Archives: Commentaries

Paul’s Final Words of Personal Blessings, Encouragement, Warnings, and Hope for All Christians

16:1-2

Paul commends to the Roman Believers, Phoebe, who is a deacon, (servant, in this translation, meant the same as deacon), a sister in the Lord of the church at Cenchrea, asking that they would receive her with a Christian welcome as all Believers, a.k.a.: saints, should welcome one another. Her name means bright and radiant. Paul asks them to help her in whatever matter she may require assistance. He tells them Phoebe has been a protector and helper of many Believers, including himself, protecting them from suffering. Paul not only trusts her judgement, but also entrusts her with this precious letter that we are privileged to study and apply to our lives. Obviously, Phoebe is a businesswoman with some influence, since she is bringing Paul’s letter to the Romans. She probably is traveling with others who assist her and may even work for her. Considering the culture, this position for a woman was quite unusual.

16:3-5

Paul gives his greetings to Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila, identifying them as his fellow workers in Christ Jesus. (We have seen both mentioned in previous letters) Paul tells them Priscilla and Aquila had risked their lives for his life. It is interesting that he mentions Priscilla’s name first, rather than her husband. He thanks them on his own behalf and also on behalf of all the churches among the Gentiles. Obviously, they both have been very instrumental in acting as missionaries and supporters of the Gospel of Jesus. Many believe they were both working together as Pastors. (5.) Paul goes on and asks to be remembered by the entire church that meets in their house (another clue they are Pastors, or Teachers of God’s Word). Paul greets the beloved Epaenetus, who was one of the first converts to Jesus in Asia. All the churches met in homes. We would call them ‘house churches’. Remember, Christianity was not popular, or even tolerated in many areas. Christians were continually persecuted and killed. As Americans, we are seeing a steady trend of persecution against our own Faith, even in the USA. Much, if not most, of the rest of the world, persecutes Christians, to the point of murdering thousands each year. This fact is not published but is a reality in our world today. This worldwide persecution of Christians and Jews is inspired by Satan. He wants ALL Jews and Christians killed. Why? He hates us because we represent Jesus and he knows that Jesus cannot return, and eventually throw him into the Lake of Fire, unless we, both Jews and Christians, fulfill our destiny.

16:6-7

Paul greets Mary, who has worked very hard for all the Believers. Andronicus and Junias were once fellow prisoners with Paul. They were Jews of the tribe of Benjamin, and are held in high esteem among the apostles. Apostles were generally leadership Believers who had seen Jesus. They were Believers before Paul became a Believer.

16:8

Paul again refers to someone, Ampliatus, as his beloved in the Lord. It is believed that Ampliatus was a slave held in high regard. Keep in mind that Luke, the writer of the Book of Luke, also a doctor, was also a slave held in high regard.

16:9-10

Paul greets two more workers in Christ, Ubanus and Stachys. He Greets Apelles, whom he identifies as one tried and approved by the Messiah – Yeshua. And those belonging to the household of Aristobulus. Those ‘belonging’ probably means they were servants and/or slaves.

16:11-12

Again Paul greets a kinsman, Herodion, and those Believers in the household of Narcissus. He salutes workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa; as well as his dear Persis, who also has worked very hard in the Lord.

16:13-16

Paul greets Rufus, whom he identified as eminent in the Lord. This is probably the same Rufus (Simon) who carried the cross of Jesus. From other references, we can infer that both Rufus’ sons were believers. Paul greets Rufus’ mother, also a Believer, as treating Paul as her own son. (14.-15.) Paul greets another long list of people who are prominent in yet other home churches. (16.) He asks them to greet one another with a ‘holy kiss’ a sign of deep reverence, love and caring for one another. This is why Jesus asked Judas, “would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

16:17

A fervent appeal, a strong warning, to Believers to always be careful to deal with those who create difficulties and cause divisions and opposition to the Truth of the Word of God. He warns them to avoid those kind of people. He tells them, and us, to be on guard regarding these people. Remember, although unity among Believers is the ideal, when we encounter those who create and cause difficulties and divisions, we are told to AVOID these kind of people. So, clearly, peace at any price is NOT the goal.

16:18

Paul tells them truthfully that those types of people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own carnal desires. Those kinds of people he identifies as, deceivers; actually try to use flattering speech and lies to deceive and fool the hearts of unsuspecting and unlearned people. Thus another reason for all of us to learn God’s Word continuously. Note that anyone who teaches half-truths are teaching LIES! Beware of “popular” preachers who teach the ‘name it claim it’; and other such ‘prosperity gospel’ lies. Remember, our rewards are in Heaven, NOT here on earth!

16:19

Paul tells them that even though their honesty, loyalty and obedience are known to all, yet he wants them to be continually in God’s Word so they will be wise to what is good and righteous, and yet innocent to any evil doing. The more we learn and apply God’s Word to our lives, the more we become like Jesus. At the same time, the easier it is to avoid the evil desires of the flesh. Oh, how we should all long for those attributes!

16:20

Paul assures them, and us, that the God of Peace, Jesus, will soon crush Satan under their feet. We need to remind ourselves that evil will not prevail, Jesus is in control and He will enable Believers to prevail over the evil one. This blessing of God’s Grace from our Lord Jesus, as Messiah, is given to all who faithfully follow Him.

16:21-22

Timothy, Paul’s faithful fellow worker, also wants to be remembered to the Faithful Believers; meaning he also needed their prayers. Paul also mentions Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, Paul’s kinsmen. (22.) I, Teritius, the writer of this letter, greets you. Tertius was in all probability the scribe Paul dictated to.

16:23-24

Gaius who is the host of Paul and the entire Church, also greets the Believers in Rome. Even the city treasurer, Erastus and the brother Quartus. (24.) The Grace of our Lord Jesus, Yeshua, our Messiah, be always with you. Amen. This is Paul’s signature greeting, and blessing.

16:25-26

Now he assures them that Jesus, Yeshua, is the one establishing them according to the gospel revealed to Paul ~ that the Gentiles would be joint-heirs with the Jews ~ this secret was revealed to Paul and is being shared with both Jews and Gentiles. (26.) The prophecies revealed that all nations were to be obedient to Jesus in response to the commandment of the Everlasting God ~ obedience to the True Faith. Notice that Paul confirms that the scriptures are prophetic. Anyone who questions this Truth is denying the very Word of God!

16:27

God alone is all-wise and all-knowing and worthy of all Glory, Honor and Praise, through Jesus, Yeshua, our Messiah, the anointed One, forever. Amen, so be it. Be wise in hearing and believing popular ‘preachers/teachers’; note if they take any credit, or receive honor and praise, or glory in their ‘abilities’ to teach and share God’s Word. IF they do, beware.

These Believers knew and understood that they were all brothers in Jesus, their Messiah. They realized that their very identity as ‘followers of Jesus’ was only because of His Mercy and Grace. No one considered themselves ‘better’ than another brother. True Believers NEVER focus on themselves, only on Jesus. They had a deep sense of unity and fellowship. Their very lives were often a battle to the death. They knew that whatever rest God allowed them, was so they could continue in the Battle for Jesus. They clearly understood that they were called to the battleground. They had a deep conviction that they had to pray and work together, or they would be destroyed! We, here in America, have it so easy we are lulled into falsely thinking that there is no real danger or battle going on! Wrong! Wrong! Jesus told us, and them, that He had come to bring Truth and to triumph over evil. He told them He came not to bring peace, but the sword. Do we realize there is a fierce battle going on? It is a battle to the death. It is a battle over the minds and souls of all people, especially those who are and will become Believers! Satan is seeking to devour and destroy everyone, including all Believers. We are in a fierce and terrible spiritual war and must arm ourselves with ALL the armor of God. We must be prepared with the Word of God in our minds, hearts and souls, so we can unite with other Believers in the battle before us. This is a fierce and powerful battle for souls. Consider using the THANK YOU, LIVE FOREVER Ministry envelopes to reach lost and dying souls for Jesus. The battle is crucial, as the loss of these precious souls will be for all eternity. This battle will continue until Jesus returns to earth. Arm yourselves, continually and daily, with God’s Word and fervent heartfelt prayer, seeking His Perfect Will. Shalom!

Our Responsibility, and Privilege, as Mature Christians, is to Follow the Example of Jesus.

15:1-3

Paul reminds us, since we are the strong and mature Believers, that we should help carry the doubts and failings of others to help them grow in Christ. Building up the Body of Christ is more important than pleasing ourselves. (2.) We must consider others’ needs above our own, because we want the weak to become strong. The best for others will be what helps them to become strengthened and built up spiritually. (3.) Our example is Jesus Himself. He never gave any thought to His own needs. He fulfilled the scriptures by accepting the reproaches and abuses of others all for our benefit. Psalm 69:9; Jesus sacrificed Himself for us. IF you consider yourself a mature Believer, is this the way you act?

15:4

Everything written in the scriptures is written for our instruction and learning; that by our steadfast and patient endurance and the encouragement drawn from the Scriptures we might hold fast to, and cherish Hope. All Scripture points to Jesus. All of God’s Word is deliberately designed to give us Hope and have meaning to us today! Outside of the Word of God is no hope! Note that William H. McGuffey published the Mcguffey Reader in 1836; one of the United States’ first and most widely used series of textbooks in PUBLIC education; taking the selections used from the Sacred Scriptures. He stated that anyone who objected to filling the minds of youth with the language and spirit of the Word of God, was to be pitied.

15:5-6

Right now, today, may our God Who gives the power of patient endurance and Who supplies encouragement, grant us to live in such mutual harmony, being like-minded toward each other, all according to Jesus Christ. (6.) Together, with united hearts and as one voice, we praise and glorify our God and Father of our Lord and Messiah, Yeshua, Jesus. All the words of the Scriptures are to be read and applied to us today in every aspect of our lives.

15:7

Therefore, (that is, because of these Truths) Paul commands us to welcome and receive in our hearts, one another in love, Just as Jesus has welcomed and received us as His own, all for the glory of God. We must continually be honoring God in our lives. We see the need for unity and love to become a reality in the Body of Christ.

15:8-9

Paul tells us clearly that our Messiah, Yeshua, Jesus, became a humble servant and a minister to the Jews in order to show God’s eternal Truthfulness and honesty by confirming and verifying the promises given to the Patriarchs. AND (9.) Also so that the Gentile nations, (whenever you see ‘GENTILE’; think; that’s me!) might glorify God for His mercy to them. Psalm 18:49 is fulfilled: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles and sing praises to Your name.” Are YOU glorifying God for His mercy and grace to you?

15:10-12

Again, in the Scriptures God says “Rejoice and exult, O Gentiles, rejoice along with His own people.” Deut. 32; 43. And again it is said: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the nations praise Him.” Psalm 117:1. (12.) Even Isaiah says “There shall be a Sprout from the Root of Jesse, He Who rises shall rule over the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles hope.” Isaiah 11:1, 10: Rev. 5:5: 22:16.

Paul gives us Scripture after Scripture to show us the prophecy that God continually foretold and promised Jesus, not just for the Jew, but also coming for our Salvation and that we might be the Gentiles who would honor, praise and glorify Him. What a fantastic privilege and blessing! Exactly how are you honoring, praising and glorifying God?

15:13

Now Paul encourages us to allow our God, the God of our only True Hope to fill us with joy and peace in believing through our experience and application of our Faith, that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we would allow Him to dominate our lives, actually overflowing with Hope. We must choose to allow the Holy Spirit to continually seek ways to be in the center of God’s Will, living our lives minute by minute in obedience to Him. Notice that it is always our choice to obey the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Keep in mind that without God, we have absolutely NO HOPE!

15:14

Paul assures the True Believers that he is satisfied about their Faith, that they are all rich in goodness, amply filled with spiritual knowledge and understanding and competent to admonish and counsel and instruct one another. Paul clearly tells us that we are to learn from one another, through the Holy Spirit. Do you see, and understand, how the Body of Christ is to work and operate in Love and Faith?

15:15-16

Paul admits that he is writing boldly in reminding the Roman Believers of all these Truths because of the Grace and unmerited favor given to him by God. Keep in mind that Paul is writing to people in Rome that he has not yet met. (16.) God made Paul a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, acting in the service of the Gospel so that the sacrificial offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable to God, consecrated and made holy by the Holy Spirit.

15:17

Paul assures them that the reason he can glory and exult in his work for God, is it is through Christ Jesus (Yeshua) that he has accomplished the things of God. He is careful to give full credit to Jesus for his work. We must always give full credit to Jesus for any success we may have. He alone gives us the talents, strength, and wisdom to succeed.

