{"id":1243,"date":"2021-06-10T01:01:03","date_gmt":"2021-06-10T01:01:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/?p=1243"},"modified":"2021-06-10T01:05:34","modified_gmt":"2021-06-10T01:05:34","slug":"5-highlights-in-romans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/5-highlights-in-romans\/","title":{"rendered":"#5 Highlights in Romans"},"content":{"rendered":"

ROMANS  1 \u2013 GOSPEL & SIN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rom. 1:1-4, 16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPaul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead\u2026. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth\u2026.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In these verses Paul makes clear two things about the gospel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. What the gospel is about.<\/li>
  2. What the gospel is for.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The gospel is about Jesus Christ. It\u2019s not about the Holy Spirit; it\u2019s not about God the Father; it\u2019s not about the virgin Mary; it\u2019s not about you; and it\u2019s not about me. The gospel is not even about Jesus before he came to this earth and it\u2019s not about Jesus after his ascension. It is about Jesus, the seed of David and the Son of God \u2013 the incarnate Christ who lived for 33 \u00bd years on this earth as a man. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 the Apostle nails this truth down when he rehearses the gospel showing that it is a finished thing \u2013 \u201cChrist died\u201d (past tense); \u201che was buried\u201d (past tense); \u201che rose again\u201d (past tense); \u201che was seen\u201d (past tense). The gospel is about Jesus Christ and what he did on this earth in the first century. It is not about you and what you are doing today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The second thing Paul makes clear in these verses is the purpose of the gospel. The gospel is for salvation \u2013 salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus. Here is where you and I fit in. We receive the benefits of the gospel. Christ\u2019s earthly life and death was the gospel \u2013 we receive the fruit of what he did. We who believe in Jesus receive salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With this statement of the gospel Paul begins his letter to the Romans and without this foundation the rest is only confusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 1:8, 12<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cFirst, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world\u2026. That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here faith is a personal thing. Paul had it. Believers in Rome had it. You and I may have it. The faith that takes hold of the gospel is not Jesus\u2019 faith \u2013 it is our faith. God\u2019s eternal decrees do not eliminate man\u2019s need of faith. Paul does not teach that man is uninvolved in receiving the gift of salvation. No! Man must accept salvation \u2013 he must believe. To the Romans the Apostle writes, \u201cyour faith is spoken of.\u201d He speaks of his<\/em> faith and their<\/em> faith. The faith that takes hold of salvation is the believers\u2019. It is not some substitutionary believing of Christ in their stead nor is it Christ\u2019s strength of faith now built up in them. Faith is simply believing that Jesus\u2019 perfect life and atoning death bring salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 1:18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cFor the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God has every right to exercise wrath against all who reject His salvation. He has revealed Himself in creation and in redemption, therefore, all men are without excuse if they turn from Him to lesser gods. Their sinful deeds have no excuse. They are worthy of death because they didn\u2019t believe the gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To Remember:<\/strong> We must remember three things from the first chapter of Romans: 1) what the gospel is; 2) who exercises faith; 3) why God has every right to exercise wrath against sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ROMANS  2 \u2013 JUDGMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 2:2, 6, 13<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBut we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things\u2026. [He] will render to every man according to his deeds:\u2026 For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified..\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All people will be judged fairly by God\u2019s unchangeable standard of right. Those that do good will be accepted to eternal life; and those that don\u2019t obey the truth will suffer the wrath of God. Perfect obedience to his law has always been and always will be the basis of acceptance with God (See also Ps. 15; Gal. 3:10). Paul\u2019s gospel demands a final judgment in which all men will be judged (v 16). Verses 17-29 show that the Ten Commandments are God\u2019s standard of right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ROMANS  3 \u2013 RIGHTEOUSNESS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 3:10-12<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cAs it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:\u2026 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God\u2026. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul here turns to us and our obedience. He shows from Scripture that none of us can do the law well enough to be accepted by God. When we look at God\u2019s perfect law which demands purity of thought, word, and action we must all shut our mouths for we have no answer that will satisfy God\u2019s justice. We all miss out on salvation. \u201cTherefore,\u201d we conclude that \u201cby the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight\u201d (v 20). We find the whole world lost \u2013 \u201cguilty before God.