Romans
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VIII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS:
INTRODUCTION: ( Romans 1:1-17)
The first part of the book is the doctrine of the Christian faith, which is Romans Chapter 1 Verse 18 through Chapter 11 Verse 36. The introduction is the first 17 verses.
And that introduction is divided into three parts:
Romans 1:1-7 - Paul's Position in Ministry
Romans 1:8-15 - Paul's Plan for Ministry
Romans 1:16-17 - Paul's Perception of Ministry.
Now believe it or not, embedded, and I emphasize the word embedded, but in these 17 verses are three important doctrines. They are the doctrine of Jesus Christ, the doctrine of ministry, and the doctrine of the gospel. These are all found in these first 17 verses. In fact, every verse, even the introduction can be considered doctrine.
IX. THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. ( Romans 1:18-11:36)
In Romans Chapter 1 Verse 18 through to the end of Chapter 11 (there are 16 Chapters in Romans), but Chapter 1 Verse 18 through the end of Chapter 11 is the doctrinal section, specifically to present the doctrine of the Christian faith.
Indictment - The Doctrine of Condemnation ( Romans 1:18 - 3:20). The first part is indictment. It is the doctrine of condemnation. I'm sure we all love to study about that! "Come and let me show you how condemned you are!" Isn't that nice!
And that's divided up into three sections:
Romans 1:18-32 - The Prosecution Against the Gentiles
Romans 2:1-3:8 - The Prosecution Against the Jews
Romans 3:9-20 - The Prosecution Against all Mankind
The prosecution against the Gentiles. It is a fascinating study. You and I are Gentiles. Most Gentiles have not had exposure to the Old Testament or Judaism or Jewish ministry or teaching at all. We're kind of like the "Heinz 57" variety. We all come from different religious system backgrounds, and we are the Gentiles.
As you imply, we are not "salesmen for Christ". The task of the True Believer is to be a witness for the True Gospel in our life and in the Gospel that we proclaim.
But it must be the True Gospel as circumscribed by the Bible Alone and in its Entirety. It must be the Whole Counsel of God. And that starts with the fact that by nature we are sinners under the Judgment of God for every sin that we have or will ever commit as God describes us in
Romans 3:10-18 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
And so we are under the Wrath of God for our sins, Eternal Death. But God has provided a way of escape by paying the full penalty required for the sins of those whom He has chosen to save. So we can come to God like the Publican in Luke 18:13, striped of any self righteousness, pleading for Mercy with a broken and contrite heart. There is then the very real hope that God might save us.
Joel 2:12-14 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God.
We, by nature, do not want this kind of a Gospel. God saves us by His Grace Alone. We are not in control.
At that time is "the transition" to include all us gentiles = of all nations was in play.
Romans = doctrine
As Paul progresses in order in his gospels with doctrine Reproof & correction mixed in..
Note: We are truly justified in Romans 3:24-26 equals Gods free gift!
(Please also note Ro. Chapters 9/10/11 where Paul is speaking to his brethren/ Israelites/ at that present time beseeching them & only them to perform Ro. 10:9 as we know praying is a work & how the Jews at that present time in their life THEY would be accepted by The Lord. Some of that (rightly dividing of course) is for both!
Scotty as you read God inserts into the reader his understanding bc God knows who is serious & who is not. God knows the beginning to the end and the end to the beginning!
Knowing that God is a God of order & the simplicity in Christ Jesus!
Jesus tells us to follow Apostle Paul & His "establishment commandment." Romans 16:26 Thus, we read daily starting in Romans & when we are done for that day take a tassel & mark that ( where we will begin to read the next day) & do our daily business
Later, we read again in Genesis & when done tassel that page. So, each day we continue this (and will read Ro to Rev.) many times more as we progress through the scriptures of the prophets
Then when we completed Acts, "Proclaiming God wins and the devil loses"! Restarting the same process again
That's Gods Establishment Commandment!
Also, Romans through Revelation guides us in what's going on these days. Example Romans 1:27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Thus read Ecclesiastes 1:9
Knowing that God is a God of order & the simplicity in Christ Jesus & Jesus tells us to follow Apostle Paul & His establishment commandment.
