Many people in the religious world today are attempting to discredit the apostle Paul and his teachings. The attitudes toward Paul that are expressed by “self-proclaimed” Christians are mind-boggling, except when you understand their misguided reasoning for them. Why is Paul held in such contempt by many religious people? One of the primary reasons that Paul and his teachings are disdained by some religious people is that his writings are the only New Testament books that expressly forbid women to have authority in the church (1Tim. 2:8-15; Tit. 2:3-5; 1Cor.14:34) and that specifically condemns homosexuality (Rom.1:26-27; 1Cor. 6:9). He has been called a “homophobe” and a “woman hater” because of these teachings found in his epistles. For example, I recently heard where a woman had said, “I just don’t trust Paul. He was a woman hater and a hypocrite. I just can’t bring myself trust anybody who could do all those awful things he did to the Christians and then all of a sudden change his mind and become a Christian. Nobody could change that much, that soon!”
People like this resent Paul’s teaching and don’t want to abide by them, so their answer is to say that Paul was not really an apostle. Therefore, they say, we can ignore what Paul says. For instance, a good friend of mine, who is also a faithful Christian minister, took some classes at a denominational theological seminary. He was the only Christian in the class and the only one to have had an extensive background in the Bible. The professor had lectured, teaching that Paul received his theological training from Peter and the other apostles and that Paul took that training and created his own theology, suggesting that he was not inspired! My friend at this point raised his hand and asked, “What about Galatians 1:11 and 12? Paul said, ‘But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.’ Isn’t that what Paul says?” The professor didn’t even blink and replied, “Yes, that is what he says.” Then he continued right on lecturing on how Paul had put together his own personal brand of theology.
This begs the question: Was Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit, or was he a fraudulent apostle, a woman hater and a homophobe? People like the professor and the above-mentioned woman refuse to take Paul at his word. He said he was an apostle (Rom. 1:1; 1Cor. 15:8-10). He also said that he was inspired of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 1:11-12). Yet they still refuse to believe he was what he claimed to be. How can they say that they believe the Bible is God’s Word and yet think they can decide which parts are and which parts are not inspired? I don’t have that answer. Their attitude makes no sense to me. They ought to heed my favorite saying of brother Eddie Brinkley, “The gospel ain’t Lubey’s. You don’t get to pick and choose!” If these “Lubey’s eating” religious people will not take Paul’s word for his inspiration and apostleship, perhaps they will take Peter’s word for it.
Let us first begin with what Peter said concerning the inspiration of scripture. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Pet.1:20-21, emph. mine). He also said in Acts 1:16, “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.” (emph. mine). Notice in this last verse how Peter connects scripture with the words of the Holy Spirit spoken through the mouth of an inspired man. Scripture, simply put, is that which is derived from God, spoken by the Holy Spirit through the mouth (or the pen) of an inspired man.
Second, let us note the way in which Peter refers to Paul’s epistles as scripture. “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (2Pet.3:15-16, emph. mine). Peter said that Paul had “wisdom given unto him…” Where did the wisdom come from? It had to have come from the Holy Spirit, because Peter compared Paul’s epistles with “other scriptures” and we know that scripture is the result of holy men of God speaking “as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2Pe.1:20). Hence, Peter believed and taught that all of Paul’s epistles were derived from the inspired work of the Holy Spirit.
I don’t know anybody who would claim that Peter was not inspired and that he was not an apostle. If he believed and taught that Paul was an inspired apostle, why should we doubt him? If we doubt the writings of Peter and Paul, what does that say about the rest of the Bible? If some of the Bible is God’s Word and some of it is not God’s Word, how can we decide which is which? If the entire Bible (every single word of it) is not God’s Word and we have no useful standard beside what we think or what we feel, to determine which is inspired, how can we trust any of it? If the entire Bible (every single word of it) is not really the word of God, then why believe any of it? Without an objective standard, who can say what is right or wrong? Who can really know God’s will for man? Nobody. If the entire Bible is not God’s word then none of it is! Whom are you going to believe? The inspired apostle Peter or some modern day naysayer?
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Spoil Your Children…?
One of the biggest problems facing the church today and our society as a whole is that we are raising up a generation of spoiled and unrestrained children. The children of today will be the ones leading our country and the church in the future. The future of the church in this country may not be very bright because sin and apostasy are the likely result of this lack of restraint.
