The Open Word

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 23 - Romans 5:1-5

Paul, having shown that the concept of justification by faith was not a new doctrine, but in fact taught in the Old Testament by using Abraham and David as examples, now turns to the results of justification. In Romans 5:1-5, he lists several results of justification in the life of a believer: peace with God, access to the Father, an expectant joy, perseverance through suffering, a promise of maturity in Christ, and the love of the Holy Spirit which has been poured out in our lives.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 22 - Romans 4:16-25

We complete our study of Romans chapter 4 by examining the life of Abraham. Paul shows that Abraham was a model of justification by faith, and not works, which was directly opposite that of the view of the Jewish rabbis of Paul's day.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 21 - Romans 4:9-15

Paul continues his discussion of Abraham and David by showing that Abraham justified by faith long before he was circumcised. The Jews thought that circumcision was a means of justification, some rabbis even teaching that Abraham sat at the gates of hell and would not allow any circumcised Jew to enter. Circumcision was a major issue with the rabbis of Paul's day, and in this section of Scripture he shows that true circumcision is not that of the flesh, but of the heart.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 20 - Romans 4:1-8

Paul continues his discussion of justification by faith alone (sola fide) by looking at two Old Testament examples. The first is David, and the second is Abraham. Jewish rabbis taught both were justified by their works, but Paul masterfully uses the Old Testament Scriptures to show that both of these men were not justified by their works, but by their faith in God.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 19 -- Romans 3:21-31

We finally wrap up our discussion of the first major section of Romans, Paul's indictment of all mankind. Having shown that all of humanity stands condemned before God, Paul now turns to God's remedy, a righteousness that is obtained by faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. Without this righteousness, no one can stand justified before the Lord.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 18 - Romans 3:21-31 - Part 2

We complete our look at Paul's discussion of Salvation as found in Romans 3:21-31. The amount of truth and theology packed into these eleven verses could fill volumes. Our brief analysis in no way plumbs the depths of this truth, but nevertheless there are great riches to be found in this passage.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 17 - Romans 3:21-31 Part 1

We examine what is perhaps one of the most succinct and deep discussions on salvation found in the Bible. In this section of Scripture Paul answers the question of how God passed over the sins of the Old Testament saints, how the righteousness of God is imputed apart from the law, and how God's grace extends to all mankind regardless of nationality or pedigree.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 16 - Romans 3:1-8

Paul continues his condemnation of humanity by focusing in on the significant advantage of being a Jew. The Jewish nation was given God's laws and promises. However, in spite of this great privilege, many Jews did not believe. Does that make God's promises ineffective? Not at all. Even though the Jewish nation rejected the Messiah when he came, there was nevertheless a remnant who did believe. However, the rejection of Christ by the Jewish nation will result in even greater condemnation to their privileged status.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 15 - Romans 2:25-29

Paul continues his charges against the religious Jew by showing that the rite of circumcision, one of the marks of what the Jews would consider as proof of their right standing before God, means nothing without a circumcised heart. In fact, Paul states it is better to be an uncircumcised Gentile with a circumcised heart, than a circumcised Jew with an uncircumcised heart. Being a true Jew is not a matter of externals, but one of an internal heart change before God.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 14 - Romans 2:17-24

Having brought charges against the heathen who do not have any knowledge of God's special revelation in His word, and the educated moral man that has a innate sense of right and wrong, Paul now turns to the Jews. His charges against them are even more severe as they not only have the inward revelation of God in their conscience, but they also have the written word of God and know exactly what God wants. Because of this, they are the most responsible and most condemned of all the groups Paul has brought before the bar of God.