Thus, we read daily starting in Romans & when we are done for that day take a tassel & mark that ( where we will begin to read the next day) & do our daily business
Later we read again in Genesis & when done tassel that page. Romans 16:26 so each day we continue this (and will read Ro to Rev.) many times more as we progress through the scriptures of the prophets
Then when we completed Acts, "Proclaiming God wins and the devil loses"! Restart the same process again
I had alway wondered why there were 2 tassels for years & that is why
We are truly justified in Romans 3:24-26 equals Gods free gift! (Please also note Ro. Chapters 9/10/11 where Paul is speaking to his brethren/ Israelites/ at that present time beseeching them & only them to perform Ro. 10:9 and know praying is a work & how the Jews at that present time in life THEY would be accepted by The Lord.
Many publishers like Gideon's for example had in the beginning of there book (1941-1958) where to find Salvation also listed Romans 3:24-26 !!! Then satan got more involved derailing souls to Ro. 10:9 in 1960's until present day! 2023.
My soul would be damned doomed for leading you wrongly
1 Corinthians 16:22
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Luke 17:2
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
Hopefully David, you do understand I wouldn't be with my brothers & sisters in Christ and in His Kingdom later in time, if i was leading any soul wrongly
The writing of Paul's gospels = Doctrine Reproof and correction
Romans doctrine Corinthians doctrine with reroof & correction and such
Being only one writing to the Galatians & not knowing how many of them are above!
I know I said I would leave off this discussion, but I am curious about a few questions regarding your understanding of the Nature of Salvation, if I may.
If I'm understanding you correctly, Abraham and other Old Testament "believers" were "saved" because of some INHERENT faith within themselves, not given to them by God, but that they must exercise in appropriating the promises of God. Where then did that faith come from if they were SPIRITUALLY DEAD as we read in Psalm 53:2,3 and Psalm 14:2,3 and Romans 3:11-18?
How do you understand "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" in Rev 13:8 relative to Christ's atonement and its application to Believers throughout time?
What is your understanding of election and predestination? Are these terms applicable to every True Believer throughout time or only to a specific group of Believers during a specific time period in history?
Was Christ's atonement a general atonement for all of mankind that we must appropriate by "accepting Christ" or "exercising our inherent faith" of our "free will" in order to be saved? And if so, what does it mean to be "in bondage to sin and Satan"?
Or was Christ's atonement specific and limited to those Spiritually Dead sinners whom He chose to save by His Mercy from before the foundation of the world, and that Christ would draw them and apply this atonement in Salvation to their life by His Grace Alone?
What does it mean to be Born Again?
Thank you in advance for your responses.
Sorry David0921. To your question of "what is the "faith" you are referring to?" In regards to Israel (i.e. those living in obedience to God & with holy fear), under the Law & looking ahead by faith to God's Salvation, I understand that this is the faith that they possessed. It wasn't a God-given faith, simply a faith in God based on God's Commands, His dealings, His special care. They had no Cross to gaze upon & no Holy Spirit unction to grant them Divine Faith. But God recognized that faith, even as "Abraham believed (expressed faith in) God, and it was counted to him for righteousness". Was Abraham's faith God-given? I don't believe so - just ordinary faith to proceed in the ways of God by what He heard, saw, & experienced. That same type of faith that was seen in Abraham is the faith that carried them through to the Cross & the application of the Blood shed to their hearts.
In regards to Gentiles post-Cross (i.e. those not knowing God, steeped in idolatry & sins, & undeserving of God's Mercy), Christ's Blood was extended to them as well ("through faith", Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:8,14). Even though our faith is likened to Abraham's faith ( Galatians 3:7), the description is that of an expression true faith & not how it has been derived. Our natural faith could never secure salvation, as can be seen by those in other religions who also acknowledge God, even Jesus, yet not having the faith that saves. As well, Christ had already completed His Work & His Spirit sent out to do His Work. But when we look to the Cross, understanding that our sin put Jesus there, & the weight & punishment for sin being too much, we then call on God for Mercy. Onto Page 2.
1 John 1:8
Romans 3:10
The Bible makes it clear that all sin and it says those who claim they don't sin are lying. I think this gets confused with God wiping away and "not remembering" sin if (and only if) we're a genuine Christ follower.