Proverbs 13:24 teaches, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” The rod Solomon referred to is not just simply a rod to spank the child with, (although that is often the case), the rod he referred to was the shepherd’s staff. This staff had many uses. It could be used a tool for defending the sheep. It could also be used to guide the sheep into the desired path. Moreover, it could be used to correct an errant sheep and bring him back into the fold.
In raising our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), we need to use the Word of God in conjunction with the rod of discipline. The child nurtured in the Bible and its teaching is given a measure of protection from the wiles of the devil because this child has been taught what God expects of him and how to deal with sin and temptation. The Word of God can be known and understood by a child, just as Paul reminded Timothy that, “from a child” he had “known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:15). The Word of God is “…profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When a child is raised with Biblical teaching, he is given a guide to keep him on the path of righteousness. “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:104-105). When a child strays from that path, Proverbs 13:24 teaches that the rod can also be used to mete out punishment.
Corporal punishment (i.e. spanking) is a good tool when used correctly. “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.” (Proverbs 23:13) However, it must always be done with love as well as firmness. A loving parent who disciplines his child is not a contradiction. A “loving” parent who “spoils” his child is a contradiction. The Bible teaches that loving and spoiling are diametrically opposed to each other. Those who claim they love their children too much to punish them do not love them – God says they hate them.
Other related Proverbs:
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Proverbs 13:24 teaches, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” The rod Solomon referred to is not just simply a rod to spank the child with, (although that is often the case), the rod he referred to was the shepherd’s staff. This staff had many uses. It could be used a tool for defending the sheep. It could also be used to guide the sheep into the desired path. Moreover, it could be used to correct an errant sheep and bring him back into the fold.
In raising our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), we need to use the Word of God in conjunction with the rod of discipline. The child nurtured in the Bible and its teaching is given a measure of protection from the wiles of the devil because this child has been taught what God expects of him and how to deal with sin and temptation. The Word of God can be known and understood by a child, just as Paul reminded Timothy that, “from a child” he had “known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:15). The Word of God is “…profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When a child is raised with Biblical teaching, he is given a guide to keep him on the path of righteousness. “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:104-105). When a child strays from that path, Proverbs 13:24 teaches that the rod can also be used to mete out punishment.
Corporal punishment (i.e. spanking) is a good tool when used correctly. “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.” (Proverbs 23:13) However, it must always be done with love as well as firmness. A loving parent who disciplines his child is not a contradiction. A “loving” parent who “spoils” his child is a contradiction. The Bible teaches that loving and spoiling are diametrically opposed to each other. Those who claim they love their children too much to punish them do not love them – God says they hate them.
Other related Proverbs:
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
What Happens When A Christian Sins?
A Christian is an individual who has wholly given himself or herself to God through Jesus Christ. A Christian is one who, believing in Jesus, has made the good confession, repented of past sins, and been washed in the blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, by immersion into the watery grave of baptism, in order to receive the forgiveness of sins. A Christian is one who has had his or her sins forgiven and who, from that time forward, continues to “walk in the newness of life.” (Romans 6:4).
However, some teach that once a person has become a Christian it is impossible for them to commit sin. These teachers claim that a Christian can, in no way, transgress God’s law. When asked, “What happens when a Christian sins?” their answer usually comes across in this manner, “Well... a person claiming to be a Christian who then commits sin was never truly a Christian to begin with.” With that logic, how can one ever know that he or she is truly a Christian? Who can ever be spiritually secure with that line of thinking?
Friends, we can know assuredly that we are Christians – that we are saved if we “have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered” (Romans 6:17). What form or pattern of doctrine? The commandments of Christ (John 12:48) and the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42), which includes the righteous works of faith (John 6:28-29; Acts 8:37), confession (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:10), repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19), and baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 22:16).
Yet the question remains, “What does happen when a Christian sins?” We must first recognize that Christians do sin (1 John 1:8, 10). If Christians sin and sinners sin, what is the difference between the two? Observe the following comparisons: (1) Sinners are enslaved to sin; faithful Christians have been freed from sin. (2) Sinners are spiritually dead; faithful Christians are spiritually alive. (3) Sinners live a sinful lifestyle; faithful Christians live a lifestyle that does not include willful sin.