15:18-19

Therefore; (again, because of the previous Truths he is sharing) Paul assures them that he would never dare to speak of any work except that which Christ Jesus has actually done through him; acknowledging that he is only an instrument in the Hand of God. All for the purpose to encourage and win obedience from the Gentiles. (19.) All the mighty signs and wonders have been by the power of the Holy Spirit. The result of these signs and wonders is seen from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum. The signs and wonders serve to authenticate the Truth of the Gospel. Paul assured them that he had faithfully accomplished and carried out the Truth of the Good News of Jesus, Yeshua, the Messiah.

15:20-22

Paul says his goal and ambition has been to preach the Gospel, not where Jesus’ name is already well known; not wanting to usurp another man’s work; (21.) But instead, he would act on the principle as it is written: “They shall see who have never been told of Him and they shall understand who have never heard of Him.” Isaiah 52:15. Paul knew he was to teach and preach to Gentiles who had never heard of Jesus. (22.) This very ambition is the reason why he had been so frequently been hindered from coming to visit them. Paul clearly understood that the evil one was doing everything possible to stop him from teaching the Truth of the Gospel. If you have ever experienced an unseen enemy trying to hinder your efforts to share the Gospel, you can understand Paul’s situation.

15:23-24

Paul now believes that he has no further opportunity for work in these regions and since he has longed for years to come to them, he hopes to see them in passing through Rome as he goes on his intended trip to Spain. He shares his hope that they will aid him on his journey after he has spent some time with them, enjoying their company for a little while. Paul clearly lays out his plans to come and visit them and fellowship with them, and no doubt teach them, on his way to Spain.

15:25-27

But, Now Paul tells them he must first go on to Jerusalem to minister, that is to bring aid, to the Believers. (26.) Paul lets them know that the Believers in Macedonia and Achaia had made contributions for the poor in Jerusalem. (27.) Paul shares that they were pleased and honored to contribute to the poor in Jerusalem, saying they are in debt to them, because they, the Gentiles, have come to share in the Jew’s spiritual blessing; thus they want to be of service to them in giving them material blessings. That is also our calling; we who have been blessed with great spiritual blessings, are to share with the poor, the least of men, our material blessings, AND at the same time, share the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus, as Lord, God and Savior. See Matthew 25: 31-46; consider the THANK YOU, LIVE FOREVER Ministry.

15:28-29

THEREFORE, Once again Paul tells them that when he has completed this mission and delivered the aide to those in Jerusalem, then he would come to see them on his way to Spain. He clearly reiterates his travel plans to come to see them. (29.) Paul is very confident that when he comes to them, he will come in the abundant blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

15:30-32

Now Paul fervently appeals to them, as brothers in Christ Jesus, and for the glory and honor of Jesus, all by the love given by the Holy Spirit, to unite with him in earnest striving prayers to God on his behalf. Paul urges them to pray diligently that he would be delivered and rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that his mission of relief to Jerusalem may be acceptable and graciously received by the saints. Notice that Paul knows that it is only by God’s will that he would be able to come to them with joy, and a happy heart, and be refreshed by the time of rest with them. Obviously, Paul is quite aware of those who would want him killed, and are plotting against him. Notice this one time that Paul fervently asks for diligent prayer; meaning he needs unceasing, fervent, heart-felt prayer on his behalf. When someone asks you for prayer; do you pray with a fervent, diligent heart; or just a ‘quickie’ prayer?

15:33

Paul ends his appeal for prayers with a blessing for them: May our God of peace be with you all. Amen, (so be it). When we ask for prayer, do we give a blessing to those who pray for us? We should.

This chapter is a powerful reminder to us of the importance, need and power of God’s Word and of prayer. We are to share God’s Word and support one another CONTINUALLY in fervent, diligent, heart-felt, loving, caring prayers.

Our Responsibilities as Mature Christians; to Love & Encourage All Believers

14:1

We are to welcome all Believers into our Fellowship. If the Believer is new, or weak, or just ignorant of God’s Word, we are not to criticize him or judge him or confuse or frustrate him.

14:2-4

The mature Believer understands and knows that laws pertaining to food, etc. are no longer in effect. (3.) Yet the weaker Believer still thinks he is in bondage to rules and laws. (4.) Never judge or criticize a person who lives by certain rules and laws pertaining to eating and drinking. Self-righteous pride is a sin. Never judge or criticize another member of someone’s family. The Master of all, the Lord Himself, knows the intent of his heart and is the One who will lead him to Truth.

14:5

Some Believers honor certain holidays, holy days, Sabbaths, etc. Others believe all days are holy and sacred to God. Remember that the Sabbath was identified in Creation week. God made it a special day of rest. Mark 2:27, Jesus says the Sabbath was made for man. The law was a yoke of bondage, see Galatians 3:2, and Christians have been set free. It is honoring to God to celebrate the Sabbath, but no one should feel obligated to observe it in some way.

14:6

Those who choose to honor the Sabbath for God’s Glory should never demand that others do the same. Those who eat and drink, thanking God, do so in honor of the Lord. Yet the person who fasts also does so to honor the Lord. We must never criticize the way that others chose to honor God. See Colossians 2: 16-17. Regarding resting on the Sabbath, see Hebrews 4. Note that also in the end times the worship of Jesus will occur from one New Moon to another New Moon and from one Sabbath to another Sabbath… see Isaiah 66: 22 -23. Evidently, the Sabbath is important to God and worship will be required on the Sabbath. Perhaps it is so that man will always honor God and His creation and establishment of the day of rest.

14:7-9

No true Believer can live only for himself but must serve and honor God. Our thoughts, words, and deeds are all to honor God. Even our very death is to honor God. (8.) So if we live, we are to honor God, and even when we die, we are honoring God. (9.) Jesus died, His earthly body died; and He rose again, with a new living body. Jesus is Lord of both the living and the dead.

14:10

We are never to criticize or judge others; that is not our place or right. Only Jesus is to judge, and we will all stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ to be judged for our thoughts and behavior. This is the Judgement that will try our works; either to be refined like gold, silver and gems, or to be burned up as wood, hay and stubble. This is where our rewards will be revealed by fire ~ God’s perfect judgment.

14:11

Jesus tells us clearly that everyone shall bow their knee to Him, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. All will acknowledge Jesus is God. Remember, even the demons acknowledge Jesus is the Holy One, yet they are not saved!

14:12-13

Every single person who has ever lived must give an account of his life on earth and all his thoughts and actions only to Jesus. Jesus will rightly judge us and reward those who have been obedient and faithful to His Word. See 1 Corinthians 3: 8-15. All of us can work toward improving our Rewards. See Philippians 2. We must be willing to sacrifice ourselves and suffer the loss for others. (13.) Therefore; or so then, stop criticizing and blaming one another, instead resolve to never discourage or hinder another Believer in his walk with God. If our actions cause another, weaker, Believer to stumble and fall, we will also be the loser.

14:14-15

Paul says he is absolutely convinced that nothing is forbidden or unholy to God. Yet for a weaker Believer who thinks something is wrong, for him it is wrong. If a weaker Believer is pained or hurt by what we eat or drink, then we are not walking in love by causing that person to be offended. We do not want to harm the tender conscience of a weaker Believer by doing something he believes is wrong.

14:16-17

Even though we know something is acceptable to God, we should avoid it if it causes others to be offended. This is to act and live in true love. Even Paul disciplined himself so he would not be a castaway~lose his reward; Paul was concerned about losing his inheritance. See 1 Corinthian 9: 26 – 27. (17.) The Kingdom of God is not a matter of allowing us the privilege of all the food and drink we like; but rather living in righteousness, peace and joy through the Holy Spirit, before God.

14:18-19

Those who make these types of sacrifices are pleasing to God and approved by men.
So then, let us eagerly pursue whatever brings harmony and mutual edification and development of one another. Whatever is needed to help us grow in the Lord.

14:20-21

All foods are acceptable to God, yet it is wrong to eat something in front of another that offends him. The right thing to do is to avoid enjoying whatever it is one likes IF that sacrifice will help a weaker Believer. This action is joining in the suffering of Christ.

14:22

Keep your personal beliefs secret between you and God; develop your own personal relationship with God. Yet never insist that others develop their relationship with God the same way you do. Blessed is the person who has no reason to judge himself for what he believes.

14:23

Remember the person who has doubts and an uneasy conscience about eating something and then eats it because of you, stands condemned before God. Why? Because he was not true to his own convictions and did not act out of True Faith. Whatever is done outside of Faith is a sin. When in doubt ~ Don’t. James 4:17.

 

Summary: Avoid criticizing any Believer. We cannot know their circumstances nor their personal relationship with Jesus. Be willing to sacrifice ourselves to help a weaker Believer grow in the Lord. Be gentle and loving in sharing the Truth of God’s Word. God’s Word, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will sanctify all True Believers. Pray for and encourage one another.

Our Responsibilities to Government; and those who rule us.

As True Believers, we are dual Citizens; both of Heaven and Earth. We have God-given Responsibilities to govern and rule the earth, as well as obey God. There is no conflict. Keep these basic Truths in mind as we read and study this chapter.

13:1-2

God has given us free will. Only with free will can we love and worship God. Along with our free will comes responsibility. We are accountable to God for everything we do; we cannot blame the government or anyone else for our actions. Our Governmental Authority comes from our Constitution, which is based on True Godly values. Rulers who ignore, or subvert, our Constitution, do not have authority over us. We are privileged to have a form of Government, of the people, by the people, for the people, based upon a Constitutional Republic. A one-world government leads to a satanic government. Satan uses socialism to attack all four areas God gave us: our basic freedom to worship God, our free will; marriage and intimacy; our God-ordained right and responsibility to raise godly children; and family as the basis for society. (2.) Anyone who resists the authority of our Constitution brings judgment upon themselves. Keep in mind as this is true for us as well as our elected rulers.

13:3

Our rulers are to NOT be against good works, but against evil. We should not have to fear godly rulers, as they will honor those who do good. They are also to punish evildoers. God ordained that murderers be put to death; and evil men be stoned. There were no jails in Israel, as evil men were dealt with immediately. God said that to allow murderers to continue to live polluted the land. Is our country polluted with murderers? How many babies have been murdered by those who use a ‘law’ contrary to God: Roe vs. Wade?
The number of known killers, in America, outnumber ALL our teachers, judges, and police force! That fact should send a chill up your spine. Not using capital punishment, is to fight against the very Word of God.

13:4

Those who rule are to be God’s representative to us for good. They are also ordained by God, to execute wrath on those who do evil. Rulers have God’s authority to execute evil-doers by the sword; to execute and punish those who do evil. Yet, if Rulers do NOT do as they are ordained, we are to challenge them. John the Baptist challenged the King who did evil. Remember, corrupt rulers bring corrupt government. Yet Jesus said no one was greater than John. We must remove corrupt rulers.

13:5

We must be obedient to godly rulers not just because we fear wrath (punishment), but because our very conscience requires it. We honor God by honoring godly government. (See Acts 4:13-19)

13:6-7

We are to pay reasonable taxes to pay for God’s ministers that serve us. (7.) We are to pay taxes for things that are related to the duties of the government. We are to honor and support godly rulers. IF we have rulers who dishonor the Rule of Law, then we are not obligated to support them. They are subverting our government. Obviously, we cannot just refuse to pay taxes that fund abortion and other evil practices, because we can be put in jail; but we must do whatever we can to change those evil practices that violate our Rule of Law, which is our Constitution. We, as Americans, are in a unique position. We are responsible for our rulers; they work for us (or are supposed to!) If our rulers get out of control and do evil, we must rise up and challenge the evil they do. That is the very method that was used in the beginning to found our country and Constitution! Consider joining an organization that is working to reclaim America for God. Again, we suggest ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM. This is probably one of the most effective ways you can do your part to overcome evil in our country.

13:8-10

Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another. This means we are not to have special interests controlling our rulers. We know them as “Lobbyists”. We are obligated to love one another. Thus all government should do what is right and good. By doing this, loving others; we are obeying God. Jesus commanded us to love one another. (9.) All the commandments that pertain to our relationship with others, is summed up in the command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Notice what is addressed: Adultery, immorality, murder, stealing, lying, greed and coveting. (10.) True love never harms anyone; therefore True Love fulfills God’s command ~ the law.