\u201d This is where the apostle had to bring us in order for us to appreciate the gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 3:21-26<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cBut now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;\u2026 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:\u2026 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:\u2026 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;\u2026 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These verses teach that God showed us the perfect obedience his government demands. He showed us this in the life of Christ. He not only showed us, but He offers it to us as a gift which all who believe may receive. When we believe, God counts Christ\u2019s perfect obedience as ours and we are said to be \u201cjustified.\u201d That means that God credits us with the perfect life and character of Christ. \u201cCrediting\u201d or \u201cjustifying\u201d does not mean pouring something into us. The righteous obedience that justifies the believer remains \u201cin Christ Jesus\u201d as verse 24 states. We will learn more about the meaning of justification in chapter 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 3:28,31<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cTherefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law\u2026. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now we can understand how Paul can say \u201conly doers of the law are justified\u201d (Rom. 2:13) and also say that \u201cmen are justified without doing the law\u201d (Rom. 3:28). When you believe in Jesus, you are counted as if you were a \u201cdoer of the law\u201d even though you have not yet \u201cdone the law\u201d. This doctrine doesn\u2019t set the Ten Commandments to one side; rather it establishes them in their exalted position by offering to God Christ\u2019s perfect fulfillment of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ROMANS  4 \u2013 JUSTIFICATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Romans 4:3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cFor what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paul\u2019s point here is that faith is counted for righteousness. Faith is taking God at His word. Righteousness is obedience to the law. By believing in Jesus the sinner is counted as a righteous doer of the law. The promise in Romans 2:13 is that the \u201cdoers of the law\u201d shall be justified. So, justification is by faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In chapter 4 the Apostle illustrates this point by recounting incidents from the life of Abraham and by quoting from the Psalms. Two concepts must clearly be seen: 1) how to be justified and 2) what \u201cjustification\u201d means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. How to be justified<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      If Abraham would have done some work in order to be counted righteous then justification would not<\/em> have been a gift of grace (vs 1-5). Justification doesn\u2019t come because of something done <\/em>by<\/em> us<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Justification didn\u2019t come to Abraham after the rite of circumcision but before (vs 9-12). Therefore, justification doesn\u2019t come because of something done <\/em>to<\/em> us<\/em> (like baptism).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The promise that Abraham would be heir of the world was not by something done in Abraham. God called him a father of many nations before he even had one son (vs 13-22). Justification doesn\u2019t come because of something done <\/em>in<\/em> us<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Justification comes because of something Jesus did on earth and we receive it by believing in Him and by no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. What \u201cjustification\u201d means<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Chapter 4 shows that \u201cjustification\u201d means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cbeing counted righteous\u201d (vs 4, 5);<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201chaving righteousness imputed\u201d (vs 6, 11, 22, 23, 24)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cforgiveness of sins\u201d (v 7);<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201ccovering of sins\u201d (v 7);<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cthe non-imputation of sin\u201d (v 8);<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cbeing reckoned righteous\u201d (vs 9, 10);<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201ccalling things so, that aren\u2019t so\u201d (v 17).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Justification is God\u2019s declaration that a person is righteous in His sight. The righteousness that justifies us is imputed or credited, not imparted or infused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The truth that righteousness is imputed<\/em> wasn\u2019t recorded just for Abraham\u2019s sake \u201cBut for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.\u201d vs 23, 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  5 \u2013 ATONEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 5:1, 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cTherefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Paul now moves beyond the \u201chow\u201d and \u201cwhat\u201d of justification to the fruit it produces. The justified have peace with God. Through Jesus\u2019 perfect life which is accepted in place of their sinful one, they stand in the grace of justification and can look forward, confidently, to glorification. Being justified they begin the Christian experience which includes tribulations. We must never confuse Christian experience with either \u201cthe way to obtain justification\u201d or with \u201cthe meaning of justification\u201d. \u201cJustification\u201d is God\u2019s declaration in heaven; Christian experience is the daily cooperation of God and man in the activities of the believer on earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 5:10, 11<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cFor if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom we have now received the atonement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Christ\u2019s death reconciled man to God. His earthly life saves all who believe. When it says \u201cHis life\u201d it is not pointing to the Christian experience nor to Christ living His life over again in us. It is pointing to Christ\u2019s righteous human life. Just as Christ \u201conce for all\u201d suffered so he \u201conce for all\u201d lived. His perfect life and atoning death have been completed and when they were presented to His Father in heaven they were accepted. The atonement made for all men at the cross is received (counted their own) by all who believe in Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How is it that we have received the atonement when we believed? It happened in this way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 5:12, 18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cWherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:\u2026 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Adam, the father or head or representative of the human race, chose death and condemnation. Since he represented all men, his choice brought condemnation and death to all men. The race was sentenced to hell on account of the one sin of the one man, Adam. Christ came as a man to this earth, as a new representative an \u201ceverlasting father\u201d of the race. By his perfect life and atoning death he won life and justification. In that victory all men may find freedom from condemnation to hell and be counted worthy of heaven. The reconciliation or atonement that Jesus made for all men is applied to our account individually when we believe. The atonement made for all men at the cross is now received by faith. We don\u2019t make the atonement but we enter into it. As Paul says in verse 11: \u201cwe have now received the atonement\u201d. In 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20 he wrote: \u201c\u2026God was in Christ, reconciling [atoning] the world unto himself\u2026. Now then\u2026we pray you\u2026, be reconciled to God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  6 \u2013 EXPERIENCE (NEW MASTER)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Chapter 6 points out that the justified are freed from being slaves to their sinful natures. Now they should serve righteousness. The old man that is crucified is that life of slavery to our sinful natures that we once lived (v 6). When we were slaves to our sinful desires we produced no righteousness (v 20). Now we are not slaves to our sinful natures but we are slaves of obedience (v 16), and so should walk in newness of life (v 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 6:22<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cBut now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Being freed from slavery to the sinful nature the Christian bears fruit to the glory of God by filling his life with good works. (See Eph. 2:10; Titus 2:14.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  7 \u2013 EXPERIENCE (NEW HUSBAND)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Chapter 7 illustrates the believer\u2019s new slavery with a different analogy: \u201cA wife must be faithful to her husband as long as he lives. But if he dies she is free to marry another man.\u201d  Before conversion we, like the wife, had to be faithful to our corrupt, sinful nature and do everything it wanted us to do. When we were justified, that marriage to our sinful nature was ended. Our new husband is Jesus, to Whom we should be faithful in all that we do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Paul also shows from his own experience that the old slavery or marriage to the sinful nature is made horrible by the Ten Commandments which point out and stir up sin. The Commandments, however, are not to be blamed. They are \u201choly, and just, and good\u201d. But when placed beside sin and sinful natures the Ten Commandments only call for death. In Pilgrim\u2019s Progress<\/em> John Bunyan likens them to a broom used to sweep a dusty room. The more the law is used to sweep, the higher the dust billows making the room unbearable. So the law stirs up all kinds of animosity in unbelievers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In the last part of this chapter Paul cries out  because he sees that although he has been freed from slavery to his sinful nature he has not yet been freed from its presence. It still tries to pull him into sin. The Christian life is one of struggle \u2013 there are bruises, wounds, and pain. Christians who is now married to Christ want to serve their new Husband in complete obedience, but they find in their nature another principle pulling them down and preventing their untarnished obedience to God\u2019s law. They cry for the day when this corrupt nature will be removed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 7:24,25<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cO wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  8 \u2013 EXPERIENCE (NEW SPIRIT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        There is, however, no condemnation to those who are justified. Even though the corrupt nature interferes with the Christian\u2019s obedience, he remains under the new covenant bond of Christ. He is accepted in Jesus (Eph. 1:6) and will not come into condemnation in the final judgment (John 5:24).