The Teachings of Paul (TOP)
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Four TOP on the topic of divine judgment/wrath for your consideration and comment:
TOP #16: Those who sin deserve death. [RM 1:32, cf. 3:23]
TOP #17: God’s judgment of sinners is based on Truth. [RM 2:2]
TOP #18: Those who ignore God’s urging of repentance will reap divine wrath on the day of judgment. [RM 2:3-5]
TOP #19: On Judgment Day God will enforce just punishment via souls reaping what they have sown or done. [RM 2:5-6]
TOP #16: Those who sin deserve death. [RM 1:32, cf. 3:23]
TOP #17: God’s judgment of sinners is based on Truth. [RM 2:2]
TOP #18: Those who ignore God’s urging of repentance will reap divine wrath on the day of judgment. [RM 2:3-5]
TOP #19: On Judgment Day God will enforce just punishment via souls reaping what they have sown or done. [RM 2:5-6]
TOP #20: Those who persevere in seeking God’s salvation will receive eternal life. [RM 2:7-8&10, cf. 3:22-24 & 6:23b] Paul explains in detail that seeking to earn salvation by obeying moral law perfectly is impossible, so we should accept God’s plan of salvation (POS) via faith in the Gospel of Christ’s atonement.
TOP #21: Those who are self-seeking, who reject God’s truth and do evil will experience divine wrath or spiritual death. [RM 2:8-9, cf. 6:23a] Self-seeking may be termed “I-dolatry”.
TOP #22: For Jews, obeying the Mosaic Law will serve as the basis of divine judgment. [RM 2:9-13&16]
TOP #23: For Gentiles, their moral consciences will serve as the equivalent of the Mosaic Law for divine judgment. [RM 2:12-16]
TOP #21: Those who are self-seeking, who reject God’s truth and do evil will experience divine wrath or spiritual death. [RM 2:8-9, cf. 6:23a] Self-seeking may be termed “I-dolatry”.
TOP #22: For Jews, obeying the Mosaic Law will serve as the basis of divine judgment. [RM 2:9-13&16]
TOP #23: For Gentiles, their moral consciences will serve as the equivalent of the Mosaic Law for divine judgment. [RM 2:12-16]
TOP #24: The only circumcision that is salvific is that which is inward or of the heart and done by the Spirit. [RM 2:25-29] Paul says that physical circumcision according to a written code has value only if one obeys the law, meaning perfectly per RM 3:23.
TOP #25: All have sinned by breaking moral law but may be justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ’s redemption or atonement. [RM 3:9-26] The most familiar part of this passage is v. 23-24, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
TOP #25: All have sinned by breaking moral law but may be justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ’s redemption or atonement. [RM 3:9-26] The most familiar part of this passage is v. 23-24, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
TOP #26: Abraham is the spiritual father of all who have faith in God and Jesus. [RM 4:1-25] Saving faith is spiritual circumcision.
TOP #27: Those who have been justified via faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ (LJC) receive the Holy Spirit in their hearts (HS). [RM 5:1-5] This is being baptized by the Spirit into the body of Christ (1CR 12:13).
TOP #28: Those who receive God’s grace of the HS rejoice in hope of salvation despite suffering. [RM 5:2-3] Paul commends rejoicing in the Lord always in PHP 4:4, and it is a main theme in the Psalms (cf. NEH 8:10).
TOP #27: Those who have been justified via faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ (LJC) receive the Holy Spirit in their hearts (HS). [RM 5:1-5] This is being baptized by the Spirit into the body of Christ (1CR 12:13).
TOP #28: Those who receive God’s grace of the HS rejoice in hope of salvation despite suffering. [RM 5:2-3] Paul commends rejoicing in the Lord always in PHP 4:4, and it is a main theme in the Psalms (cf. NEH 8:10).
TOP #29: The HS’s love while suffering produces perseverance and moral character. [RM 5:3-5] Without God’s love believers would lose hope and fail to keep on believing and developing moral maturity.
TOP #30: God demonstrates His love for sinners by means of Christ dying for the ungodly or atheists. [RM 5:6-11] This is called being “reconciled”.
TOP #31: Sin and death began with Adam and everyone else also sinned, so death reigned until the time of Moses over both Jews and Gentiles. [RM 5:12-14] Paul did not bother to state that this situation continued from Moses until the present for most.
TOP #32: God’s grace or salvation is provided to everyone who receives/accepts it. [RM 5:15-21] Thereby ending the reign of death, although at this point Paul does not explain how everyone may accept God’s gift.
TOP #30: God demonstrates His love for sinners by means of Christ dying for the ungodly or atheists. [RM 5:6-11] This is called being “reconciled”.