13:11

So how do we do this? We must shake ourselves out of apathy and become fervent about obeying God’s Word. Our complete Sanctification is closer to completion than when we first became Believers. Remember, that Justification was becoming a Believer, declared righteous before God. Sanctification is our growing in the power of being free of sin, we now have power to say NO to sin. The final part of our Salvation is our Glorification, which comes upon completion of Sanctification; which happens when we pass from this earthly life into Heavenly life. When do you actually receive Eternal life? Right Now! You already have it, IF you are a True Believer.

13:12

The evil ways of our past are gone, and the more we embrace Truth, the clearer we see our godly Glorification ahead of us, coming nearer and nearer. Our lives here on earth may be more than half over; we must strive as never before to utilize the Truth of the Word of God to equip ourselves to continue to become Sanctified. See Ephesians 6 for the Armor of God.

13:13

Chose to walk with the Holy Spirit. Live and walk in the Light. Jesus is the Light; live as though Jesus is standing next to you, watching everything you do, say and even think. He knows what you think BEFORE you even form your thoughts!

13:14

Chose to have your will follow the Holy Spirit. Then you will ‘put on Jesus’ by making His Will, your will. Then you will know you are living a life of continuous worship. True worship honors Jesus in everything you do, think and say. Don’t give your flesh an opportunity to sin, take your thoughts captive. Sin is the result of improper thinking, so your thoughts are the source of your sins. The Battlefield is in your mind!

Most great governments only last approximately 200 years and follow this pattern: People are in BONDAGE and seek God; then people go to great FAITH; then to COURAGE; which when used, brings them to LIBERTY and Freedom; Liberty then allows them to reach ABUNDANCE; too much abundance brings COMPLACENCY; people then become ignorant, and this becomes APATHY; then they become DEPENDANT; which leads them back into BONDAGE. So, where is America on this cycle? Too many people say, “I don’t know and I don’t care.”

Some years ago Joe Wright was asked to open the Kansas State Legislature with prayer. This is the prayer he gave, a True Invocation:

“Heavenly Father we come before you today and ask Your forgiveness and seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says “woe on those who call evil good” but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute Truth of Your Word and called it pluralism. We have worshiped other gods and called it multiculturalism. We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it “choice”. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it political savvy. We have coveted our neighbors’ possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us O God and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent to direct us to the center of your Will. I ask this in the name of your Son, the Living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen”

Why not pray God’s very Word into your life and your land; for your house and place; for your family’s life, and the life of your Country, that God’s name, eyes, and heart maybe there forever?

God speaks to us in 2 Chronicles 7: 14-16 ~

14. If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 15. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. 16. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.

Living out God’s Grace and Love

We are Given the Gifts of God’s Grace and Love. We are to respond by living out our lives in Faith and obedience. We are being Sanctified, day by day. God guarantees that we will be Glorified. Whatever we learn of God’s Word and apply to our lives literally transforms us into the person we are meant to be. Our journey with God, becoming like Jesus, is just beginning. We will continue to learn and be transformed in Heaven. Now Paul says in effect, ‘now that we know all this’, meaning know and understand, the Truth of the past 11 Chapters.

12:1

Paul begs us to present our bodies, by the mercies of God, as a Living Sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Our souls are designed to be God’s Temple. We are to become one with our Lord and Savior. Our obedient lifestyles then become true worship of God. This is the rational and intelligent thing to do with our lives. Does this make sense to you? This means our goals, our attitudes, our efforts and emotions, literally EVERYTHING about us is to be dedicated and focused on Jesus and His Kingdom. Remember, we actually become more and more like Jesus as we worship Him in the way we live out our lives.

12:2

Paul warns us to avoid being influenced by the world and being fooled by superficial lifestyles. Instead, we are to be continually transformed, metamorphosed ~ into the children of the Living God. How? By the renewing of our minds; that is, our minds must absorb God’s Word and transform our very thought processes; our very attitudes are so changed that the Holy Spirit is our guide. Our very identity, our souls, must belong to God. We think, believe, and feel according to God’s Truth of His Word. How? The renewing of our minds is the Holy Spirit joining with our spirit as we invite the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, inspire and lead us. We choose to say yes, yes, yes, Lord! The Result? We prove it by our wills conforming to the good and acceptable Will of God. We must take ‘captive’ all our thoughts so even our thoughts, will be pleasing to our Lord and Savior. Remember, the battlefield for your soul is in your mind, your thinking.

12:3

Paul warns us to humble ourselves, and recognize we are nothing and Jesus Christ is everything. Jesus has given us His Mercy, a free gift; His Grace, a free gift; He has given us our Faith, a free gift; we rely completely on Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot win the battle against the evil influences of the world without recognizing that it is a spiritual battle that we fight. We are on the enemy’s turf; we live in a wicked world run by Satan. We must know the Truth of the Word of God in our hearts and mind, or we will be tricked into sin.

Please carefully review Ephesians 6 to remind ourselves that the battle is continuous and we must take advantage of the most advanced weapons technology in the Universe. Our warfare is Spiritual. It may seem that the enemy is physical, but in reality, the enemy is spiritual. So we must know the Truth; without Truth, nothing else will be of value. Then, and only then, can we put on the whole armor of God, before the battle begins.

12:4-5

As Believers, we are part of the supernatural Body of Jesus Christ. Yet each of us are unique. We all have different talents, qualities and abilities. God has a special plan of using your gifts to Glorify Himself through the Body of Christ. We are separate, yet we are joined together Supernaturally by the Holy Spirit. This means our gifts and talents are to be used for the greater benefit of other Believers; not just for our own benefit. In this way, you and I can help build up the Body of Christ, the REAL Church, as true and faithful followers of Jesus.

12:6

Each of our Gifts differ according to the Grace God has given us; we are to seek the highest, and very best use of those gifts to build the Body of Christ, thereby Glorifying, Honoring and Praising God! Note that Prophecy is communicating God’s Word Truthfully.

12:7-8

Then Paul outlines some additional Gifts to help us understand the practicality of our use of those gifts. Practical service, be a servant; Teacher, by teaching others carefully and with total honesty. (8.) Exhortation, be an encourager to do good; Giver, give generously and graciously to those in need; Merciful, be kind, caring and forgiving. Leaders, be diligent and make certain all is done correctly, according to His Will. Whatever gift God has given you, share it with cheerfulness, always doing your very best, with joyful eagerness. We are stewards of God’s Gifts, Remember, He will hold us accountable for how we use them!

12:9-10

Be completely honest in your love. Be sincere with no hypocrisy. Hate and avoid evil, in such a way that we turn in horror from ALL wickedness and evil! Cling to goodness as if your life depended on it ~ and believe me, it does! (10.) Give honor to others, respecting them, being gracious and kind. Look to examples Jesus set for us: He loved and forgave those who crucified Him. We must forgive those who do us harm; yet do not allow them to continue to abuse us.

12:11

Never be lazy. Do you realize that Procrastination and laziness go hand in hand? Be diligent, hardworking, dedicated, persevering, earnest, burning with a fervent intense desire to seek and serve your Savior and Lord Jesus. Work as if Jesus is standing right there watching you, because He is! Think of it this way: If Jesus asked you to come along with Him and be part of His Kingdom plans, would you join Him, or lag behind? Remember, you ARE part of His Kingdom plans!

12:12

Rejoice in hope; be steadfast and patient in sufferings and tribulations and persecutions; then be constantly in prayer. Be serious about studying and applying God’s Word daily. Think of God’s word as truly ‘your daily bread’. You would never forget to eat, so don’t neglect to ingest God’s Word into your soul and spirit daily. Jesus said, “man does not live by bread alone” The bread that came down from Heaven is Jesus, the Word, take and eat of the Word generously, every single day!

12:13

Contribute generously and graciously and often to the needs of His people. Be hospitable, gracious, kind and loving; being willing to share what you have with others for the best interests of Believers. Fellowship with Believers on a regular basis. This is one of the very best ways to strengthen your walk with Jesus! What you REALLY BELIEVE is shown by the company you choose to associate with. How are you doing? When you give to the poor you actually lend (give) to God ~ now that’s the best One to trust with your treasures! Prov. 19:17; Matthew 25:31-46.

12:14

Now it gets really difficult! Paul says we are to bless those who persecute us, do not curse them, bless them. We think, ‘are you kidding me?’ Yet, Jesus said “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing!” Could it be that those who persecute us, and attack us, have no clue what they are really doing? Remember, the lost are held captive by Satan.

12:15

Rejoice and be happy with those who rejoice, and share in their joy. Be happy for those who have been blessed and are joyful. If you are not joyful, could it be that you are jealous? Come on, be honest with yourself in this area. Weep and grieve with those who are in sorrow and grief. We share and empathize with those who are suffering. Seek to be kind and tenderhearted.

12:16

Live in peace and harmony with other Believers. Never be haughty, snobbish or exclusive. Be willing to adjust your attitude and actions to perform humble tasks, and serve others. Never overestimate yourself, avoid being conceited and thinking you are better than anyone else. (Proverbs 3:7)

12:17

Never get even. Don’t even think about it! Do no evil to those who do evil to you. Be completely honest and ethical; be self-disciplined in the sight of all men. Be above reproach so your very life will Glorify God. Honesty is NOT the best policy, it is the ONLY policy!

12:18-19

Do everything to live at peace with others. You must do your part, even if they fail to do their part. Be a peacemaker without compromising Godly values. (19.) Never avenge yourself. Let God perform His wrath, in His time. Trust Him. He says “Vengeance is Mine” He knows the best way to deal with vicious, hateful people. Trust God in this area. You will only mess up His plans by trying to do it ‘your way’.

12:20

Paul tells us that if our enemy is hungry and in need, we are to be kind and provide food and drink. By doing this we will heap burning coals upon his head. Prov. 25:21, 22. Perhaps God will use our kindness to convict the sinner of his sins, and cause repentance.

12:21

Never let yourself be overcome by evil; instead, overcome evil with good. Trust God, He will bring about good, even from the evil others do to you. Remember Joseph, in the Book of Genesis?, God saved an entire Nation because Joseph gave good for evil continuously, for years and years, even when he was imprisoned and saw no positive results. Why? Because Joseph truly believed God and knew God loved him and had the very best plan for his life.

 

So, IF you REALLY and TRULY want to be obedient to God, and receive His continuous love; and knowing and understanding that this is the ONLY way you can be truly successful; why not review all of these commands? These commands from God are for your best interests; not just here on Earth, but for all Eternity! Write down those that are difficult for you, realizing that these are NOT suggestions from God, they are all COMMANDS! Keep in mind your desire to be perfect! Shalom!

Israel’s Future ~ God’s Sovereignty

God’s future plans focus on Israel! God’s entire plan for the earth will be implemented when Jesus comes back to rule the earth for 1,000 years!

11:1-2

Paul asked the question his readers might now ask: Has God now rejected Israel? He assures us absolutely not! He reminds us that he himself is an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin, a descendant of Abraham. (2.) God has not rejected His people He had foreknown from before time began. God’s Sovereignty is once again shown. This Truth is ignored by those who claim the Church replaces Israel; that is a false and dangerous belief. Many refer to this as Replacement Theology. This information is given so that you can be discerning.

11:3-6

Elijah had pled with God, believing he was the last True Jew faithfully obeying God. (4.) Yet God assured Elijah that there were 7,000 faithful Jews who had not bowed down to Baal. (5.) Even as it was then, so it is today, there is always a remnant of True Faithful believers; this remnant are those who accept God’s Mercy and Grace and appropriate it to their lives. (6.) It is always Grace, never works, that bring us to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. If our salvation depended on us it would not be Grace! We should be eternally thankful that our salvation does not depend on us; because we would fail!

11:7-8

We learn that the ‘chosen’ are those who respond in obedient Faith to God’s Truth. Notice that our Faith is determined by our Obedience. Faith and Obedience go hand in hand. If we are not obedient, we are not exercising our Faith. Anyone who does not respond in Faith is allowing themselves to be blinded! Blinded by whom? The evil one, Satan. (8.) The Scripture foretold that the unbelievers would have a spirit, or attitude, of stupor. Even though they have eyes and ears, they would not be able to see, or understand, or hear, and comprehend. This ‘blindness’ has continued down to our day. The Jews are blinded to the truth that Jesus is their Messiah!