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 8:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cThere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Christians (justified believers in Jesus) follow the principles of God\u2019s Spirit and not the desire of their sinful natures. The Ten Commandments could never make fallen men holy; their sinful natures inherited from Adam prevented it. But Christ came and condemned the sinful nature so that it could not have power over the justified. Thus the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled \u201cin us\u201d; thus we can be sanctified (v 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In the eighth chapter of Romans Paul refers to Christian experience as \u201cbeing led by the Spirit\u201d (v 14). This he contrasts with \u201cliving after the flesh\u201d (vs 12, 13). Christians do not live after the flesh (the sinful nature) for all believers have been given the Holy Spirit. In the old carnal mind-set of serving the flesh one could never please God. In the new spiritual mind-set the means to please God is provided \u2013 the Spirit of Christ. He is not given as a substitute for human effort but rather is given to inspire (v 11); strengthen (v 26); and guide (v 14) the Christian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Christian experience involves a lot of human effort: \u201cLet not sin reign in your mortal body\u201d (Rom. 6:12); \u201cmortify the deeds of the body\u201d (Rom. 8:13); \u201cGrow in grace\u201d (2 Pet. 3:18); \u201cPurify your hearts\u201d (James 4:8); \u201cResist the devil\u201d (James 4:7); \u201cCleanse your hands\u201d (James 4:8); \u201cMake straight paths for your feet\u201d (Heb. 12:13); \u201cGird up the loins of your minds\u201d (1 Pet. 1:13); \u201cLove one another\u201d (1 Pet. 1:22; John 15:12); \u201cAbstain from fleshly lusts\u201d (1 Pet. 2:11).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Christian experience also involves a lot of yielding:  \u201cYield yourselves unto God\u201d (Rom. 6:13); \u201cBe in subjection unto the father\u201d (Heb. 12:9); \u201cSubmit yourselves therefore to God\u201d (James 4:7). The \u201cyielding\u201d part, however, is not the whole picture. Christian experience does not equal \u201cletting go and letting God do the living for me\u201d. Faith and works go hand in hand when it comes to Christian living. In sanctification the Holy Spirit is an active participant with us, conforming our lives with the righteousness of the law (v 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        If a person does not have the Holy Spirit he is not a Christian (v 9). There are no such things as \u201cnon-Spirit-filled Christians\u201d. But Spirit-filled Christians suffer; wait for glorification; wait to be delivered from the corruption of the sinful nature; and groan within themselves that they fall so far short of God\u2019s righteousness while waiting for the redemption of their bodies (vs 17-23).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Even though Christians don\u2019t always do the things they want to do for Jesus and though they daily struggle against the sin of their natures, and though they suffer and groan waiting for the second coming of Jesus, they are not, because of these realities, to lose hope of eternal life. Paul ends the eighth chapter with these words of encouragement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 8:28-31<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cAnd we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate\u2026. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Knowing that the Christian life is filled with struggles, sorrows, suffering and disappointments is important. Also it is important while experiencing these things to know that God did not leave the plan of salvation half finished expecting us to bring it to completion. His work is sure from \u201ccall\u201d to \u201cglorification.\u201d Don\u2019t let the trials of the Christian life discourage you (vs 38, 39).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  9 \u2013 ELECTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Chapter 9 can be understood as a dialogue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Paul<\/em>:<\/em> \u201cIt is possible for Israelites to be lost (accursed from Christ).\u201d vs 1-3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Antagonist<\/em>:<\/em> \u201cThen God\u2019s promises are failing.\u201d v 6. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Paul<\/em>:<\/em> \u201cNot at all. You must understand that not all Israelites are part of Israel. Not even all Abraham\u2019s offspring are children of Abraham. The promise and election of God is not based on a person\u2019s race or works but on God\u2019s call.\u201d vs 6-11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Antagonist<\/em>:<\/em> \u201cThen God is not fair.\u201d v 14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Paul<\/em>:<\/em> \u201cOh yes He is. This is what He said to Moses: \u2018I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.\u2019 Don\u2019t you see that God saves people not because of their choice nor because of their behavior but because of His mercy?\u201d vs 14-16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Antagonist<\/em>:<\/em> \u201cIf that\u2019s so, then how can he punish anyone who is lost?\u201d v 19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Paul<\/em>:<\/em> \u201cGod has every right to do what He wants with what He has made.  The truth is that we all deserve to be punished and the amazing thing is that God saves some. God saves the unexpected. God saves a remnant. God saves those who believe. Righteousness is counted to those that believe in Christ and is stumbled over by those that look for it in any other way.\u201d vs 20-33.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  10 \u2013 FAITH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