Some believe that a force from God forces you to be sinless as a Christian and that you can just kick back and backslide because you're basically on spiritual autopilot. I believe the Bible debunks this. Even Paul, who was probably the best evangelist for Christianity in world history, admitted that he deeply struggled with sin and said he naturally doesn't want to do what is good, he's in a spiritual war with himself and his own flesh. This means that even for him there wasn't this autopilot force making him be sinless, he worked at it very, very hard, and he struggled and had enormous trials and obstacles and persecution. Some assume God is a genie in a bottle existing to serve and make you comfortable, but its closer to the opposite. God bless.
I guess GiGi, we would remain in disagreement here. I can only understand the faith that saves as applying to those looking back to the Cross, understanding its message, being convicted, repenting, receiving Christ by His Spirit, & being born again. This is something (all of it) that the OT folk could never do. But it is true, the Word is silent about the way the faith of those before Christ worked. You believe that their faith was also a gift from God, as ours is for salvation. Again, this understanding is left open as to how we understand the meaning of faith & its application (both in everyday life & in salvation). So, I don't make a doctrine out of this, but just sharing how I read & understand the Word (maybe it is as you suggest, through my Dispensational eyes). Yet, I don't believe in "two ways of salvation", only one, in & through Christ's Blood. But what I do see is that the Cross which has the same implications on both, the Jew before Christ & the Jew & Gentile after Christ, has to be approached with 'faith'.
So if we look at Romans 3:28-30: "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision BY faith, and uncircumcision THROUGH faith".
'Faith' is what saves (i.e. necessary for justification) for both Jew & Gentile - the deeds of the Law having no part in it. So this same God (of Jew & Gentile), justifies the one (Jew) BY Faith & the other (Gentile) THROUGH Faith. These words are generally disregarded by students of the Word as insignificant (whether BY faith or THROUGH faith) as they are too similar to warrant argument, yet Paul was inspired to pen them in this manner. See Page 2.
You might note in all of my comments where I speak about the Nature of Salvation, I always stress that Christ does 100% of the Work in saving those whom He saves and that Salvation is by Grace Alone. There is a reason for this.
We must start with the very clear statement of Romans 3:10-18 that ALL of mankind is Spiritually DEAD and will never exercise "faith in God"or "believe on Christ" in a way that is pleasing to God, despite the fact that we are COMMANDED to do so.
Our Faith and Our Belief (one is the verb the other is the noun) are Works that we do ( 1 Thessalonians 1:3). And the Bible is crystal clear that our works can never save us. So we are not saved by God's Grace and Our Faith. We are saved by God's Grace Alone. Our Faith and Our Belief are the RESULT of our Salvation. They are not a CAUSE nor a BASIS for our Salvation.
Unfortunately, if you go into virtually any church today you will be presented with some form of a Works-Grace gospel. And this is one reason why I believe that 1 Pet 4:17 and other related passages are in play today. And this is very sad to say.
Thanks Frankie J. I did note your initial comment about 'how we fulfil the requirements of the Law'. Yet, the point I was trying to highlight is that we can never perfectly fulfil them, as Jesus the sinless One, did. The Law was never designed for men (Israel) to obey as God demanded - it only was given to show them their sin ("by the law is the knowledge of sin" Romans 3:20). We can "pick up the Cross & following Christ", but only by the indwelling Spirit of God can the Law be fully known as God intended (the Decalogue in its given state couldn't do this), all our sin be exposed, & we can experience full forgiveness on the merits of Christ's Sacrifice.
Hebrews 8:13. I should have quoted from Hebrews 8:7-13, where to the House of Israel, a new Covenant will be made, not according to the old Covenant with their fathers. Had the old Covenant been without fault, there would be no need for the New. In this new Covenant, Israel will have God's Laws written into their hearts & minds, that which they had not had before this (future) time. And with the inception of this new Covenant, the Old will vanish away. I see that Israel, because of their blindness & hardheartedness, have yet to acknowledge the Savior of God & until they do & turn wholly to Him in faith, they will still be bound to the old Covenant. But to those IN Christ now, the new Covenant in Christ's Blood is already administered to us, where God's Laws are written upon our hearts & minds by His Spirit, that which Israel still waits for.
And so Jesus is the "mediator of this new Covenant", that speaks of God's Mercy towards the sinner & Grace to receive His forgiveness & healing, something that the shed blood of Abel was in total contrast. It only cried out for vengeance from the ground ( Genesis 4:10). The Old Covenant showed man his sin & God's Vengeance was upon him (but saved by the sacrifices); "but Grace & Truth came by Jesus Christ" ( John 1:17) & we now can receive unconditional pardon.