Sin is described as willful, when one has made a choice to sin. Willful sin can be a sin of omission, such as when one chooses not to attend worship services (Hebrews 10:25; James 4:17), or it can be a sin of commission, such as when one chooses to drink alcoholic beverages. When a Christian commits willful sin, he or she has become unfaithful. If a Christian continues to willfully live in sin and dies in that condition, he or she is worse off than the alien sinner (2 Peter 2:20). So then, the major difference between a sinner or unfaithful Christian and a faithful Christian is seen in the choices they make. One group makes lifestyle choices that are centered upon self and the other group makes lifestyle choices that are centered upon Christ. When a Christian willfully sins and refuses to repent, that person is lost.
“But what about when a Christian sins incidentally?” Sin is described as incidental when it is unplanned or not motivated by ungodly desire. Such as when one accidentally drops a brick on his toe and consequently uses foul or disgusting language. Perhaps in such a situation one did not intentionally plan to use improper or immoral language, but in the heat of the moment, it just happened. Another example of this type of incidental sin that Christians sometimes fall into is out of ignorance, such as when one is unsure if something is sinful or not – and does it anyway. “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23).
Is this incidental type of sin still fatal? Yes, if the Christians does not repent. Sin is what separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). God does not distinguish between levels and varieties of sin. Take note of Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Every kind of lie is condemned, even “little white lies.” To God, all sin is abomination. “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). All sin carries the same punishment: “For the wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23)
But there is good news for those who have sinned. Coming into contact with the saving blood of Jesus Christ will purify and justify the transgressor in the eyes of God. For the non-Christian that contact is made by is faith, confession, repentance and baptism. For the unfaithful child of God, the blood of Jesus will cleanse him from sin once more, through repentance and confession that he or she has sinned and by fervent prayer. The faithful Christian who sins, because he or she is faithful, is one who by godly habit and spiritual exercise, constantly goes to God in prayer and supplication, in recognition their continuing need for God’s grace and their own “unprofitable-ness” (Luke 17:10).
However, some teach that once a person has become a Christian it is impossible for them to commit sin. These teachers claim that a Christian can, in no way, transgress God’s law. When asked, “What happens when a Christian sins?” their answer usually comes across in this manner, “Well... a person claiming to be a Christian who then commits sin was never truly a Christian to begin with.” With that logic, how can one ever know that he or she is truly a Christian? Who can ever be spiritually secure with that line of thinking?
Friends, we can know assuredly that we are Christians – that we are saved if we “have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered” (Romans 6:17). What form or pattern of doctrine? The commandments of Christ (John 12:48) and the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42), which includes the righteous works of faith (John 6:28-29; Acts 8:37), confession (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:10), repentance (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19), and baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 22:16).
Yet the question remains, “What does happen when a Christian sins?” We must first recognize that Christians do sin (1 John 1:8, 10). If Christians sin and sinners sin, what is the difference between the two? Observe the following comparisons: (1) Sinners are enslaved to sin; faithful Christians have been freed from sin. (2) Sinners are spiritually dead; faithful Christians are spiritually alive. (3) Sinners live a sinful lifestyle; faithful Christians live a lifestyle that does not include willful sin.
Sin is described as willful, when one has made a choice to sin. Willful sin can be a sin of omission, such as when one chooses not to attend worship services (Hebrews 10:25; James 4:17), or it can be a sin of commission, such as when one chooses to drink alcoholic beverages. When a Christian commits willful sin, he or she has become unfaithful. If a Christian continues to willfully live in sin and dies in that condition, he or she is worse off than the alien sinner (2 Peter 2:20). So then, the major difference between a sinner or unfaithful Christian and a faithful Christian is seen in the choices they make. One group makes lifestyle choices that are centered upon self and the other group makes lifestyle choices that are centered upon Christ. When a Christian willfully sins and refuses to repent, that person is lost.
“But what about when a Christian sins incidentally?” Sin is described as incidental when it is unplanned or not motivated by ungodly desire. Such as when one accidentally drops a brick on his toe and consequently uses foul or disgusting language. Perhaps in such a situation one did not intentionally plan to use improper or immoral language, but in the heat of the moment, it just happened. Another example of this type of incidental sin that Christians sometimes fall into is out of ignorance, such as when one is unsure if something is sinful or not – and does it anyway. “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23).
