The Open Word

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 26 - Romans 5:15-17

The bad news that Adam's sin brought death to the entire human race is balanced by the good news that the death of Christ on the cross brings life to all who believe. All men are under the curse of sin but birth, but by placing one's faith in the finished word of Christ, the curse of sin is replaced by the free gift of eternal life.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 25 - Romans 5:12-14

In this session we explore the reality of sin after the fall of Adam and Eve. Paul makes the argument that even though there was no law prior to Moses, the fact that all men died proves the reality of sin.

The Epistle to the Romans - Session 24 - Romans 5:6-11

We continue our look at the results of Justification in Romans 5. In this session we look at concept of reconciliation. We were once enemies of God and Christ, but by placing our faith in the finished work of Christ we are no longer enemies, but friends. Our relationship with God has been restored, which means we now have the assurance of salvation and the hope of eternal glory.

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.