TOP #31: Sin and death began with Adam and everyone else also sinned, so death reigned until the time of Moses over both Jews and Gentiles. [RM 5:12-14] Paul did not bother to state that this situation continued from Moses until the present for most.
TOP #32: God’s grace or salvation is provided to everyone who receives/accepts it. [RM 5:15-21] Thereby ending the reign of death, although at this point Paul does not explain how everyone may accept God’s gift.
TOP #33: Believers’ baptism indicates/signifies that they are one with Christ in his death and resurrection. [RM 6:1-10]
TOP #34: Believers should consider themselves dead to sin and serve God with their bodies. [RM 6:12-21]
TOP #35: The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [RM 6:23] For those who reject God’s gift, death is eternal.
TOP #34: Believers should consider themselves dead to sin and serve God with their bodies. [RM 6:12-21]
TOP #35: The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [RM 6:23] For those who reject God’s gift, death is eternal.
TOP #36: Christians serve God in a new way of the Spirit rather than in the old way of the written code. [RM 7:1-6] Paul illustrated this truth by citing the case of a woman being released from marriage if her husband dies.
TOP #37: The law served to convict souls of sin, but the Spirit frees them from condemnation. [RM 7:7-8:8] Such release was made possible by the sin offering of Jesus (8:3).
TOP #38: God’s Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, who indwells those who are in Christ, making them God’s children. [RM 8:1&9-16] John refers to the indwelling of Jesus in RV 3:20. and of the HS in JN 14,15 & 16.
TOP #39: As co-heirs with Christ, God’s children share in his sufferings and will share his glory. [RM 8:17-25] Paul described the time between present struggles and future liberation in terms of creation groaning like a woman giving birth as we hope for the redemption of our bodies (v.22-24).
TOP #37: The law served to convict souls of sin, but the Spirit frees them from condemnation. [RM 7:7-8:8] Such release was made possible by the sin offering of Jesus (8:3).
TOP #38: God’s Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, who indwells those who are in Christ, making them God’s children. [RM 8:1&9-16] John refers to the indwelling of Jesus in RV 3:20. and of the HS in JN 14,15 & 16.
TOP #39: As co-heirs with Christ, God’s children share in his sufferings and will share his glory. [RM 8:17-25] Paul described the time between present struggles and future liberation in terms of creation groaning like a woman giving birth as we hope for the redemption of our bodies (v.22-24).
As I share the TOP, y'all feel free to comment and discuss points that he raises.
TOP #40: When we don’t know what to pray, the HS intercedes on our behalf in accordance with God’s will. [RM 8:26-27] Praying for God’s will to be done was taught by Jesus in MT 6:10 and exemplified by Him in MT 26:39-42.
TOP #41: According to His purpose or plan of salvation (POS), God called those He foreknew or predestined to become siblings of Christ to be like/conform to Christ. [RM 8:28-30] Paul indicated in 1TM 2:3-4 that God calls everyone or wants all to be saved, but not everyone cooperates with His POS.
TOP #42: The God who gave up His Son for the salvation of sinners will work for the good, glorification and justification of those who reflect His love. [RM 8:28&30-34] This does not mean that Christian will not experience earthly suffering.
TOP #43: Saved sinners have Christ Jesus interceding for them, and nothing can separate them from the love of Christ. [RM 8:34-39] This truth does not mean souls are incapable of rejecting Christ and thereby separating themselves from salvation, which truth Paul will next lament (as Jesus lamented in MT 23:37 because of his love for “Jerusalem”) and discuss.
TOP #40: When we don’t know what to pray, the HS intercedes on our behalf in accordance with God’s will. [RM 8:26-27] Praying for God’s will to be done was taught by Jesus in MT 6:10 and exemplified by Him in MT 26:39-42.
TOP #41: According to His purpose or plan of salvation (POS), God called those He foreknew or predestined to become siblings of Christ to be like/conform to Christ. [RM 8:28-30] Paul indicated in 1TM 2:3-4 that God calls everyone or wants all to be saved, but not everyone cooperates with His POS.
TOP #42: The God who gave up His Son for the salvation of sinners will work for the good, glorification and justification of those who reflect His love. [RM 8:28&30-34] This does not mean that Christian will not experience earthly suffering.
TOP #43: Saved sinners have Christ Jesus interceding for them, and nothing can separate them from the love of Christ. [RM 8:34-39] This truth does not mean souls are incapable of rejecting Christ and thereby separating themselves from salvation, which truth Paul will next lament (as Jesus lamented in MT 23:37 because of his love for “Jerusalem”) and discuss.
Romans 9 includes three overlapping TOP.