11:9-10

King David foretold that the feasting would become a trap and a just retribution coming back upon them. Their eyes would be blinded to the Truth, and they would suffer under their burdens because of their inability to see the Truth. Truth matters! Remember, anything not of the Truth, is a LIE! Living outside of the Truth, is living outside of Reality. The Truth is this: NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER, EXCEPT THROUGH JESUS! The father of lies is Satan; as he does not want those who are lost and dying to see and accept the Truth of Jesus as Lord, God and Savior. Do you have a heart for the lost? Do you seek to share the Truth with those who are dying? You should! Think about it, others, including Paul, had a heart for YOUR Salvation; otherwise you and I would still be lost and dying, doomed to hell.

11:11-12

Although Jews have stumbled over the Rock of Jesus, they will not all fall. Through their stumbling, we, the Gentiles have become believers. This, in turn, is meant to make the Jews jealous, to see what they have lost. (12.) So this falling away of the Jews has had the blessed result of bringing the riches of the gospel of salvation to the Gentiles. Think how much richer we will all be when the Jews are brought to the Truth and reinstated!

11:13-15

Now Paul specifically states that he is speaking directly to us Gentiles; acknowledging that God had sent him to be an apostle to the Gentiles. (14.) He, Paul, still hopes to stir up some of the Jews to recognize what they have lost and encourage them to seek their Messiah and yet be saved. (15.) Since the Jew’s rejection of Jesus has allowed the World to be reconciled to God; how much more of a blessing will it be when they accept Jesus as Messiah; It will be like returning from the dead. Remember, Jesus did NOT come to make bad men good; He came to make DEAD MEN ALIVE!

11:16-17

The First Fruits are holy ~ Jesus is the First Fruit~ then the entire nation of Israel will be made holy; this will occur only when they accept Jesus. The root of Abraham is consecrated; true Biblical Judaism; and those branches that are broken off are the unholy (non-fruit bearing) branches. As they are cut off, the ones that are grafted onto the root are also considered holy. Those grafted in are the True Faithful, obedient believers, who produce Eternal fruit. So we are grafted into the root of True Biblical Judaism. Christians are True Biblical Believers, who accept Jesus as their Messiah; Savior and Lord.

11:18-20

So, you who are grafted into the root may not brag; remember, you did not save yourself, it is the ‘root of God’, Jesus, who supports you, you do not support yourself. (19. – 20.) There is no arrogance or bragging allowed, as the Jews were cut off because of their unbelief. You are grafted into Christ Jesus because you do believe. Yet, that Faith to believe is a gift of God. So True believers must remain humble and stand in awe of what God has done for them.

11:21-23

Remember if God did not spare His Chosen People, and cut them off because of unbelief; He could also cut off you for the same reason. (22.) Therefore, you who have received God’s gracious kindness, must show appreciation and continue in His Grace and abide in Him, by your Faithful obedience; otherwise, you will be severely pruned. (23.) Even the fallen branches, the Jews, if they chose to believe; God has the power to graft them back into the Root ~ the Body of Christ. We see this very thing happening in our day; Messianic Jews becoming part of the Body of Christ! How exciting, pray for all Jews to accept their Messiah, Yeshua!

11:24

Think about it, if you, who were from the ‘wild Gentiles’, can be grafted into the True Olive Tree, how much easier will it be for God to graft the natural Jews back into their own Olive Tree. The Olive Tree represents True Biblical Judaism, and those who become part of the True Root, Jesus, or Yeshua, in Hebrew; are the true Believers.

11:25

Since I do not want you to be wise in your own conceit; I tell you a hidden Truth and Mystery: The hardening and insensibility of Israel has temporarily befallen a part of the Jews until the full number of the ingathering of the Gentiles has been completed; ~ This means there is a specific number of Gentile Believers who must be saved ~ There are many other scriptures that allude to this Mystery of the “Fullness of the Gentiles” Notice that this is not the same as the TIME of the Gentiles. The Fullness refers to the Gentiles who are the Body of Christ, His Church. Once this Fullness is completed; according to scriptures, then the Rapture occurs!

11:26-27

And then all Israel will be saved. The Deliverer will come from Zion and He ~Yeshua -Jesus~ will remove all ungodliness from the Jews. Most believe that this will happen at the end of the 3 ½ year Tribulation period. Remember, the first 3 ½ years are a time of false peace, then the antichrist demands worship and then the worst and final Tribulation occurs. That horrible Tribulation will take the lives of 2 of every 3 Jews on the earth. The Holocaust took 1 of every 3 Jews on earth. The final Tribulation will be so horrible millions and millions of people will perish. Note the second portion of Isaiah 61:2 “…and the day of vengeance of Our God, to comfort all who mourn.” Do we realize that God will take VENGEANCE on evil unbelievers? Lots of scriptures point to this time: Isaiah 59:20-21; Zechariah 13; 1, 6, 8-9; 14:1-14, Jeremiah 31:33-34, Revelation and others. (27.) This will be My Covenant Agreement with them when I take away their sins. Note that Jews MUST accept Yeshua, (Jesus) as their Messiah for the forgiveness of their sins.

11:28

From the point of view of the Gospel, The Jews, at present, are enemies of God; which is for your ~ you Gentile Believers~ advantage and benefit. But from God’s point of view, they, the Jews are still the beloved chosen people and are dear to Him for the sake of their forefathers. God has promised that the Jews would always be His chosen people, despite their unbelief. Thus He will bring them into His Kingdom. This will be His earthly Kingdom, known as the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven. This Kingdom will be the Millennial Kingdom on earth.

11:29

God’s promise to the Jews is irrevocable. God never withdraws His promises once they are given, and God does not ‘change His mind’ about those to whom He gives His Grace, or to whom He sends His call. Knowing this Eternal Truth, we need to look at the Mysteries involved in His Promises:

1. The Kingdom of God: This is Everything God has created ~ the entire Universe.
2. The Kingdom of Heaven: This is the earthly Kingdom, to be fulfilled during the millennium. When we pray “Thy Kingdom Come” It is the earthly Kingdom Jesus will rule that we are praying for.
3. The Incarnation of God ~ Jesus, becoming fully human, and yet remaining fully God.
4. The Blindness of Israel ~ this is temporary and will be removed when they cry out and acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah and Lord. (Tribulation period)
5. Salvation by Faith alone. No works matter, or are allowed!
6. Gentiles to be fellow heirs with Christ! The Holy Spirit actually indwells us; Sanctification makes us fellow Heirs with Jesus. (Our Faith based works count for this)
7. Mystery of the Seven Churches ~ Revelation; there are four levels of meaning to this Truth: Historically; Prophecy of future of all churches; reflects type of church; reflects our hearts.
8. Mystery of the Rapture of the Body of Christ, known as the Church.
9. Mystery of the Bride of Christ ~ called from the Body of Christ ~ these are the faithful Overcomers.
10. Mystery of Iniquity; wickedness gets worse and worse, unbelievable horror.
11. Mystery Babylon; woman who rides the Beast.
12. Mystery of the Consummation ~ All True Believers will all be gathered together in unison with Christ. This gathering together is so Jesus may present us to His Father!

11:30-32

We, as Believers, were once disobedient and rebellious toward God, but now have obtained God’s Mercy and Grace through, or because of, their disobedience. Even so, they are disobedient, so that one day they may turn to the same mercy we are enjoying, and receive Mercy and Grace; and share that same Mercy and Grace through us, as the messengers of the Gospel. (32.) God has allowed all of us the freedom to be disobedient, so that He may have mercy on us all.

11:33-35

God’s ways are beyond what we can possibly ever understand or comprehend. Paul simply tells us that the depth of the riches, wisdom and knowledge of God are unfathomable and unsearchable. His judgments and decisions are beyond our capability to discern. His methods and eternal plans are mysterious and undiscoverable. (34.) These quotations from Isaiah 40:13; Jeremiah 23:18, are to remind us that we cannot ever know the mind of the Lord, nor ever tell Him what to do; that is, to be His counselor. Ever try to tell God what you want done? (35.) What have you FIRST given God, before He gave you life and existence? That’s right, absolutely NOTHING! We have given God nothing that He hasn’t already given us!

11:36

EVERYTHING in all the universe, both physical and spiritual, were created by God for His Eternal Glory. This is so difficult to grasp because we are finite and operate in time within the physical realm and God is infinite, outside of time and is spiritual. That alone should humble us and cause us to Trust Him no matter what. God’s Truth is Eternal; and His Word never fails. Our reward for being diligent and searching His Word; is we now know how to obey Him; and in obeying Him, we become like Jesus! Notice the progression. The Truth is this: we become like the one we Worship; True Worship means we obey Him. Sanctification is God’s Grace transforming us, day by day, to become the person Jesus meant us to become. So, in order to truly Worship God, we must obey Him! Those who ‘claim’ to worship God on Sunday, or any other time, yet do NOT OBEY HIM, are blaspheming God! God tells us that we think we are honoring God with our words, (and singing), yet our hearts are far from Him, and He HATES IT! See Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:7-9, Luke 16:15, Acts 1:24, etc. As we become the unique person God meant us to be, through obedience, we Glorify, Honor and Praise God! This is TRUE WORSHIP! If these Truths don’t excite you, you need to prayerfully read it again and study and pray to understand what God is revealing to you! Alleluia, Praise God!

Everything God does, and allows, in your life is designed and meant to bring you closer to Him. That closeness, or oneness, it meant to transform you into the perfect person you were meant to be! That’s correct; God meant you to become a perfect person; in the image and likeness of His Beloved Son, Yeshua ~ Jesus! So, secretly, would you like to be perfect? Be honest, we all would! So, Your perfect identity, and future; as well as Israel’s, is promised by the very Word of God!

Israel’s Rejection; God’s Sovereignty

Paul passionately pleads with Jews of his present time, and down through history, to Jews of our time; regarding God’s repeated promises and warnings and prophecies regarding the Jew’s refusal to recognize their Messiah. Christ and Messiah essentially mean the same. Jesus Christ means Jesus the Messiah! Paul knows the Jews are the Chosen People, yet most reject their opportunity to be God’s Elect. Chapter 10 deals with Israel’s present rejection of their Messiah. We are part of this history spanning over 2,000 years! The Jews’ fierce insistence on their laws and traditions over the mercy and grace of God is truly amazing. We are reminded of the famous movie Fiddler On The Roof, and can hear the echo of TRADITION! The worst enemy of Truth is to think you already have it and ignore all the evidence to the contrary. Ignorance CAN be fixed, but only if one opens their heart and mind to God’s Truth! Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the opening of the eyes of Jews to recognize their Messiah, and ours, Yeshua!
See Math. 23: 37-39 Jesus tells us the Purpose and Tragedy of all History: Israel being given a Messiah and then rejecting their Messiah! The Good news: Jesus is coming again. God has a future plan for Israel! The future plan will be fully implemented when Jesus comes back to rule the earth, and we will be included!

10:1-2

Paul expresses his deep passionate desire for Israel to be saved. (2.) Paul gives witness that Jews are enthusiastic for God, just as he was as a pharisee. Yet he admits he was wrongly zealous against the Christians. So it is with the Jews of the present time, many are zealous, yet are ignorant of the Truth.

10:3-4

Jews fail to understand that God’s righteousness is the only true righteousness that is acceptable to Him. Jews think they can establish their own righteousness to earn salvation ~ We know this is utterly impossible! (4.) Jesus the Messiah is the goal and end result of the law. All true law always points to Jesus. The very purpose of the law shows us we are sinners, and our need to repent and accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Only in seeking Jesus can we attain a right relationship with our Creator God! (See Galatians 3: 17-29.)

10:5-7

Moses quotes from Leviticus and Deut. That only a man who can follow God’s entire law PERFECTLY is righteous. (6.) But those who rely on Faith from God, to impute God’s righteousness to them, and thereby bringing them to a right relationship with Him; do not attempt to bring Jesus down to our level, nor would we want to! ~ Note that Faith is a choice issue. We choose to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit and humbly admit we are sinners and cannot save ourselves. We all NEED Jesus. Yet much of society wants to determine their own description of who Jesus is; ultimately denying that He is our Creator, God and Savior. (7.) Again Paul quotes Deut. 30: 12 & 13. Who can claim to bring ourselves back from the dead? Do you think no one would be that foolish? What about those who believe in reincarnation? ‘Oh, I’ve lived many lives. Isn’t that claiming to be coming back from the dead? What foolishness. The Bible clearly says it is appointed for a man to die physically only once. See Gen. 21: 9-12.