Is this incidental type of sin still fatal? Yes, if the Christians does not repent. Sin is what separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). God does not distinguish between levels and varieties of sin. Take note of Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Every kind of lie is condemned, even “little white lies.” To God, all sin is abomination. “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). All sin carries the same punishment: “For the wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23)
But there is good news for those who have sinned. Coming into contact with the saving blood of Jesus Christ will purify and justify the transgressor in the eyes of God. For the non-Christian that contact is made by is faith, confession, repentance and baptism. For the unfaithful child of God, the blood of Jesus will cleanse him from sin once more, through repentance and confession that he or she has sinned and by fervent prayer. The faithful Christian who sins, because he or she is faithful, is one who by godly habit and spiritual exercise, constantly goes to God in prayer and supplication, in recognition their continuing need for God’s grace and their own “unprofitable-ness” (Luke 17:10).
Monday, August 07, 2006
The Bible - Our Only Creed
Adapted from U.S. Marine Corps’ Rifleman’s Creed... (not a suggestion that we adopt this or any human creed)
“This is my Bible. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it in order to master my life. Without my study, my Bible is useless. Without my Bible, I will be useless. I must divide my Bible true. I must shoot straighter than the enemy who as a roaring lion is seeking to devour me. I must fend him off before he devours me. With God’s Word I will. My Bible teaches that what counts in spiritual warfare is not simply the things I say or believe, but what I do. I know that it is doing the word and not being a hearer only that counts. I will do it.
God’s Word is alive, even as I am alive, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its strength, its promises, its books, its chapters and its verses. I will keep my Bible near and ready, even as I keep myself ready to defend its precepts. We will become part of each other.
Before God, I do make this promise. God’s Word is the defender of my soul. It will help me to master the devil, my enemy. It will bring the salvation of my soul. So be it, until victory is God’s and there is no enemy.”
“This is my Bible. There are many like it, but this one is mine. It is my life. I must master it in order to master my life. Without my study, my Bible is useless. Without my Bible, I will be useless. I must divide my Bible true. I must shoot straighter than the enemy who as a roaring lion is seeking to devour me. I must fend him off before he devours me. With God’s Word I will. My Bible teaches that what counts in spiritual warfare is not simply the things I say or believe, but what I do. I know that it is doing the word and not being a hearer only that counts. I will do it.
God’s Word is alive, even as I am alive, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother. I will learn its strength, its promises, its books, its chapters and its verses. I will keep my Bible near and ready, even as I keep myself ready to defend its precepts. We will become part of each other.
Before God, I do make this promise. God’s Word is the defender of my soul. It will help me to master the devil, my enemy. It will bring the salvation of my soul. So be it, until victory is God’s and there is no enemy.”
The Proper Use Of Both Spiritual & National Liberty
(My apologies for not updating this blog recently - this was published in our bulletin on July 2nd)
On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, opened his famous Gettysburg Address with these words, “Four-score and seven years ago, (now 230 years ago) our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal…” President Lincoln was referring, of course, the birth of our great nation.
On July 4, 1776, The United States of America was born. As Americans and as Christians, we have been blessed by God to live here. We have freedom from tyranny and the constitutional right to worship God “in spirit and in truth...” (John 4:24)
Most people in this world do not have this same privilege – true freedom of religion. We often take for granted that which our brethren throughout history have never had. It was not until the Constitution of the United States (June 21, 1788) and the Bill of Rights (December 15, 1791) was adopted that a nation of people had complete freedom of religion. The First Amendment to the Constitution states,
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble....”
Before this (even in some parts of the United States), there was the concept of an official state religion. For instance, the official church of Great Britain was the church of England (Anglican church); in Italy, France and Spain, it was the Roman Catholic church.
Many of those who opposed the religion of their respective homelands and were persecuted for it, (such as the Puritans) came to this continent and established colonies where they could practice their religion freely. The descendants of these religiously persecuted people wanted a guarantee that no single denomination or religious body could be declared an official religion of the United States. They wanted to insure that the kind of religious persecutions their forefathers had endured in Europe would not take place on American soil. It was out of this constitutional freedom that the American restoration movement was born, resulting in the restoration of the Lord’s church.
