Paul presents his gospel from humanity’s plight due to sin to the resurrection of the dead and the New Creation.
In Romans, Paul presented his most detailed explanation of the gospel. His purpose was to deal with conflicts between Gentiles and Jews in the church and to prepare the ground for taking the gospel to the west, and he touched on related topics, including death, redemption, the Law, the resurrection, and the New Creation.
Continue readingThe gift of the Spirit is the “first-fruits” and foretaste of the future resurrection and the coming New Creation.
Paul presents Abraham as the great exemplar of faith. God counted his faith as “righteousness” even when he was uncircumcised. This means He justified him apart from the “works of the Law.” Therefore, he became the father of all men who are also “from faith.” Circumcision was added later as the “seal” of his justifying faith.
Continue readingAccording to Paul, men are not set right before God “from the works of the law,” but instead, “from the faith of Jesus Christ.
Having demonstrated that all men have sinned and violated the revealed will of God, both Jews and Gentiles alike, Paul concludes that no one can be set right before God “from the law.” Jews have the Mosaic Law but fall short of its requirements. Gentiles have the witness of their own conscience yet continue to live and even revel in sin.
Continue readingPaul argued for tolerance within the church on food regulations and the observation of holy days – The “shadows” have found their fulfillment in Jesus.
The law of Moses specified what foods the people of God could eat by distinguishing between the “clean” and the “unclean,” with the consumption of the latter being forbidden. A comprehensive description of the dietary regulations given to Israel is found in the eleventh chapter of the book of Leviticus.
Continue readingIn Romans, discussions about justification by “works” has a specific category of works in view – “from the works of the law” – Romans 2:7-10.
In Romans, Paul points to sin as the Great Leveler that places everyone in the same predicament, bondage now and “wrath” later. No one is excused from the penalty of sin, neither Jew nor Gentile, and all are without excuse. Without exception, God will “render to every man according to his works,” both Jew and Gentile, for with Him, “there is no respect of persons.”
Continue reading
Disciples Global Network 