10:8-10

So what does God’s Word really say? God’s message in Christ is near you, on your lips and in your heart. It is the Message, Word of God, based on Faith that we teach. (9.) IF you really believe in Faith; then acknowledge and confess with your voice and heart that Jesus is Lord, and rely on God’s Truth that God raised Jesus from the Dead, then you will be saved. (10.) With the heart, not your intellectual mind, a person believes, trusts and relies on Jesus, and so is justified; righteous and acceptable to God; AND he confesses and speaks his salvation.

10:11-13

The Scriptures say that no man who believes in Him and trusts in Him will ever be put to shame or be disappointed. Notice Paul quotes from Psalm 34, Isaiah and Jeremiah to convince the Jews that the Old Testament spoke frequently and clearly about the Messiah and how man could be declared righteous. Remember, being declared righteous is NOT the same as becoming righteous through the process of Sanctification. (12.) The same Lord and God is Lord over all of us. There is no distinction between Jew and Greek. God generously bestows His riches upon everyone who calls upon Him with True Faith. (13.) Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord, accepting Him as their Lord and Messiah, will be saved. What a great promise! Joel 2:32.

10:14-15

How can people call upon Him when they have no Faith, have not believed and do not trust God? Simple, they can’t! How can they even know, if there is no one to preach the Truth?

(15.) How can a man preach unless he is sent. Isaiah says How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings! How welcome is the one who preaches the good news of salvation? Isaiah 52:7. Is Jesus calling you to share the Truth of Salvation with someone? Be open and willing to be sent by God to those that are lost and dying!

10:16

BUT, They have DISOBEYED and IGNORED the Truth of the Gospel. Even worse, more than just ignoring the Truth, most oppose the Gospel and seek to harm those who bring the Truth of God’s Word to them. Jesus warned us that we would be persecuted when we spoke in His name. How true that has been throughout history! Keep in mind the hundreds of thousands of Believers who are being persecuted and killed TODAY, because of their faith in Jesus.

10:17-18

So Faith comes by hearing, and what is heard comes by the preaching of the Messiah. (18.) Paul continues to quote the Scriptures by stating that their ‘voice’; the heavens and nature bearing God’s message, has gone out to all the earth. (See Psalm 119:1-4; The heavens declare the glory of God; and the earth shows His handiwork…) Thus the Jews have heard the Truth.

10:19-20

Did the Jews not understand? Paul insists that they have been warned repeatedly by Moses. Moses told the Jews that God would make them jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation, He would make them angry. (20.) Then Paul says Isaiah says God has been found by those who did not seek Him; and God has revealed Himself to those who did not ask for Him. Remember, Jesus revealed Himself to both Jews and Gentiles.

10:21

BUT to Israel He says, All day long I have stretched out My hands to a people who are disobedient and self-willed. God continues to seek the lost, Jews and Gentiles alike. Do you hear Him calling to you to commit yourself to a deeper Faith walk? Say YES! to Jesus today!

Israel’s History ~ God’s Sovereignty

Paul now begins to deal with Jews relating to God’s promises and the Jew’s apostasy. We can almost hear the passion and anguish in his words. God always keeps His promises, even when the Jews, and we, do not. Chapter 9 deals with Israel’s past history and how they related to their Sovereign God; and how all this relates to us, as Gentile believers.

9:1-3

Paul assures us that he is speaking only the absolute Truth, witnessed by his own conscience and the Holy Spirit. (2.) He is writing with such grief and sorrow in his heart that he almost cannot communicate it. (3.) Paul confesses that he would sacrifice his own salvation and be accursed and sent to hell to save his fellow Jews; IF it were possible. However, it is never possible, because Paul, and we, can NEVER LOSE OUR SALVATION!

9:4-5

All Israelites, Jews, have been adopted as a nation, by God. They have experienced God’s Shekinah Glory. God has made unconditional covenants with them. He has also made conditional covenants with the Jews, and with us. The Law was given to show them their sins and convict their hearts to cause them to repent and turn to God. The Jews alone were given God’s very presence in His Temple. The Temple worship was to reveal God’s Love, Mercy, Grace and Forgiveness. (5.) The Jews, through their Patriarchs, were promised that their Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come through the line of Judah. Jesus is exalted and supreme over everything and everyone. Paul is giving them, and us, a brief, yet powerful summary of the History of the Jewish people regarding their promised Messiah.

9:6-7

BUT, despite all the blessings, promises, miracles and entire history of God’s dealings with the Jewish Nation, most Jews had rejected following God, and had therefore rejected their Messiah. Yet, despite their rejection, God’s Word has never failed. Not everyone who is a physical descendant of Abraham and Isaac are true Israelites. Notice Paul points out that even though their DNA physically qualifies the Jews as being from the line of Israel; yet something else, true faith, is required to be a true spiritual Israelite. (7.) He clarifies this by stating that not all those who are blood descendants of Abraham are true Jews. Paul then quotes Genesis 21:12, clearly showing that Isaac, and his line, were chosen by God as Abraham’s true descendants. Remember Esau turned from God, and his descendants are not true followers of God, despite what Islam claims.

9:8

Paul continues to clarify what constitutes true children of God; not just their DNA heritage, but those to whom God’s promise applies are the true children of Abraham. Does His promise apply to you? What faith choices have you made to ensure His promises are for you?

9:9-10

Now Paul carefully outlines some of the key promises God made, and has already fulfilled, regarding the Jewish people. God’s Word is always true. God foretold that Sarah would have a son, by Abraham. The reference is to Genesis 18:10, 14, when God foretold Abraham that his 90-year-old wife would bear him a son the very next year. (10.) Next, Paul continues to quote Genesis to remind the Jews that God foretold that Rebecca, Isaac’s wife, would have twin boys. (10.) Rebecca conceived two sons, by Isaac, under the exact same circumstances.

9:11-13

Before the sons were born, God had His purpose in mind for both sons. So, before the sons had actually done anything good or evil, God knew the purpose and plans He had for them. These baby boys, before they were even born, were destined by God, to fulfill His promises. (12.) Paul quotes Genesis 25:23; The elder son would serve the younger; the older son, Esau, would one day be under the authority, or subservient to, his younger brother, Jacob. (13.) God said, ‘Jacob have I loved but Esau have I held in disregard.’ Why? See Malachi 1:2, 3. Because God knew in advance that Esau would despise his birthright and not follow God; and that Jacob, with all his flaws, would eventually choose to follow God with all his heart and soul.

9:14-16

It appears, on the surface, that God is unjust and unfair; is this possible? Absolutely not! (15.) God even tells Moses that He will have mercy on whom He chooses to have mercy; and He will have compassion on whomever He selects. Yet, God can see and knows the end result of each life before we make our choices, and He graciously gives us His mercy and Grace. (16.) So then, God’s Gift is not a question of human will and efforts, but of God’s mercy. So even our decision to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our very faith, is God’s Gift to us. Beware of EVER taking any credit for your own salvation; it is ALWAYS the Mercy and Grace of God that brought you to become a Believer. Yet, aren’t you thankful and glad that God chose you?

9:17

God’s Word tells us Pharaoh was raised up to power for the purpose of displaying God’s power in dealing with him, the Egyptians, and all of Israel; so that God’s Name would be proclaimed the whole world over. We must remember that God is using those in power for His purposes; even though we may not see or understand the outcome, we MUST trust Him!

9:18-19

God has mercy on whomever He chooses and He hardens or makes stubborn and unyielding, the heart of whomever He wills. God’s Election is perfect because He knows who would receive His Mercy and Grace and who would reject it before you even act! (19.) So you and I say, why does God find fault, and blame me for sinning? For who on earth can resist God’s will? It almost seems that we are foreordained to become Believers, or remain in sin and be destined to hell. Yet, remember, we ALWAYS have Free will and Free choice!

9:20-21

Yet, who are we, mere human beings, to criticize and contradict and answer back to God?! God made you with a specific purpose, so how can you demand of Him, why did you make me like this? Then Paul gives a simple explanation, reminding them that the potter takes the clay and uses one lump to make a beautiful vessel for beauty and honor and makes another vessel for menial or dishonorable use. The potter has the right to choose what type and kind of vessel he will make.

9:22-24

What if, God, fully intending to show His wrath, and to make known His power and authority, has tolerated with much patience, the vessels of His anger which are ready for destruction? (23.) And what if He thus purposes to make known and show the wealth of His glory in dealing with the vessels of His mercy which He has prepared beforehand for glory; (24.) This would even include us, whom He has called, not only from among the Jews but also from among the Gentiles. Thus, everyone He creates has the opportunity to choose to obey God and accept His promises into their own life.

9:25-26

Just as He says in Hosea, 2:23 and 1:10: Those who were not My people I will call My people, and her who was not beloved, I will call My beloved. (26.) And it shall be that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people’, they shall be called sons of the living God.

9:27-29

And Isaiah solemnly cries aloud over Israel with this Prophecy: Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, only a small remnant will be saved from condemnation and judgment. Isaiah 10:22, 23; Romans 11:5. (28.) For the Lord will execute His sentence upon the earth, rigorously cutting it short in His justice. Isaiah 28:22. (29.) It is as Isaiah predicted, If the Lord of Hosts had not left us a seed, referring to the ‘seed of promise’, we all would have been like Sodom and Gomorrah, utterly destroyed!

9:30-31

So now what can we say? That Gentiles who have not pursued righteousness, have now attained righteousness based on faith alone. (31.) BUT Israel, through a ‘religion of the law’ which pointed to righteous living; failed miserably in fulfilling the law of righteousness.
Most religions portray God as harsh and impersonal. All non-Christian religions teach that man must try to reconcile themselves to God through ‘works’ to ‘earn’ righteousness and a right relationship with God; and/or appease God. It can NEVER, NEVER be done. Only God can give mercy and grace, leading to true Faith, Faith is given by God alone; and this Faith, through the power of the Holy Spirit, leads us to righteousness and salvation.

9:32-33

So what happened? why did Israel fail? Because they pursued the law without faith, relying instead on the merit of their own works. No one, not one single person, can EVER attain righteous living on their own merit. (33.) Jews have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone; the Rock which is Jesus. God foretold that He would lay in Zion a Stone, or Rock, that will cause men to stumble and fall. Yet anyone who believes in Him and trusts in and relies on Him, shall never be put to shame. Those who completely and totally give their entire being; heart, soul and mind, to God, will be transformed into the image and likeness of Jesus, our true righteousness. We have God’s word on it!

Jesus has shown them that false works could never save them; only Jesus gives true righteousness through Faith. We must choose to respond to God with True Faith. Israel failed, even though they had assurances from God! Can we fail, even though we have assurances from God? Evidently so! This is a serious wake-up call to us. We must continually pray to guard against relying on self and rely only on Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Priceless Truths: Empowering of the Holy Spirit

The Word of God is inexhaustible. This is especially true of the Book of Romans. Romans is so deep in meanings and multiple applications; we can never ‘master’ this Book.

Review: Creation itself is sufficient to reveal God to all human beings. The heathen, the moral man and even the ‘religious’ man all stand guilty before a Holy and Righteous God. Only God Himself can justify man through His Gift of His Son, Jesus, on our behalf. This is Grace. Our Salvation is a gift from God, we do nothing to earn it. Our Sanctification and maturity as Christians is a slow and life-long process. We, as Believers, have a choice to avoid sin, sin no longer has control over us. The Law shows us continually of our constant need of the Holy Spirit, both guiding and directing us. We fail when we try to live our lives our way instead of God’s way. Even Paul cries out for help in doing what the spirit wants him to do. Only the Holy Spirit can enable us to live righteously. We can only live FOR Christ when we are living IN Christ.

• Justification declares us righteous before God.
• Sanctification is the process that makes us righteous.
• Our lifelong goal should be to make a minute-by-minute, day-by-day CHOICE to hear God and obey Him through the Holy Spirit.
• Glorification is being delivered from the very presence of sin.

JUSTIFICATION, SANCTIFICATION & GLORIFICATION are our ultimate goals for life, now and forever. We are now in the SANCTIFICATION process. Victory in our lives is attainable and insured by the power of the Holy Spirit IF we choose to accept God’s supernatural power only available through His Holy Spirit. Versus 1 -4 are a brief summary of Chapters 5-7.

8:1

Therefore there is now no condemnation to Believers which are in Christ Jesus, who walk after the Spirit and not the flesh. Some versions do not have this last part: “Who walk after the Spirit and not the flesh.” Regardless if this portion is NOT in your Bible; the assumption would clearly mean that we are to live our lives “in Christ” by living according to the Spirit of God; the Holy Spirit within us. Claiming we are Believers in Christ Jesus, yet NOT living our lives according to the Spirit, is self-deceit; you’re lying to yourself! When you memorize this verse, please include the last part.