Thank you David0921; you have written extensively on this subject & asked many questions. I don't plan to give as much detail as it deserves, but will address some of it.
The Bible from Genesis to Malachi is about God's dealings with His people, Israel - giving them the Law & associated punishments for their disobedience. From Jesus' teachings (Gospels) onwards (the fuller meaning of aspects of that Law to Revelation), the saved Jew & Gentile can learn & apply the full requirements of all of God's Laws by the Work & Power of the Holy Spirit within them. So then, can the Gentile, whether unbelieving or believing, learn anything from the Old Law? Most certainly, but realizing that that Law was served to Israel only to show them God's requirements for them, their sinful state ( Romans 7:7), their inability to fully obey them, & their need for God's Help to deal with sin. To the God-fearing Jew under the Law, their hope & faith remained in the God they served, looking for His Redemption ( Hebrews 11:1,2,39,40); & this applied to those pre-Law & certainly pre-Christ, in Whom their redemption would one day be realized.
Romans 3:31. Romans 3:28, "we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law". This is the essence of this chapter, of justification of both Jew & Gentile through faith & not dependence on the Law. Is the Law then nullified because of faith? Paul writes, "we establish the Law"; i.e. the Law's role was to make men conscious of sin (v20) & this aspect of the Law (revealing sin) is confirmed by all those who turn from sin to Christ in faith. The Law couldn't effect salvation in Jesus - only Faith in Him could. The Law served/serves its purpose, but could never bring release. Why should we then put ourselves under it by reverting to it & placing its Holy Commands with punishment on those who need the liberty found by faith in Jesus? Onto Page 2.
The apostle John tells us:
1 John 3:4
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
The apostle Paul tells us:
Romans 3:31
"Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
Romans 7:7
"What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet."
The wages of SIN is DEATH! We should not fool ourselves - Jesus didn't come here to die on the Cross so that we can KEEP SINNING! He wants us to repent and strive to live sin free. He tells us to Stop Sinning! John 5:14
The gift that God gives us in the salvation of Christ is to empower us to break free from the sin cycle, and repent of sin through conscious effort. When our own efforts fall short, His power is strong enough to help us succeed, but we must make the effort!
As Christains we should be encouraging each other to Not Sin, instead, I continually hear the opposite - stating we are sinners, and we can never stop sinning. That is a deafest attitude, and an assurance that we will continue to wallow in sin.
Read and Believe
The Whole Bible from Genesis through Revelation is God's Law Book for Mankind. It is God's Rule Book for the Kingdom of God.
Clearly we are no longer to observe the Ceremonial aspects of the Old Testament.
Clearly any obedience to the Law cannot contribute to our Salvation in any way whatsoever.
But where do you read that all other aspects of the Law have been set aside and no longer apply to us today?
How do you understand Romans 3:31? "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
How do you understand 1 John 2:4,5? "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him."
How do you understand Psalm 119, which is a beautiful passage in scripture speaking to the Nature of God's Law, the Bible?
Psalms 119 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
How do you determine what is sin and what is not? And as a Believer how God expects you to live?
Romans 3:10,12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:there is non that seeketh after God.
Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
1 Corinthians 1:27,28 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Why wd this woman keep the commandments when she has the testimony of Jesus.....Simply b/c the Child she has given birth to is the testimony of Jesus.....Remember Whosoever receiveth one such Child in my name receiveth me....Her Child is the testimony of Jesus .....And its he that is born of God that cannot sin....Her Child that is born of God cannot SIN...PERIOD.....Thus the commandments are fulfilled.....She can keep the commandments without even trying simply b/c her Child is the H.G. and its impossible for her Child to sin......Her Child is the testimony of Jesus....Sin is the transgression of the law but this woman cannot sin simply b/c a Baby Christ has been born in her that cannot transgress the law.....Thus the commandments are fulfilled.....Not done away with but fulfilled in a perfect sense.....She is being led by a lil Child the H.G.....That Child of Promise...Multiplication of his seed. the living word....God has put the law in her heart in the form of a baby Christ the H.G.....Thats what he did at Calvary in his blood.....Made a New Covenant that can only be accessed by hearing his voice the living word....Thats y the scripture is saying the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death..... Romans 8 :2 kjv
Romans 3:31 kjv.....Do we make void the law by faith....NO....God forbid, we establish the law.....Simply b/c Christ is gona be born with in us by FAITH...A spiritual Pregnancy....The son of Man....And its he that is born of God with in us that cannot sin thus the law is established....Not I that lives but Christ that Lives in me....Paul
I cannot see Jesus breaking one of the 10 commandments.....
