When the Bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of glory of God, it means something really different from what Christians often think. The glory of God was the presence of God in the tabernacle and temple of the Old Testament. It had little to do with the character of God, but much to do with the presence of God.
1 But now apart from the Law a righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even a righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Rom 3:21-23)
Paul told us what is the glory of God in Romans 9:4 where he said that the covenants and the glory of God were given to Israel. The Book of Ezekiel described how the glory of God left the Temple and never to return. So the nation of Israel lost the glory of God. The Gentiles never had the glorious presence of God. So in verse 23 Paul said two things: both Jews and Gentiles have sinned and both Jews and Gentiles do not have the glory of God. But what we Christians do have is a gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ.