8:2

The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed me from the Law of sin and death. Our choice to follow Christ is a struggle because we still live in our sin nature. See John 15. We are in union with Jesus; He is the Vine, we are the branches. We must remain in Jesus in order to bring forth fruit ~ good works ~ We are His Body, referred to as The Body of Christ.

8:3-4

God has done what the Law cannot do. God sent His Son in the form of sinful flesh as an offering for sin. God condemned sin in His flesh and overcame and deprived sin of its power over all who accept the Sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The power and penalty of sin died at the cross. (4.) So that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk and live according to the ways of the Holy Spirit. Our lives are controlled and lived according to God’s standards, not the dictates of our flesh.

8:5

Those who live according to the unholy desires of the flesh; have their minds controlled by the flesh; but those who choose to live according to the Spirit have their minds on, and seek, the desires of the Spirit. This is a battlefield of our mind! As we seek and desire Godly actions, thoughts and beliefs in our lives, they slowly become a reality. We allow ourselves to be controlled in our minds by the Holy Spirit! Think about it: This is True Freedom!

8:6-8

To be carnally (fleshly) minded is death, but to be Spiritually minded IS life and peace!
Why? (7.) BECAUSE, Now here is the reason ~ The carnal mind is hostile to God; totally against God. The mind of that person cannot submit itself to God. (8.) So those who are dominated by their fleshly desires cannot ever please God!

Explanation: Computer Software has no mass, the Real you is similar to ‘software’, we are Eternal, our soul (identity) will always exist. Physical death is when your soul, your identity, leaves the body. Death is the separation of your spirit and soul from your physical body. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot be with God, ever. Our flesh is NEVER improved. Only after we pass from our earthly body, thereby being freed from our sinful nature, will God give us a perfect and holy body!

8:9-11

But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, IF the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ is NOT His! IF you are Born from Above (Born Again) then you DO have the Spirit of Christ; if not, you are not a Christian. Notice the sequence of IFs. (10.) IF Christ is in you, in effect your flesh is dead; yet your spirit is alive because of the righteousness that He imputes to you. (11.) IF, or since, the Spirit raised Jesus then He will also give life to you, through the Spirit who dwells in you. This is our guarantee that Jesus will give us His Holy Spirit to indwell our soul and spirit within our body!

8:12-14

THEREFORE, (this is the summation of these Truths) We owe the flesh absolutely NOTHING! We are debtors to live according to the Spirit. See Galatians 2:20: “ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (13.) IF, or since, you are alive in Christ, your deeds will reflect Him. You will put to death the deeds of evil. You will truly live forever! (14.) All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God!

8:15

We received the spirit of ADOPTION so we can cry Abba Father. Notice that the cultural meaning of “adoption” is different than ours. The Jews born in the family remained ‘children’ until they were ‘adopted’ into the family as adult members. Only the adopted adult members could inherit the riches of the Father. Thus anyone who was ‘adopted’ could NOT be disinherited. Thus, a child who refused to accept the dictates of the Father, may never be adopted, thus could never inherit anything!

8:16-17

The Holy Spirit Himself testifies with our own spirit, assuring us, that we are truly sons of God. We have become a New Creation! But it gets even better: (17.) Since we are heirs of God, we are joint-heirs with Christ, IF we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together with Him. Our Eternal Rewards are contingent on our obedience to the Holy Spirit. Remember, all Believers enter Heaven, but only those who are worthy can INHERIT the riches of Heaven. See:1 Corinthians 3:12-15. Our actions, thoughts, words and deeds will be judged to be either built on the foundation of Jesus; gold, silver and gems ~ or to be on our own desires; wood, hay and stubble.

NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST; Romans 8:1 clearly teaches us that there is no condemnation for you who are in Christ. Yet many of us still struggle greatly with guilt and condemnation. Because we love God, we want to do what is right and good, yet there are times when we fail and make mistakes. We sin and make wrong choices. When we realize we have sinned we must immediately and quickly repent. This requires a humble attitude. We must be willing to turn away from the sin, and do what is right in God’s eyes. The Holy Spirit must be sought and obeyed. We CANNOT do it on our own! Once we have honestly repented and asked God to forgive us, He will forgive and forget, and remove our sin as far as the east is from the west. See Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 10:17, 18. The consequences of our sin may still affect our lives, but the guilt is removed.

See:1 John 1:9 ~ Jesus promises to forgive our sins and cleanse us IF we admit them and repent. Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice for our sin, no other sacrifice is or will ever be needed. If we feel guilt, we are allowing Satan to lie to us and make us miserable and not allow ourselves to enjoy life, because we feel condemned and guilty, feeling we deserve to be miserable. Remember, Satan is a LIAR! Since we are forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, then we don’t deserve to be miserable. Guilt is an invisible burden that wears us out, makes us miserable, and unable to function as God’s child. It is a LIE from Satan; don’t fall for his schemes and lies. God’s Word assures us HE FORGIVES US COMPLETELY! Believe Him and accept TOTAL FORGIVENESS. As FORGIVEN sons of God, we can have joyous fellowship with God because we can approach Him with faith and boldness.

8:18

The sufferings of this present world are not worthy to be compared with the future Glory. We need God’s perspective. A divine viewpoint is necessary. ALL Rewards are conditional. See 1Corthinians 2: 9. No one can even imagine what glory is coming. Even our wildest dreams will be exceeded beyond anything here on earth! 2nd Corth. 4:7-18. True Success is becoming Christ-like in our lives. Rewards are a direct result of obedience to God’s Word. Read Hebrews 11. Why would we consider it JOY to be suffering trials?:

Ten very good reasons:

1. To Glorify God.
2. As a discipline for sin.
3. To prevent us from falling into sin. 1 Peter 4:1-2
4. To keep us from pride. Paul ~ thorn in the flesh.
5. To build and strengthen our Faith.
6. To cause us to grow as True Believers.
7. To teach us obedience and discipline.
8. To equip us to comfort others. 2 Cor. 1:3-4
9. To prove the reality of Christ living in us.
10. As a testimony to the angels. 1 Peter 1:12

See: James 1:2-4; Count it ALL JOY; NOTHING can be taken for granted.

8:19-21

The entire creation longs earnestly for God’s sons to be made known. All creation is under the curse of sin. Creation awaits ‘redemption’ just as we will be transformed, all of nature will also be transformed at the new Heaven and new Earth. We are a direct creation of God IF we are born from above. We received a new heart and are declared righteous. (20.) In its present state, we and nature, are subject to failure and decay. No one, nothing, lives forever. (21.) Creation itself will be set free from bondage (corruption). We will be transformed into the children of God. (See: 2 Corth)
The laws of entropy bring everything to disorder and decay. Anything not constantly kept in order goes into disorder, a mess. Our lives must be constantly ‘kept up’ or we become a ‘mess’. Look at anything that is neglected, what happens? God designed everything to work perfectly, always. Entropy proves the entire world is corrupted because of sin.

8:22-23

All of creation groans in pain and suffering waiting for Jesus’ return to earth and the new creation. (23.) We groan with creation in anticipation of the complete redemption of ourselves. The Holy Spirit living in us is the ‘first fruits’, the promise and hope, of our complete redemption. Our Glorification, at our transformation at the Rapture, or passing from this life to the next, whichever comes first; will be our complete redemption, freedom from even the presence of sin.

8:24-25

HOPE! We have been saved from the PENALTY of sin. We are being SANCTIFIED from the POWER of sin. We will be GLORIFIED from the PRESENCE of sin, FOREVER! We will also receive new Glorified Bodies, Perfect, never subject to sin or decay. Our Hope is something we cannot see with our eyes, yet we can ‘see’ or comprehend that sure and promised Hope with our spirits. No one who is NOT Born Again can understand this Hope. If anyone says “I just can’t believe”; it is because they refuse to accept the Truth of God’s Word and accept His gift of Faith. (25.) We wait eagerly with patience and composure.

8:26-27

The Holy Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; we do not know exactly how to pray, yet the Holy Spirit Himself prays on our behalf with unspeakable yearnings too deep for words. Have you ever just ‘moaned’ over a deep need? (27.) God Who searches our hearts knows what is in the mind of the Holy Spirit because the Spirit intercedes and pleads before God on our behalf in harmony with God’s Will. Do we realize, and appreciate, that the Holy Spirit within us pleads on our behalf, even when we don’t know what to ask, or even that we have a specific need?

8:28

This is a Truth we should memorize. We know that ALL things work together and are fitting into a plan for good for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose. When we are persecuted, unfairly treated, lied about, hurt, injured, become ill, suffer with … you fill in the trial or tribulation; ALL things are used by God for our ultimate good! What a comfort to understand, know and BELIEVE this Truth! Not sure? Then also memorize Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Can God’s plans succeed? Always and Absolutely!

8:29-30

Notice this is actually a continuation of the promise of verse 28: For those whom He foreknew (those He loved beforehand before we were even born) He also destined from the beginning (foreordaining them) to be molded into the image of His Son (and share inwardly His likeness) that He might become the firstborn among many Believers. That IS God’s ultimate goal, that you and I might be totally and completely transformed into the very image of Jesus! This ultimate goal for us should always be OUR goal also: You say you want to be in the Will of God? Then make this your goal in life! (30.) Moreover, those whom He foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted and declared righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself) and those whom He Justified, He also Glorified (raising them through Sanctification to a heavenly dignity and condition) This final state of existence is yet to come for us.

God created us for success. Even though we may fail, He wants us to succeed in becoming like Jesus. We were created in His image and likeness, and that is our ultimate goal. He can take our failures and use them to teach, train and change us into his sons IF we will trust and obey Him. We can, and will, experience God’s Miracles in our lives, IF we seek to know Him through His Word and obey Jesus.

God ‘approved’ us before we were born! Even though others, and often ourselves disapprove us; we must remember, He loves us Forever!
Whenever we are discouraged, we can count on this portion of God’s Word to confirm His Truth in our minds and hearts that He loves us and we are His heirs forever.
A True Believer can NEVER lose their Salvation! We can lose some, or all, of our inheritance, because of disobedience, but we can never, ever lose our sonship.
We are all part of the Body of Christ as Believers. Only those who are faithful overcomers will become the Bride of Christ.

This next section continues to confirm to us that we are on the Sanctification part of our Salvation. First, we are Justified, then Sanctified, then Glorified.

8:31-32

What then shall we say to all this? If God is for us, who could be against us? Those who are against us are fighting against God! That is foolish and futile. God chose you, and He never makes mistakes, so you are guaranteed success! Oh, we may not mature as we should because of our disobedience, but cheer up, God never, ever gives up on us! (32.) God gave His own Son for our salvation, so we know with a certainty that He will also continue to give us all we need to grow and mature.

8:33-34

Who could even bring any charges against us as God’s chosen ones? God Himself justifies us and puts us in a right relationship with Himself. Who then could accuse us? God Himself has already declared us ‘not guilty’. (34.) No one can condemn us, only God can condemn us, and He, Jesus, has already died for us, was buried, and then raised from the dead. He is now at the right hand of God continually pleading for us as He intercedes on our behalf. Since Jesus is asking for whatever we need from His Father, we will receive it; so we can relax and be confident that everything is working in our best interest! To worry, is not to Trust Jesus. We must Trust Him always.

8:35-36

So then, knowing all this as Truth, what then, could possibly ever separate us from the Love of Jesus Christ, our Messiah? Certainly not suffering, affliction and tribulations; nor calamity and distress. Even persecution, hunger, destitution, peril or even death; absolutely NOTHING can EVER separate us from His Love. Even if we are put to death, one after another, all day long; counted as nothing more than sheep to be slaughtered. (37) Yet in, and despite, all these things, we are more than conquerors through Jesus, who loves us forever.

8:38-39

I am totally persuaded and convinced beyond any doubt that neither death, nor life, angels nor principalities, nor things now or threatened in the future, nor powers, nor heights, nor depth, nor any other thing, or force, in all creation will be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. All this assures us that we are absolutely certain of our Eternal Life with Jesus!

This powerful chapter is so important it is worth reading and studying at least once or twice more. Prepare for some wonderful blessings as you read and pray through this chapter time after time. Try speaking and reading this chapter out loud. Hearing God’s Word, causes its Truth to be embedded in our mind, heart and soul. Remember, Pray as you study, speak God’s Word; God will give you His supernatural power to understand and obey His Word, and receive amazing blessings!