Part 2
2 To make an end of sins (Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law). The verb in the Hebrew text translated as "put an end to" can mean "to seal up". The covering of our sins was accomplished on the cross at Calvary. When he said IT IS FINISHED, he provided us with the garments (wedding garments) to cover our sins. Psalm 32:1-2 Matthew 1:21 John 1:29 Romans 8:3 1 Corinthians 15:3 Hebrews 10:8-11 1 John 3:5 Revelation 16:15.
Is there still sin today? Yes. Will there still be sin and death after Jesus's second coming? Yes. Even during the 1000 years, there will be sin and death until all is made new Rev. 21:1-4 but through Jesus, they are covered and sealed, Rev. 16:15
3 To make reconciliation for iniquity (Reconciliation is an element of salvation that refers to the results of the atonement, iniquity is guilt, crookedness, perverseness, that which is not straight or upright, moral distortion, in the dark. Colossians 1:20-22 Isaiah 53:6 Isaiah 53:11 Ephesians 2:16 Titus 2:14 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
The word reconcile means to bring back to a former state of harmony Jesus reconciled both Jew and Gentile unto God in one body by the cross and now through Jesus we both Jew and Gentile have access by one Spirit unto the Father no more strangers or foreigners but fellow citizens. Making reconciliation for iniquity concerns our involvement in the work of salvation.
4 To bring in everlasting righteousness. Everlasting, no end, righteousness, justice, mercy, loving-kindness, in conformity to the demands of the covenant and according to God's will, fair and balanced. Isaiah 61:10-11 2 Corinthians 5:21 Romans 3:21-26 Romans 5:17-21 1 Peter 2:24.
See Part 3
Part 3.
Jesus by His blood entered once into the holy place not made by hands having obtained eternal redemption everlasting, never to fade, and in Jesus, we have everlasting righteousness and salvation, through faith, given by grace from God, by the blood of the Lamb freely offered for us. To look for everlasting righteousness to be brought in the future is to deny the work of Christ, which he claimed was finished. We have no righteousness apart from Jesus Christ.
5 To seal up vision and prophecy; seal up, affix a seal, a seal in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security, or indicate ownership, fulfill a vision of God's communication with man, prophecy w-n-, the same word for prophet, the word of God given to us through a prophet. The greatest prediction, which runs through the whole Old Testament, is that regarding the coming and work of the Messiah, Jesus. Daniel 9:23 John 6:27 Mark 1:14-15 Acts 3:18 John 5:36-40 Matthew 11:11-15 Romans 3:21.
All through the New Testament, it shows the fulfillment of the prophets and the law; fulfilled on the cross at Calvary. Gabriel was sent to help Daniel understand the matter, and consider the vision.
6 To anoint the Most Holy. Anoint, the theological meaning of mashach to smear, anoint. The Most Holy qa-da-sm qo-des, most holy, most holy place, Set apart from the rest for a special function. This was done by Jesus after he ascended to heaven before the destruction of the temple made by man. It is the anointing of the holy of holies in the temple not made with hands. Hebrews 8:1-12 Hebrews 9:6-14
Jesus went in once and anointed the Holy of Holies not made with hands. Jesus anointed the Holy of Holies once and made it possible for man through him and the Holy Spirit to enter the most holy and God can dwell in us. When Jesus cried out and said it was finished and gave up the ghost, the veil of the temple rent in half.
See Part 4
You asked, "who decides when God is using hyperbole (language)?" Well to answer that, I would have to say, that I, the reader would, because I, the reader am expected to read God's Word, understand it & digest it. If I can convince myself that camels can go through a needle's eye or a great many good believers staying true to the Word, are walking amongst us with a gouged out right eye, then yes, every Word in the Bible must be understood literally. Hopefully, I have been blessed with a little common sense, and so I refuse to be swayed with nonsense.