We often take for granted that which many of our brethren in other countries do not have – freedom from religious persecution! Even still today, many members of the Lord’s church live in countries where they have no constitutional right to practice their religious beliefs. What a struggle they must face each and every day of their lives!
Even though some do not have religious freedom, all Christians, from the First Century to the present have had spiritual freedom and liberty in Christ Jesus. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed...” (John 8:32, 36). “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free...” (Galatians 5:1) With His own blood, Christ bought for us freedom from bondage in sin (Revelation 1:5; Acts 20:28), freedom from the burdens that a life in sin brings and freedom from the sentence of spiritual death in sin. (Romans 6:23)
In this country, all men and women enjoy national freedom. By our constitution, all men and women have the legal right to pursue life, liberty and happiness. While Americans are a nationally free people, but by and large, are not a spiritually free people, in the sense that Christ meant.
Members of the Lord’s church who live in this great nation have two types of liberty, spiritual and national. We should never allow either type of freedom to be used as an excuse in forsaking doing the will of the Father or to use it for an excuse to do what is wrong. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh....” (Galatians 5:13a) Yet that is what so many people in our nation today have done with their lives. Rather than in freedom serving their fellow man, many today use that “liberty for a cloke of maliciousness...” (1Peter 2:16a) Read Romans 1:18-32 and see what results when a people turn away from God! “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34).
1Peter 2:16 and Galatians 5:13 implicitly state, that rather than serving the flesh or in otherwise sinning, we must use it “as the servants of God” and “by love serve one another.” Our country today has a spiritual sickness; a disease that has no political or physical cure; an ailment that no medical doctor, lawyer or politician can alleviate. Only the Christ has the answers to the problems besetting this country. It is up to Christians, as servants of God, to lovingly, compassionately, teach the gospel to a lost and dying world, that all men might come to know the healing that only the Great Physician can give. In carrying out this commission, we truly “by love serve one another.”
On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, opened his famous Gettysburg Address with these words, “Four-score and seven years ago, (now 230 years ago) our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal…” President Lincoln was referring, of course, the birth of our great nation.
On July 4, 1776, The United States of America was born. As Americans and as Christians, we have been blessed by God to live here. We have freedom from tyranny and the constitutional right to worship God “in spirit and in truth...” (John 4:24)
Most people in this world do not have this same privilege – true freedom of religion. We often take for granted that which our brethren throughout history have never had. It was not until the Constitution of the United States (June 21, 1788) and the Bill of Rights (December 15, 1791) was adopted that a nation of people had complete freedom of religion. The First Amendment to the Constitution states,
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble....”
Before this (even in some parts of the United States), there was the concept of an official state religion. For instance, the official church of Great Britain was the church of England (Anglican church); in Italy, France and Spain, it was the Roman Catholic church.
Many of those who opposed the religion of their respective homelands and were persecuted for it, (such as the Puritans) came to this continent and established colonies where they could practice their religion freely. The descendants of these religiously persecuted people wanted a guarantee that no single denomination or religious body could be declared an official religion of the United States. They wanted to insure that the kind of religious persecutions their forefathers had endured in Europe would not take place on American soil. It was out of this constitutional freedom that the American restoration movement was born, resulting in the restoration of the Lord’s church.
We often take for granted that which many of our brethren in other countries do not have – freedom from religious persecution! Even still today, many members of the Lord’s church live in countries where they have no constitutional right to practice their religious beliefs. What a struggle they must face each and every day of their lives!
Even though some do not have religious freedom, all Christians, from the First Century to the present have had spiritual freedom and liberty in Christ Jesus. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed...” (John 8:32, 36). “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free...” (Galatians 5:1) With His own blood, Christ bought for us freedom from bondage in sin (Revelation 1:5; Acts 20:28), freedom from the burdens that a life in sin brings and freedom from the sentence of spiritual death in sin. (Romans 6:23)
In this country, all men and women enjoy national freedom. By our constitution, all men and women have the legal right to pursue life, liberty and happiness. While Americans are a nationally free people, but by and large, are not a spiritually free people, in the sense that Christ meant.
Members of the Lord’s church who live in this great nation have two types of liberty, spiritual and national. We should never allow either type of freedom to be used as an excuse in forsaking doing the will of the Father or to use it for an excuse to do what is wrong. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh....” (Galatians 5:13a) Yet that is what so many people in our nation today have done with their lives. Rather than in freedom serving their fellow man, many today use that “liberty for a cloke of maliciousness...” (1Peter 2:16a) Read Romans 1:18-32 and see what results when a people turn away from God! “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34).
