans 3:20-21 (ASV)

Be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now –

Since man is lost, since man is guilty, –