You shared from Romans 3:10-18. Yes, man's spiritual condition is really that bad, but do we in our wicked state have the poison of asps under our tongues or all our throats resemble open sepulchres. We should understand the state & extent of their wickedness, but the use of metaphors is quite normal to drive the meaning home. So is God "exaggerating for effect rather than stating a fact? On this passage, I would say that as Paul took reference to Psalm 5:9 & somewhat to Deuteronomy 32:32,33, Paul confirmed what has always been man's unregenerate state, where all these references have used metaphors for effect to highlight the fact.
And yes, in Psalm 58:3 that is exactly what is implied: not a verbal language from a babe but from a sin-infected heart from birth. But the basic problem we have here is how much that we read is exactly what God has given for man to record & how much of it has man placed from his own knowledge & experience. The fact that God has allowed all of it shows that Truth is what matters not the verbatim production of the Word, which could never happen.
Allow me to make one other comment regarding hyperbole.
Who decides when God is using hyperbole and when he is not? Who decides when God is exaggerating for effect Rather than stating a fact? Is Romans 3:10-18 hyperbole? Is man's condition really that bad? I could give countless other examples that can take us in any direction that suits us.
In the passage we are discussing could "speaking" refer not to a verbal language, but to what is in the sin infected heart or spirit of mankind from birth.
When we begin to apply the methods that mankind may use in writing to interpret the Word of God, our understanding becomes very subjective and of "private interpretation".
And that is a snare that will lead us away from truth, not into truth.
I never want to even tinker with that idea.
I understand why we might concoct a theory of an "age of accountability". But God puts that idea to rest in very clear and concise language.
Psalms 58:3
The wicked are ESTRANGED from the WOMB: they go ASTRAY as soon as they BE BORN, speaking lies.
Romans 3:10-18
As it is written, There is NONE righteous, no, NOT ONE : There is NONE that understandeth, there is NONE that seeketh after God. They are ALL gone out of the way, they are TOGETHER become unprofitable; there is NONE that doeth good, no, NOT ONE. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were DEAD in trespasses and sins;
Because of Adam's sin, mankind is infected with SIN and is spiritually DEAD from the moment of conception. And it requires God's action to change that condition. The Bible declares that action as becoming BORN AGAIN. That is SALVATION.
There is no "age of accountability". No matter how much we may wish it to be so.
Apart from salvation, a new born baby is subject to the wrath of God and eternal death, whatever that may be.
I am unaware of any verse or passage in the Bible that speaks of an "age of accountability".
The Bible does say some very ugly things about our condition from the moment of conception apart from salvation. And that we are spiritually DEAD.
Psalms 58:3
The wicked are estranged from the WOMB: they go astray as soon as they BE BORN, speaking lies.
Romans 3:10-18
As it is written, There is NONE righteous, no, not one: There is NONE that understandeth, there is NONE that seeketh after God. They are ALL gone out of the way, they are TOGETHER become unprofitable; there is NONE that doeth good, no, NOT ONE. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were DEAD in trespasses and sins;
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full
of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ {Christ's faith, not our faith} unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 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; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith...
Rather, the Bible is given to us (i.e. those parchments recovered & preserved for us), so that we might not only learn the Mind & Purpose of God in humanity, but be able to confidently treasure those doctrines & Truths taught, to see how they measure up to anything else presented to us. I don't believe that man needs to attain a heightened state of spiritual understanding to be able to weigh up the differences between truth & error. If we are careful in our reading & study of the Scriptures & knowing that not everything presented to us is true, then Truth & error become apparent.
Even "that God is within every man, male and female" can't be correct, as there are too many Scriptures to show that wickedness & deceitfulness lies in the heart of each one of us and none of us our righteous, not even one ( Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 14:1-4 & Romans 3:9-18). What we have here then, is whether the words & instructions of men are equal to or more worthy than the Word of God. Not only from the pages of the Bible, but also from visible demonstrations of the workings of men's hearts, we find that mankind has rejected his Creator & His Word, doing all that satisfies his flesh & corrupt mind - all proving that God could never be found in man, but He is clearly evident when He sends His Spirit to regenerate & restore man from an unrighteous to a righteous state. And this is where Truth comes to the fore: when the Bible is held against any other writing, & this other one is found wanting.
I think we both agree that the atoning blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ is very important. I was drawn to your comparison of Colossians 1:14 between the NIV and the KJB. I do not own an NIV but I have a few bible software programs that give me access to multiple bibles.