Law School: Learning Our True Identity

The past Chapters of Romans have introduced us to the importance of Sanctification. So then, why do we struggle with Sanctification? It’s simple: the culture we live in is built on lies that are contrary to known Truth. Evolution is a lie; courts excusing criminal behavior and blaming environment; teaching the lie that ‘education’ can make a person ‘good’. Look at the society we live in; man is depraved. Education can’t rehabilitate criminals! Jesus told us the Truth, no one is good, except God, we are all sinners. Only God can transform us; and this process is Sanctification. Think about it: Jesus was the most anti-religious man on earth! His sacrifice on the cross paid our sin debt and reconciled us to God. We can NEVER save ourselves, only God Himself can save us. Keep in mind that true Christianity is NOT a “Religion” it is a Way of Life. All Religions ALWAYS FAIL to reconcile us to God, because they all rely on man’s efforts, not God’s.

Romans 15:4 “All scriptures are written for our learning…God’s Word gives us patience and encouragement so we may have Hope.” Old Testament and New Testament TOGETHER teach us the Truth. We learn the law to know right from wrong, yet we are not under the curse of the law, we are under God’s Grace. Scriptures teach us that knowing the law is not the same as keeping the law. No man can perfectly keep the law!

7:1

Paul begins by assuming we, as Believers, KNOW the law. Do we understand that the Law’s legal claim is only over us as long as we are alive?

7:2-3

Now Paul gives us an example: a married woman is lawfully bound to her husband only as long as he is alive. When he dies, she is freed from the law of belonging to her husband. (3.) While the married woman’s husband is alive, she would be an adulteress if she united herself to another man. But upon her husband’s death, she is freed from the law of belonging to her husband, and may then marry another man, and not be an adulteress.

THIS IS THE KEY TO THE BOOK OF ROMANS! Your True Identity as a Follower of Jesus Christ ~ Being A Born Again Believer! Not sure? See John 3: 1-21

7:4

In the same manner, your old self has died to the law through the crucified body of Christ. You are now freed from the curse of the law; so that you may now belong to Jesus, Who was raised from the dead so that you may bear Eternal fruit for God. We are freed from the curse of the law, and sin and only the person who is alive in Christ can produce good works that are Eternal. We are now ‘married’ to Jesus Christ. The Believers are referred to as the Bride of Christ, thus we now belong to Him. We now operate with the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, as our guide. This is true freedom; freedom from the power of sin! To go back to trying to keep the law is the same as making ourselves spiritual adulterers. Think about it carefully, can any of you keep the entire law perfectly? How about just the 10 Commandments?

7:5

When we were living our lives only in the flesh, the sinful passions that were aroused in us by the Law were constantly operating in our natural lives. The natural appetites and desires of our flesh led us to sins that bore the fruit of death.

7:6

Now we are freed from the law! We have died to the law that held us captive and under its power. We now are freed to serve in the Spirit in our new life as followers of Jesus. The written law no longer controls us, we are now yielded to being controlled by the Holy Spirit that lives within us. (Notice all the comparisons in this chapter.)

• The letter of the law The Spiritual man
• Fleshly God’s powers
• Rebellious God’s desires
• Sinful Righteous
• Wrath Joy, Peace, Hope
• No Faith Faithful
• Kills Life eternal

The comparisons show us why we struggle when we allow the ‘old self, under the law’ to rule our decisions. Remember, IF you are operating in the Will of the Spirit, you will be successful. IF you make your decisions based on human fleshly reasons and desires, you will fail.

Philippians 2: 12-13. As you obey God.. Working out your salvation, that is, completing the lifetime goal of Sanctification with reverence, awe and trembling, not trusting ourselves, being tender in conscience, watchful against temptation, and avoiding whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Jesus. Not in our own strength, but in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit who is working within us to create in our being the power and desire and obedience to will and to work for His good pleasure, satisfaction and delight.”

7:7

Now Paul asks us to think this Truth through carefully. So what is he saying? The law itself is not sin, it serves to reveal the sin in our lives. When I look into the mirror of the law, I see myself and all my sins and failures. The ugliness of sin is not the mirror’s fault, the law, or mirror, just reveals my ugliness! So, until I looked in the mirror, I did not see how ugly I was! Now I see the ugly Truth of sin and hate it! We now recognize the ugliness of sin. Covetousness is not something we can ‘see’ it is an inner desire for anything we cannot have. We are reminded that the purpose of the law of God is to show us the sin nature of our life and our desperate need for God’s Mercy and Grace. We are now aware of just how bad we really are. Trying to obey the law on our own effort always leads to more sin. It seems like a contradiction, yet, our own lives show that when we tell ourselves NO, NO, on our own power, we are unable to resist the temptations! Oh, we may be able to resist something for a while, but eventually, we will fall into sin. No, the Devil didn’t make me do it; I chose to fall for his lies. Paul now changes to the personal pronoun, I, he admits he is the sinner; we can now be brutally honest and put ourselves in these next verses.

7:8

Sin, in the commandments, got a hold on me and aroused and stimulated all kinds of forbidden lusts, and covetousness. Without the law, sin is dead (actually, dormant) It is inactive and a lifeless thing.

7:9-10

Once I was alive, unconscious of the law. This would be at an age when I am too young to understand or comprehend the nature of sin. This would refer to the age of accountability. That is why we believe babies and young children who die, all go directly to Heaven. They are unaware of their sin nature. Once we are aware of the law, we all sin, and we all die. (10.) The law, which was designed and intended to bring life, actually proves to bring death!

7:11-12

Sin then takes a hold on me, the law beguiled and entrapped and cheated me, and was used as a weapon to kill me. The law lured me to try to live for God on my own effort ~ and I failed, miserably, so the law, in effect, killed me. (12.) THEREFORE The law always is Holy, and each commandment is Holy and good. The law is designed to show me I am utterly and hopelessly helpless! My sin nature is the enemy within me, I am rebellious. Anyone think they are NOT rebellious? Just a quick reality check!

7:13-14

So then, what was good actually then proved fatal, bringing death to me? Absolutely not! It was sin, that caused me to become dead. I became a walking dead person. Sin used the good law as a weapon to show me to be in rebellion to God’s laws. (14.) I know the Law is spiritual and expresses God’s Will for my life here on earth. Yet I am a fleshly creature; carnal, weak, wicked and under the control of sin. I am a slave of my own flesh.

John 11:25-26. Jesus says “I am the Resurrection and the life… he who believes in Me, even though he dies, he will live.” So Jesus is telling us we must die with Him in order to really have true life. “Whoever lives in me, and believes in Me shall never die, do you believe this?” Vs. 27. Mary tells Jesus she does believe. Vs. 43 Then Jesus calls forth Lazarus from the dead. He comes forth, wrapped in grave clothes. Vs. 44. Jesus orders him to be freed from those restrictions. Then, when freed, Lazarus becomes a witness for Jesus Christ as the Son of God. First, Lazarus is dead, then he is resurrected, but in bondage, then he becomes free and dangerous. Dangerous to whom? The unbelievers, because he is a living witness to the power of God! So what is my answer to Jesus’ question? Do I really believe? Eternal life is ours for the asking! I need to be freed from the bondage and baggage of sin, so that I can be dangerous for Jesus! As I obey the Holy Spirit, I will be effective for Jesus. I can never be freed from sin apart from the Holy Spirit. I cannot avoid sin by my ways and efforts, only by God’s supernatural power. I need to remove all my selfish foolish ways and yield to the wiser ways of the Holy Spirit. Selfishness is the root cause of all sin! You don’t think so? Name one sin where selfishness is NOT involved in any way.

7:15-16

Put yourself in this dialogue: I don’t understand my own actions; I am confused and bewildered. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe.
(16.) If I habitually do what is contrary to my desire, that means that I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good, morally excellent, and that I take sides with it.

7:17-18

So it is the sin that is in me that does evil ~ my new life wants God’s goodness, yet my sin nature, that is anything of my own power, causes me to fail. The sin nature has control of me. (18.) Now I know that nothing good is in me, my flesh. I can know and will what is right and good, but I cannot perform it. I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but I have no power to carry out my good intentions. The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak!

7:19-21

I fail miserably to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I keep on doing. (20.) Now since I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it; it is not me that acts, but the sin principle which dwells with me. It is operating within my soul. (21.) So now I realize it is a rule of action of my being that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever-present within me and I am subject to its insistent demands. There is a constant struggle within myself; wanting to succeed and do what is right and follow God’s Word, and the flesh within me that thwarts my intentions.

7:22-23

I agree with and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self, with my new nature. (23.) BUT, Yet my bodily appetites and desires and the will of my flesh set a different rule of action. It is a war within myself. A war against the law of my mind, making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my flesh.

7:24

‘O wretched, pitiful, and pathetic man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from the bondage of this body of death?’ Have I finally reached the point of accepting the Truth that I am a wretched person, unable to free myself from the slavery and bondage of sin? It is like we are crying out to God: Who will save me from this miserable condition I am in?! It is our shortest heartfelt prayer to God: HELP!

7:25

Now Paul acknowledges the True Answer: JESUS! O thank God! Jesus will! He is the Anointed One, my Savior and Lord! Jesus has given me a new heart when I am born again. Nowhere does the Bible say God heals or cures our hearts; we are always given a new heart, a heart for God. So then I, with my mind and new heart can serve the Law of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a moment-by-moment Faith choice to obey God’s quiet, gentle prompting to do what is right. The Holy Spirit lives within me and wants me to willingly allow Him to lead, guide and control me. When I submit to His promptings, I experience a newness of life. The Law only gives me rules and regulations and I feel guilty and condemned when I do not follow them. But the Spirit gives me the desire to do what is good and right and also the ability and a fresh zeal to do it. The Holy Spirit enables me to serve God with enthusiasm, not out of a sense of obligation. Learning to be led by the Holy Spirit is our primary goal. Only the Holy Spirit knows the mind of God concerning our lives and our circumstances. He will reveal God’s Will to us and lead us into a more abundant life, when we follow His promptings. God never forces us, it is our choice to obey and enjoy the life He has planned for us. Following the Holy Spirit is a blessing, a privilege and an act of obedience, allowing a true life of success, showing Jesus I truly believe and obey Him. Memorize, and Pray into your life, Psalm 119:10-11: With my whole heart I have sought you; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

Learning the True Meaning of Sanctification

6:1-2

What shall we say then to all this? Paul is now linking everything from Chapters 1 through 5 to a summation and application for us. Paul is asking us to reflect and respond to all the Truth he has presented to us! Should we remain in sin so God’s Grace can multiply and overflow? (2.) The answer: Of course not! It is an obvious and emphatic Absolutely Not! How can we, who have actually died to any sin, possibly live in it any longer? It will make us miserable, we now know how awful sin is. We understand that it actually destroys who we are and who we were meant to be. We can never again continue in sin. We strive to obey God, turning away from sin and seeking to Honor, Glorify and Praise Him in our lives. The Truth is we cannot ever live a sinful life, not if we have truly died to sin by becoming Believers in Jesus!

6:3

If you do not understand, then you are ignorant of this Truth: When we chose to accept by Faith, and Believe in, Jesus as Savior and Lord, we were baptized in the Holy Spirit and born again. In becoming ‘born again’, we had to die first; that is, we are baptized into His death. What did the death of Jesus accomplish? The death of Sin! Remember that death is not extinction, it is separation. So the end result is that we have joined with Jesus in overcoming sin. We are now separated from the control of sin over our lives. The choice is now ours, we can choose to overcome sin, day by day, moment by moment; or we can relapse and choose to fall back into sin. We want to become Overcomers! At least we now have a choice; before we were born again we were trapped by sin; we were held in slavery to sin. Jesus has now freed us from sin. Our entire life is now new, changed, we are free people, freed from the slavery of sin. Sin no longer can control us. The death of Jesus on the cross was a triumph, not a tragedy. Jesus was born to die on the cross! By dying on the cross Jesus has freed us from the POWER of sin over our lives. We are now free to live out our lives to become more like Jesus, sin-free! It is a transformation, a becoming. Step by step, day by day, choice by choice, we become more like Jesus with each choice made by the power of the Holy Spirit. Can we do it alone? Of course not, we must rely on God’s continuing Grace for each act of obedience to Him.