           In the first eight verses of Romans 10 two kinds of righteousness are described: 1) The righteousness of the law; and 2) the righteousness of faith. The first is our<\/em> righteousness, the second is Christ\u2019s<\/em> righteousness. Only the second is good enough to merit salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 10:6-9: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cBut the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        This righteousness of faith isn\u2019t the bringing of Christ into the heart. What is in the heart is faith. Faith in Jesus brings salvation, and faith comes \u201cby hearing\u2026the word of God\u201d (v 17).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  11 \u2013 A REMNANT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Has God cast away Israel? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Paul answers: \u201cNo, I am an Israelite and am not cast away.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        God fulfills His promises even though only to a remnant. As in Elijah\u2019s day so \u201cat this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace\u201d (v 5). Those elected by grace are those trusting in Christ\u2019s works and not their own for salvation. The elect one is Christ. He was God\u2019s gracious gift to Israel, the One in whom all nations are blessed. The \u201celection\u201d are those found in the Elect One. Any branch joined to Christ, the Root, has life. But no branch, Jewish or Gentile, should boast about itself; for life is only in Christ. Where there is unbelief in Him there is the breaking off of the branch. Branches remain in Christ by faith alone (v 20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The conclusion must be one of the following:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cAnd so [in this way] all Israel [every Jew desiring salvation] shall be saved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cAnd so [therefore] all Israel [all believers in Jesus] shall be saved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The conclusion is not:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cAnd so [therefore] all Israel [every ethnic Jew] shall [will] be saved [in the end].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        God doesn\u2019t change His mind about His \u201cgifts and calling.\u201d He called Israel. In Christ Israel fulfilled her obligations. And to Christ (the true Israelite) God fulfilled His promises (2 Cor. 1:20). Anyone who is saved will be saved because of God\u2019s mercy and not because of his nationality or of his personal fulfillment of the obligations for salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  12 \u2013 TRUE WORSHIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 12:1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cI beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Why should we serve God in all we do? Because of His great mercy in saving us who did not deserve salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In verse 2 of this chapter Paul finally comes to the idea of \u201ctransformation.\u201d Here is a work that takes place on earth in us<\/em>. But this work is not like that of our salvation. Our salvation was entirely God\u2019s work without our efforts. The renewing of our minds (transformation) is a work in which we are vitally involved. We are asked to cooperate \u2013 to put forth effort, to exercise our gift in acts of true worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In verses 10-21 Paul lists more than 20 things we are to do or be. These are ways of acceptable service to God. All who are justified by faith alone will be actively working<\/em> to fulfill God\u2019s perfect will in these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  13 \u2013 LOVE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Christian service does not end there. Chapter 13 goes on to show that our \u201cacceptable service\u201d involves being subject unto the \u201chigher powers\u201d (God and those in authority). Anarchy has no place in Christian existence. After thus referring to the first half of the Ten Commandments (respect for authority) Paul moves to the second half in verse 9. He summarizes that half with the words: \u201cThou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.\u201d His overall conclusion is: \u201cLove is the fulfilling of the law.\u201d v. 10. Christian living is living the life of love. This means keeping the Ten Commandments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  14 \u2013 UNITY WITH MATURITY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In this chapter we are shown that the one that truly loves, sacrifices his personal freedoms for the good of fellow believers whose consciences prohibit them from enjoying similar freedoms. True religion (the kingdom of God) is not centered on what we eat or drink but on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (v. 17). This being the case, we should honor the consciences of others. To violate conscience is sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 14:14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201c\u2026 to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Besides confirming what we have just said, this text also reveals the meaning of a word used frequently by Paul in Chapter 4. Here the word \u201cesteemeth\u201d obviously means to regard something as unclean and not to transform or make something unclean. This is the same word translated \u201creckoned\u201d in Romans 4:4, 9 & 10. In \u201cjustification\u201d God regards a person as righteous. \u201cJustification\u201d does not include the idea of transforming or making a person righteous (just as \u201cesteeming\u201d anything to be unclean does not mean \u201cmaking\u201d it unclean).