1Peter 2:16 and Galatians 5:13 implicitly state, that rather than serving the flesh or in otherwise sinning, we must use it “as the servants of God” and “by love serve one another.” Our country today has a spiritual sickness; a disease that has no political or physical cure; an ailment that no medical doctor, lawyer or politician can alleviate. Only the Christ has the answers to the problems besetting this country. It is up to Christians, as servants of God, to lovingly, compassionately, teach the gospel to a lost and dying world, that all men might come to know the healing that only the Great Physician can give. In carrying out this commission, we truly “by love serve one another.”
A Brief Summary of the Book of Romans
Introduction:
The Book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul from the city of Corinth in approximately AD 56. At the time of his writing, he had yet to visit Rome, though he greatly desired to do so. It was not until approximately AD 61 that he was able to “visit” Rome, and then, only as a prisoner under house arrest for two years. He was released in AD 63 and finally was rearrested and executed there in AD 68.
This grandest of Paul’s epistles, teaches us many great lessons, but perhaps the greatest principle it teaches us is the fact that man is justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s main focus in writing this epistle to the church at Rome is to emphasize this point. The doctrine of justification is developed throughout the first eleven chapters of the book. The remainder of the book deals with our life as a Christian, once we have been justified. Romans chapter 1 begins with Paul’s introduction and with an inspiring statement about the Gospel’s power for salvation. Paul then goes into great detail throughout the entire book to expound upon the Gospel’s good news of salvation and justification by faith in Jesus Christ.
Justification Is Necessary: Chapters 1-4
After Paul gives his opening address, he gets right down to business with the remainder of chapter 1 to show how the Gentiles are in sin and are in need of justification and salvation. Having established that the Gentiles are in sin, Paul in chapter 2 goes on to explain that the Jews also are in condemnation and in sin because of their unbelief in the Gospel. In chapter 3, Paul concludes that no one is righteous, if they are seeking justification on their own terms. He states that all have sinned, both Jews and Gentiles, and that all mankind is in need of justification on because of their sins.
The Jew’s religion (at this point it was no longer the religion of God) had devolved into a system of salvation by works. They believed that in the outward display of keeping to the tenets of the Law of Moses they could merit salvation. The Jews had much pride in the fact that they kept the letter of this law (according to their traditions). They did not understand that the Law did not absolve them from sin and that justification only came by faith in God, demonstrated by obedience, not by mere law-keeping.
In chapter 4, Paul uses the example of Abraham to show proof that one does not have to be circumcised or be under the Law of Moses to be justified. Abraham’s obedience and faith – before he was under the covenant of circumcision – was accounted unto him for righteousness. God kept His promise to Abraham because of his faith.
Justification Is Effective: Chapters 5-8
In chapter 5, we see the multitude of blessings that we have in Christ. The justification through faith in Christ brings us into a right relationship with God. Only through Christ can we have atonement and know the depths of God’s grace, love and mercy. Chapter 6 shows us the method by which God has chosen for us to demonstrate our faith in order to receive justification and that is in baptism. In submission to water baptism our faith is imputed to us for righteousness. We die to sin and death itself.
Chapter 7 deals with the Law of Moses and its termination. We see the purpose of the law, its emphasis and its effect on the conscience of man. Paul demonstrates that the Law of Moses died at the cross and we are now under the law of Christ. Christ fulfilled and replaced the Law of Moses bringing into effect His law of faith. Chapter 8 teaches that there is no power on earth to forcibly, against our will, remove us from the love of Christ once we have been justified by faith in Him.
The Nation of Israel: Chapter 9-11
This section deals mainly with the rejection of Christ by the Jewish nation as a whole. As well, Paul deals with the definition of who a true “Jew” is. Israel believed that they were saved because of their ethnicity and that only they were meant to have salvation. Paul demonstrates how that all who are justified by faith are the spiritual seed of Abraham. We also learn that the Gospel’s rejection by the Jews made possible its acceptance by the Gentiles.