6:4-5

We were buried with Jesus by being baptized, that is ‘Born Again’, into His death and resurrection. So just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God the Father, so we should also be raised from the death of sin into a newness of life. The very quality of our lives should be New. We are now Believers, that is Followers of Christ, meaning that we live like Christ; we avoid sin and turn away from it and are repulsed by sin. Sin is no longer attractive to us, but disgusting. How can you tell if you are a true Believer? Do you hate sin, especially your sin? Do you turn away from sin and toward a Christ-like life? Do you seek to spend every moment possible with your Savior and Lord in prayer and Bible Study? These are hard questions and we have to be brutally honest with ourselves. Remember we are freed from the POWER of sin, but not yet the PRESENCE of sin. We will only be freed from the presence of sin upon our death and resurrection. We will then never have to deal with sin again, ever.

6:6-8

We now know and understand that our old sin nature was nailed to the cross with Jesus so that our body, which is the instrument used for sin, might be made ineffective and powerless for evil. We are no longer the slaves of sin. We are freed by Jesus from being sin’s slave. We now are free to say NO to sin. However, it is always our choice, we can choose to disobey God and make ourselves a slave to sin. How foolish! Why would we be so stupid, when we know that the end result of sin is eternal death and suffering? So we must develop an attitude of freedom. We are freed from being slaves to sin; therefore we choose to avoid all sin. The very second we recognize sin in our life, we seek God’s forgiveness and ask the Holy Spirit for strength to repent and turn away from sin. (7.) When we ‘die to sin’, we are freed from the power of sin. When we die physically we are freed from the presence of sin. (8.) If we have truly died with Christ, then we are free to live with Him.

6:9

Jesus is raised from the dead and will never die again, death has no power over him. So also, death and sin no longer have control over us. We are guaranteed to be raised from death. Satan may lie to us and cause us to falsely think sin has control over us, but we know he is a liar and that Jesus has freed us from the power of sin!

6:10-11

Jesus died once to sin, thereby ending any relation to sin. He is alive, living in continuous fellowship with the Father. Jesus offers us this same fellowship with Him, living our lives with and for Him. Joining ourselves with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, seeking to live in love and obedience.

6:12-14

THEREFORE, (because of these Truths) we should no longer let sin rule over us. Do not yield to the lusts of our bodies. We can insist that God’s Word is True, by honoring Jesus and living a sin-free life. The moment we realize anything is a sin, we must confess it, repent of it, and turn away from it; seeking Grace from the Holy Spirit to avoid all sin. Do we really believe God? Then we must act like it. Actions speak louder than words! (13.) Do not yield yourself to sin, yield yourself to God, as one that is alive from the dead. We are no longer the walking dead in sin, we are alive in Christ! Our choices of using our bodies as implements of righteousness shows we are believers. (14.) Sin no longer has any control over us. We are not under the law but under God’s Grace. The more we immediately turn away from any temptation to sin, the easier it is to continually obey God and avoid sin!

6:15-16

So what does this mean? Can we go ahead and sin because we’re not under the law? How foolish! We are under Grace as recipients of God’s unmerited favor. Paul clearly tells us that NOT being under the law does NOT mean we can just go ahead and sin; notice his emphatic statement of “Certainly not!” (16.) And Why Not? Because now we understand and know that we are servants of the one we yield ourselves to. When we yield to Jesus, we are truly servants of Jesus. We can choose who we follow. There is no gray area; sin is always sin. If we yield ourselves to sin, then we are slaves of sin, and ALL sin leads to death. Every single decision you make is either for or against God. We make the choice. Who are you yielding to? Who are you a slave or servant to? Servants of Jesus? Or slaves of the evil one?

6:17-18

We thank and praise God for all this. We were once slaves of sin, now we have become obedient with all our hearts to the standards of God’s Word. The Good News of Jesus Christ; He died for our sins, so we could be freed from sins. He paid the ultimate price of death, so we could be made free. Notice how Freedom and Faith work together? (18.) So God’s MERCY freed us from the POWER of sin; and His GRACE gives us the POWER to follow Jesus in righteousness. We are now free from sin and are now servants forever to righteousness. Our new nature will always desire to follow God. We are only satisfied when we follow Jesus. We make a faith choice to follow the Will of our Father through the power of the Holy Spirit which dwells in us.

6:19

Paul tells us that he is explaining all of these Truths in simple human terms so we can clearly understand that as we yield ourselves, mind, body and soul, to righteousness, this will lead us to Sanctification, a transformation of ourselves, both soul and spirit, into the person God meant us to be. We were created in the Image and Likeness of our Creator! We know that at one time, before becoming a True Believer in Jesus, we were literally slaves to lawlessness and sin. Each time we fell into sin, it lead to MORE sin; we were on a terrible downward spiral into eternal death. Now, however, we can present ourselves as slaves, or servants, of righteousness, leading to holiness. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to BE righteous and holy before God?

6:20-21

When we were slaves to sin, we had NO righteousness. We are now ashamed of the sins we committed, NOW recognizing they lead only to death, ETERNAL DEATH!

6:22

Now since we have been set free from sins, we are the servants of our Lord, God and Creator. As we obey as servants of God, our reward is righteousness, holiness and Eternal Life.

6:23

Now we know and understand without any doubt the Truth that the wages of sin is eternal death, separation from God forever, but the free gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. This is a great scripture to memorize and pray into your own life daily.

 

Summary: Being separated from God forever, would be suffering a horrible, miserable, painful existence with absolutely no hope, ever. Yet, we are assured that as obedient believers, we are guaranteed to be with God throughout our lives on earth and forever. Our time here on earth is to be spent constantly striving to obey God, seeking His Wisdom and Will for our lives. We can ONLY accomplish this through the Power of the Holy Spirit. We must choose to yield and obey the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we grasp this magnificent Truth, we now earnestly desire with all our hearts and souls to be transformed and sanctified to become like Christ; in the Image and Likeness of our Creator! So what is your goal in life? Sanctification should be our ultimate goal!

The Way to Maturity

We are continuing to learn the complete meaning of Salvation; which includes Justification then Sanctification.

5:1-2

THEREFORE, (this shows a definite link to the previous chapters, 1-4). Since we are justified, declared righteous and given a right standing with God through Faith, let us grasp the fact that we have the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy the peace which passes all understanding; an intimacy with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Our Messiah, the Anointed One. (2.) Through Jesus alone we have our access by Faith, through Grace, in which we firmly and safely continually stand. Let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the Glory of God. Any attempt to ‘earn’ this Gift from God is actually a rejection of both the Gift and the Giver! “Even Faith is a Gift of God, let anyone should boast.” Eph 2:8-9. Why would God even bother to go to all the work and sacrifice for us? The answer is in Eph. 2:7 “In ages yet to come He shall show the richness of His Grace in His kindness towards us in Christ Jesus.”

5:3-5

Do you pray for Patience? Do you even want Patience? Here’s the ONLY way we can mature to the state of being patient and persevering. We are to Glory in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. Who in their right mind would rejoice during times of trials and suffering? Only the mature Believer, who understands and firmly knows that only through suffering can one mature into a Christ-like child of the King. Patience demands tribulations! None of us want to hear this Truth, yet we must accept it IF we truly want to develop patience Notice that we cannot LEARN patience, it must be PRODUCED in us. (4.) Endurance develops maturity of character. This is the proof of your Faith and integrity. Character produces the joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. We see a progression from one attribute after another into a stronger and more mature Faith which is godly Hope. True Christian maturity is measured by the presence of Hope in our lives. Mature Christians do not fear, we only Hope. If you experience fear, assess your Hope attitude; are you Trusting in God, believing He is in control of your life?? If so, then you WILL have Hope, not fear! (5.) This Hope never disappoints or deludes us, for God’s love has been poured out continuously in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. The Holy Spirit is God’s Seal upon us; we are his, He has sealed us in a permanent relationship.

5:6

When we were totally helpless, completely incompatible with God, and powerless to help ourselves, Christ died for the ungodly (that was us). So, in truth, Jesus died for EVERYBODY! His death on the cross was to pay the sin debt of every single living soul.

5:7-8

It is an extraordinary thing that anyone would give his own life for an upright, or righteous, person; maybe for a noble and loving and generous benefactor, someone might dare to die. 8. But, (This indicates a drastic contrast) despite the fact that when we were still sinners, that means haters of God, God died for us! Would you give your life for someone who despised and hated you? Hardly! Yet God demonstrated His love toward us by the fact that while we were still vile hateful sinners, Our Messiah and Savior died for us.

5:9

Therefore, since we are now justified, acquitted and counted as righteous before God by Christ’s blood, how much more certain is it that we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God. Remember, all sin demands a penalty: God’s wrath!

5:10

When we were yet enemies of God, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more certain that we shall be saved daily, delivered from sin’s dominion through His resurrection life. We are saved by His Faithfulness, not by our faithfulness. Our salvation does not depend upon us; if it did, we would all certainly be lost. Our salvation depends solely on Jesus Christ. Can we lose our Salvation? If we are “Born Again” can we become “unborn”? Of course not! God would not be God if we could lose what He has promised! We are guaranteed to be saved forever! This gives us the ONLY motivation for living for God. We have received His free Gift of Eternal Salvation. Justification does not make a person righteous, it only declares us righteous before God. The process of being made righteous is called SANCTIFICATION. That process is the day-by-day choices we make to obey God in every aspect of our lives. See Philippians 2: 12-15, This gives us a clear guideline on how we must grow in our Faith to become Sanctified. Remember our Eternal Rewards are linked to our Fruit of the Spirit; this Fruit only comes from a Sanctified Believer. It is a lifelong process! It is a false concept to think that all you have to do is ‘believe’ and you are guaranteed Heaven. Well, yes and no. You are guaranteed to enter God’s Kingdom IF you are truly a believer. However, only those who take up their cross and follow Christ, are Sanctified, and produce Fruit, These Faithful servants will INHERIT His Kingdom.

5:11-12

We rejoice in God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received and enjoy our reconciliation. Jesus completed and finished our justification, He did it all. We can’t do ANYTHING to earn our salvation. 12. THEREFORE; (Again note that there is a link to the previous verses) Sin came into the world through one man, Adam, and death as a result of sin; so death and sin spread to all men, because all men sinned. We all have a sin nature, we are born with it.

5:13-14

Sin came into the world before the Law was given. Death came to all from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not transgress a specific command. Adam was a ‘type’ of Christ, Who was to come in the future. Adam’s act was destructive, Jesus’ act is saving. Jesus actually re-creates us; that is why Jesus said we must be born again, or re-created.

5:15-16

But, (again notice the contrast) Yet God’s free gift cannot be compared to Adam’s sin. This One Man, Jesus, gives His saving Grace; and it is far more powerful than the sin which brought the fall of man. All humans are born with a sin nature. God’s Grace abounds and gives undeserved favor to all those who believe. (16.) We cannot truly compare the Free Gift of God to Adam’s sin. Adam’s sin brought condemnation to all humans, Yet the Free Gift of Jesus brings Justification. The Free Gift must be accepted, it is not forced.

5:17

So since we see how the sin of that one man, Adam, has brought death to all; how much more will those who receive God’s Grace, putting them in right standing with God, be brought into positions of rulership with Jesus Christ.

5:18-19

Therefore, (this word again ties all these Truths together) One offense brought judgment and condemnation to all; and One Man’s righteous act (a reference to Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross) brought the Free Gift to all. It is our choice to accept or reject His Free Gift. (19.) Disobedience of one man brought sin and death into our world. The Obedience of Christ brought Grace and righteousness to all who believe.

5:20-21

When the Law came, it only served to make sin more obvious and apparent and actually increased sinfulness. Grace has surpassed the Law, and abounds much more; we are not only saved from our sinfulness and the consequences of our sin; but in addition, we are saved for something much more wonderful: Eternal Life with God! (21.) Sin brings eternal death. Yet Grace brings righteousness and Eternal Life, through Jesus Christ our Messiah and Lord. This gift of Grace brings us Eternal Life! Remember that Grace cost Jesus dearly, it is NOT CHEAP! We are given GOD’S RICHES AT CHRIST’S EXPENSE!

Paul carefully and clearly articulates man’s lost condition and utter hopelessness to encourage EVERYONE to carefully think through their hopeless condition of being trapped by sin. Man, apart from Jesus, is GUARANTEED to go to Hell. No one will ever truly seek salvation UNLESS they clearly understand and firmly believe that they are sinners, haters of God, deserving eternal death and punishment in Hell. Until a person clearly understands that they deserve and will suffer endlessly in the horrors, pain and agony of Hell, separated eternally from their Creator God, with absolutely no hope; isolated forever from any kind of love or relationships; only then can they begin to truly seek God.