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  15 \u2013 UNITY OF ACTION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 15:1-3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cWe then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Strong Christians have a duty to carry more than their share in the church. They should work especially to educate those weak in the faith, protecting them from outside influences that seek to discourage them. The result will be that together the strong and weak will glorify God in their thoughts and words (v 6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Not only is it the duty of strong Christians to help the weak ones, but it is the duty of those being taught truth to financially support the source of their spiritual education (v 27). Unity of action swells the proclamation of truth to the glory of God. Withholding instruction or withholding funds only silences the praises due God\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        As promised to the patriarchs, Christ brought the Gentiles into His family so that they also could glorify God (vs 7-12). If bringing glory to God is the passion of God\u2019s people, both in dealing with one another and in their outreach, unity will be the fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 15:19 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201c\u2026I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The gospel Paul preached is not incomplete. It does not lack some last day additions. How could it? It is about Jesus Christ and what He did on this earth in the first century. This is it, folks \u2013 no new theology! The gospel was complete and Paul fully preached it. We may fully preach it also if we rightly understand what it is about<\/em> and what it is for<\/em> (see comments on Romans 1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ROMANS  16 \u2013 PEOPLE (GOOD & BAD)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Chapter 16 speaks of two kinds of people in the church: those we are to greet (vs 1-16) and those <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        we are to avoid (vs 17-20). The first group are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, the second serve \u201ctheir belly\u201d\u2013their own sinful nature. This second group use \u201cgood words and fair speeches\u201d to deceive those not grounded in the truth. They cause divisions in the church by teaching false doctrine (another gospel). They are not just unbelieving church members, they are teachers \u2013 false teachers crept in unawares, false prophets, grievous wolves in the church (Jude 4; Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29, 30). What should our attitude toward them be? We are not to greet or encourage them but to avoid them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Those in the first group, those we are to greet, are referred to 10 times as being \u201cin the Lord\u201d or similar expressions. They are believers in Jesus \u2013 they are \u201cin Christ\u201d by faith. Their names are recorded in heaven (Lk. 10:20). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The faith of these true believers is evidenced by their works. Their personal obedience is talked about everywhere (v 19). The obedience is theirs<\/em>. While Christian obedience is always inspired, aided, and guided by the Holy Spirit it is not the Holy Spirit\u2019s obedience; it is the Christian\u2019s. The quietistic notion that the believer is just the \u201csuit in which the Spirit moves\u201d is not tolerated here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Romans 16:25-27<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cNow to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        God is able to \u00a8stablish\u00a8 believers. This is a settling into the truth so that they cannot be moved \u2013 the eternal seal of the last judgment. The gospel not only demands a future judgment (Rom. 2:16) but also a future \u201csealing\u201d of God\u2019s people. Whoever remains \u201cin Christ\u201d by faith unto the end will be sealed eternally secure in Him. God will decree: \u201c\u2026he that is righteous in my sight, let him remain eternally so\u201d (Rev 22:11). This is what it means to be \u201cstablished\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Glory to God for having accomplished our salvation  through Jesus Christ and for having revealed to us the mystery of salvation: that a righteousness now in heaven could justify me a sinner on earth if I believe. The gospel of what Jesus accomp-lished in our flesh while on earth gave Him the right to minister in behalf of believers in heaven\u2019s courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        SUMMARY QUESTIONS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The question number corresponds with the chapter in Romans where the answer can be found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. What is the gospel about?<\/li>
        2. What is the basis of justification?<\/li>
        3. How many people will be justified by their obedience?<\/li>
        4. What does justification mean?<\/li>
        5. What two things do we receive from Adam?<\/li>
        6. To what are the unsaved in bondage?<\/li>
        7. Why can\u2019t Christians always do the good they want to?<\/li>
        8. When will Christians be free from the sinful nature?<\/li>
        9. What evidence does Paul give in Chapter 9 that not all Abraham\u2019s physical descendants will be saved?<\/li>
        10. What brings faith?<\/li>
        11. What makes a person part of Israel?<\/li>
        12. Why should we live godly lives?<\/li>
        13. What definition for love does Paul give in chapter 13?<\/li>
        14. What is not the central concern in God\u2019s kingdom?<\/li>
        15. Did the gospel Paul preached lack anything?<\/li>
        16. What is to be our attitude toward those that cause division in the church by teaching false doctrine?<\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          ROMANS  1 \u2013 GOSPEL & SIN Rom. 1:1-4, 16 \u201cPaul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1245,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-thinking-aloud"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1243"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1243\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1244,"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1243\/revisions\/1244"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1243"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanctuarycall.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}