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Delve into Romans to explore Justification, Sanctification, and God's final solution for salvation. Understand the divine plan, wrath, and love entwined in Romans. Discover the secure and certain salvation offered through faith in God.
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Paul’s Letter to the Romans Part IIA Sure & Certain Salvation
Outline of the Epistle • Some common interpretations: • Chapters one to four, Justification; • Chapters five to eight, Sanctification; • Chapters nine to eleven, Parenthetical~ case of the Jews and God’s final solution • This is not very helpful! • Chapter 4 is key: God has only one way for man • Always dealt with man in terms of faith
A Secure & Certain Salvation • Chapters 5-8 deal with security of our salvation • Cf. Rom 5:9 & Phil 1:6-7 ~ • “I’ve started, so I’ll …” • Why does salvation through faith give security? • Three reasons: • Author is God: it is God’s doing, not ours • Method is God’s: God joins us to Christ • Result is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit
Rom 7: The Effect of the Law Spiritual person:DELIVEREDfrom Law Rom 7:1-6 Natural person: DOOMED by Law Rom 7:7-13 Carnal person: DEFEATEDby Law ~ Rom 7:14-25
Wrath of God • Not a popular subject • Concept of wrath of God 10-12 times in Romans • Rom. 1:18; 2:5; 2:8; 3:5; 4:15; 5:9; 9:22; 12:19; 13:4, 5 • Definitions ~ what it is not:uncontrolled rage • Reflects God’s hatred of sin; utter abhorrence • Does wrath of God contradict love of God? • Both are intrinsic features of nature of God
Chapter 8: No Condemnation! • 8:1 note our position: “In Christ” • We are “in Christ” for safety • We are “in Christ” for life – He is our source; the Vine • We are “in Christ” for guidance … • … but sin is still in my body! (see Rom. 7) • Predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son • Nothing can separate us!
Is our Gospel back to front? • No condemnation for us, what about others? • What is our focus in presenting the gospel message? • What did Jesus focus on? Cf. Jn 3:16 ~ “not perish” • What was Paul’s motivation? Cf. II Cor 5:11 • Why did Jesus die? Not to “make us happy”! • Love of God doesn’t make sense without wrath of God • If no appreciation of sin, “why shouldn’t God love us?”
Favourite verses from Rom 8 • 11~ if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you … • 18~ sufferings of this present time not worthy compared • 22~ whole creation groans & suffers pains of childbirth • 26~ Spirit also helps our weakness; intercedes for us • 28~all things work together for good for those who love God, called according to His purpose • 35~ Who will separate us from the love of Christ?
Chapter 9: Election • Why did God choose us? • Doctrine of the Remnant • Does anyone deserve to be saved? Rom 3:23 • Paul’s use of election / predestination Rom 9:11 • Does Election limit God’s love? • Main difficulty is our finite minds!