Practical Application: Chapter 12-16
Chapter 12 deals with the quality of our spiritual life and how we are to deal with others, both friend and foe. Chapter 13 teaches us how we are to deal with those in governmental authority over us and of the urgency of salvation. Chapters 14 and 15 deal with matters of mutual respect and judgment and the example we have in righteousness in Jesus Christ. In chapter 16, we see Paul’s example of love for the brethren in his greetings to certain members of the church at Rome. And finally in chapter 16:17-20 we have Paul’s admonition to remain faithful and holy and to mark those who cause division.
The Book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul from the city of Corinth in approximately AD 56. At the time of his writing, he had yet to visit Rome, though he greatly desired to do so. It was not until approximately AD 61 that he was able to “visit” Rome, and then, only as a prisoner under house arrest for two years. He was released in AD 63 and finally was rearrested and executed there in AD 68.
This grandest of Paul’s epistles, teaches us many great lessons, but perhaps the greatest principle it teaches us is the fact that man is justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s main focus in writing this epistle to the church at Rome is to emphasize this point. The doctrine of justification is developed throughout the first eleven chapters of the book. The remainder of the book deals with our life as a Christian, once we have been justified. Romans chapter 1 begins with Paul’s introduction and with an inspiring statement about the Gospel’s power for salvation. Paul then goes into great detail throughout the entire book to expound upon the Gospel’s good news of salvation and justification by faith in Jesus Christ.
Justification Is Necessary: Chapters 1-4
After Paul gives his opening address, he gets right down to business with the remainder of chapter 1 to show how the Gentiles are in sin and are in need of justification and salvation. Having established that the Gentiles are in sin, Paul in chapter 2 goes on to explain that the Jews also are in condemnation and in sin because of their unbelief in the Gospel. In chapter 3, Paul concludes that no one is righteous, if they are seeking justification on their own terms. He states that all have sinned, both Jews and Gentiles, and that all mankind is in need of justification on because of their sins.
The Jew’s religion (at this point it was no longer the religion of God) had devolved into a system of salvation by works. They believed that in the outward display of keeping to the tenets of the Law of Moses they could merit salvation. The Jews had much pride in the fact that they kept the letter of this law (according to their traditions). They did not understand that the Law did not absolve them from sin and that justification only came by faith in God, demonstrated by obedience, not by mere law-keeping.
In chapter 4, Paul uses the example of Abraham to show proof that one does not have to be circumcised or be under the Law of Moses to be justified. Abraham’s obedience and faith – before he was under the covenant of circumcision – was accounted unto him for righteousness. God kept His promise to Abraham because of his faith.
Justification Is Effective: Chapters 5-8
In chapter 5, we see the multitude of blessings that we have in Christ. The justification through faith in Christ brings us into a right relationship with God. Only through Christ can we have atonement and know the depths of God’s grace, love and mercy. Chapter 6 shows us the method by which God has chosen for us to demonstrate our faith in order to receive justification and that is in baptism. In submission to water baptism our faith is imputed to us for righteousness. We die to sin and death itself.
Chapter 7 deals with the Law of Moses and its termination. We see the purpose of the law, its emphasis and its effect on the conscience of man. Paul demonstrates that the Law of Moses died at the cross and we are now under the law of Christ. Christ fulfilled and replaced the Law of Moses bringing into effect His law of faith. Chapter 8 teaches that there is no power on earth to forcibly, against our will, remove us from the love of Christ once we have been justified by faith in Him.
The Nation of Israel: Chapter 9-11
This section deals mainly with the rejection of Christ by the Jewish nation as a whole. As well, Paul deals with the definition of who a true “Jew” is. Israel believed that they were saved because of their ethnicity and that only they were meant to have salvation. Paul demonstrates how that all who are justified by faith are the spiritual seed of Abraham. We also learn that the Gospel’s rejection by the Jews made possible its acceptance by the Gentiles.
Practical Application: Chapter 12-16
Chapter 12 deals with the quality of our spiritual life and how we are to deal with others, both friend and foe. Chapter 13 teaches us how we are to deal with those in governmental authority over us and of the urgency of salvation. Chapters 14 and 15 deal with matters of mutual respect and judgment and the example we have in righteousness in Jesus Christ. In chapter 16, we see Paul’s example of love for the brethren in his greetings to certain members of the church at Rome. And finally in chapter 16:17-20 we have Paul’s admonition to remain faithful and holy and to mark those who cause division.
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