Anyway, I looked this up for myself. You are correct. But was it the intent of the NIV to eliminate or diminish the blood sacrifice? I don't believe so. I read a little further down in the same chapter (Verse 20) which reads, "and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross"
If it was the intent of the NIV to leave out the words "through His blood," why would it be mentioned in other places, especially in Ephesians 1:7 (NIV) which reads, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins."
You would think that if the NIV was intentionally trying to remove the blood sacrifice, then it would not be found in any other place.
Is there any reason why you fail to mention other verses in the NIV such as Romans 3:25 that says "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood," 1 Peter 1:18-19 which mentions the precious blood of Christ, Ephesians 2:13 which says we have been brought near by the blood of Christ," Hebrews 9:14, "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" or Revelation 1:5 which says "To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood."
It doesn't seem fair to only bring up Colossians 1:14 without mentioning these other verses, especially Ephesians 1:7.
I am not defending the NIV, but I'm also not condemning it either.
Blessings to you in Christ Jesus!
Therefore Job is called righteous because God had saved him.
The Bible IS THE WORD OF GOD. There are no contradictions nor "lies" in the Bible because God is the author of the Bible.
Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Paul is asking if there is someone without faith, shall their lack of faith cancel out the faithfulness of God?
Paul answers that in vs 4 God forbid:
Israel's failures doesn't void out the promises of God.
God's promise to send Israel the redeemer was not voided by their wilful disobedience and rejection.
All his promises for the future of the nation will be fulfilled to his glory in spite of their unbelief. This is the unconditional covenant God made with Abraham.
Here's a few more verses causes people to believe the Church is the new Israel.
Galatians 3:28-29.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Romans 2:28-29
"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Now these verses is not talking about an ethnic group.
Paul gives us the subject of the matter in Romans 3:1.
"What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?"
Now here is where Paul was actually contrasting the Jews and the law, and the promise by faith of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:11-12.
This contrast the belief that righteousness came by the outwardly circumcised jew and the circumcision of the heart, in the spirit,
In other words Abraham was given the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith before he was circumcised.
Romans 4:11-13.
So Jew and Israel is not always used synonymous in the scripture.
No, the Bible does not say that Mary was without sin. Romans 3:23 says that ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This means that every human being except the Son of God made man (Jesus) never sinned.
I agree that the Bible says that Mary was a virgin. In being a virgin and becoming pregnant by the Holy
Spirit, Jesus was then born of a virgin, as God prophesied through Isaiah (Is. 7:14)
STU, I stand by what I wrote to you. The Bible never says that Mary was without sin. It says that only Jesus is without sin. He alone is perfectly holy. All men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ( Romans 3:23).
So, Mary was saved by the sacrifice of Jesus like every Christian. But, because of God's sovereign selection of her to be the mother of Jesus, she indeed, is blessed of all women.
Even so, the Bible says that every knee will bend and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God (Phil.2:10)
But the Bible nowhere says that every knee will bow to Mary.
So, STU, I challenge you to read the four gospels and the epistles to see
-whether it says that Mary was sinless or not,
-whether it says that we should bend our knee to her or not,
-whether we are asked to pray to her or not, whether she is called our mediatrix (having the power to be our mediator between God and man) or if Jesus is the one Mediator between God and man ( 1Tim. 2:5),
-whether she is man's co-redemptrix with Jesus or if Jesus is the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins ( Heb 7:27; 9:14)
-whether she was translated to heaven without dying
After you have read all of the New Testament to find the answers to these points, then you can get back to us and give us Scripture citations that support any of the Catholic beliefs about Mary.
The problem is--the sin, if you will--is that those accidental sins can become deliberate. Some of them become our pet sins. We may hate them but they give us pleasure and are habit-forming and we just keep on doing this. This stunts our growth in Christ. You cannot continuously commit deliberate sin and expect to live a joyful, victorious, life in Christ.
Repent of those sins right now and determine never to do them again with Christ's help--ask Him, and He will help you, but repenting is up to you.
Establish a special, lone time of devotion to our Lord, as I mentioned above. Stay faithful to Him. Go to a Gospel-preaching church. Serve others. Tythe. Stay repented of your sins...
Psalms 1
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
God Bless!