TOP #44: Although many Jews reject the Gospel/Christ, God’s covenant with Abraham did not fail, because the children of Abraham includes (spiritually circumcised) Gentiles. [RM 9:1-33, cf. TOP #24] Paul explained that the reason Israelites are not saved is because they ignored God’s purpose in election or POS involving mercy (v.11-15) on those having faith in Christ and instead pursued righteousness by works or obeying the law (v.30-33).
TOP #45: God has the power to determine what is required for salvation, and He is just to destroy those who resist His will. [RM 9:16-29] Paul cites Scripture (EX 10:1) saying that God hardened Pharoah’s heart for the purpose of revealing divine power, and then he notes (v.20-21) that a potter has the right to make pottery for various uses.
TOP #46: Those who reject God’s will/POS will experience His wrath and destruction. [RM 9:22-29] Sodom and Gomorrah are cited as examples, and Paul cited Isaiah saying (in IS 10:22-23) only a remnant of Israel would be saved.
TOP #44: Although many Jews reject the Gospel/Christ, God’s covenant with Abraham did not fail, because the children of Abraham includes (spiritually circumcised) Gentiles. [RM 9:1-33, cf. TOP #24] Paul explained that the reason Israelites are not saved is because they ignored God’s purpose in election or POS involving mercy (v.11-15) on those having faith in Christ and instead pursued righteousness by works or obeying the law (v.30-33).
TOP #45: God has the power to determine what is required for salvation, and He is just to destroy those who resist His will. [RM 9:16-29] Paul cites Scripture (EX 10:1) saying that God hardened Pharoah’s heart for the purpose of revealing divine power, and then he notes (v.20-21) that a potter has the right to make pottery for various uses.
TOP #46: Those who reject God’s will/POS will experience His wrath and destruction. [RM 9:22-29] Sodom and Gomorrah are cited as examples, and Paul cited Isaiah saying (in IS 10:22-23) only a remnant of Israel would be saved.
TOP #47: Christ is the end of the law and the beginning of righteousness by faith in Jesus as Lord. [RM 10:1-13, cf. HB 7:18-10:1] In Hebrews this truth is indicated by saying that the New Covenant supersedes the Old Covenant. Jesus indicated this truth (in MT 5:17-48) by saying that righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees, and that “You have heard it was said… But I tell you…”, and finally, “Be perfect.”
TOP #48: The Gospel is revealed to everyone in the world in various ways. [RM 10:14-18] Other verses indicating this truth include CL 1:23, RM 10:13-18 & GL 3:8. Apparently Paul affirms God revealed in creation (RM 1:20) and conscience (RM 2:14-16) or what has been termed “general revelation” as functioning as a provisional or proto-gospel as being sufficient for saving those who seek God and find Him via this means, so that souls are “without excuse” at the Judgment.
TOP #48: The Gospel is revealed to everyone in the world in various ways. [RM 10:14-18] Other verses indicating this truth include CL 1:23, RM 10:13-18 & GL 3:8. Apparently Paul affirms God revealed in creation (RM 1:20) and conscience (RM 2:14-16) or what has been termed “general revelation” as functioning as a provisional or proto-gospel as being sufficient for saving those who seek God and find Him via this means, so that souls are “without excuse” at the Judgment.
TOP #49: God may be found even by those who do not seek Him. [RM 10:19-20] This is because God is revealed through general revelation per the previous TOP.
TOP #50: God does not reject people, but He allows them to be obstinate and disobedient. [RM 10:21-11:2a] Even though souls may be unfaithful, God will remain faithful, although if believers commit apostasy or disown God, then He will also disown them (2TM 2:12-13).
TOP #51: Sadly, only a minority of humanity will be chosen by grace, while most will be hardened. [RM 11:2b-10] Whether God causes unbelievers to have hard hearts or allows them to become hardened is debated, because there are Scriptures that seem to support both understandings. Thus a systematic study and harmonization of Scripture must be attempted.
TOP #52: God’s inclusion of Gentiles in His plan of salvation is meant to motivate Jews/Israel to repent of unbelief. [RM 11:11-32]
TOP #53: God’s wisdom and judgments cannot be known or understood fully by finite and fallible minds. [RM 11:33-36]
TOP #50: God does not reject people, but He allows them to be obstinate and disobedient. [RM 10:21-11:2a] Even though souls may be unfaithful, God will remain faithful, although if believers commit apostasy or disown God, then He will also disown them (2TM 2:12-13).
TOP #51: Sadly, only a minority of humanity will be chosen by grace, while most will be hardened. [RM 11:2b-10] Whether God causes unbelievers to have hard hearts or allows them to become hardened is debated, because there are Scriptures that seem to support both understandings. Thus a systematic study and harmonization of Scripture must be attempted.
TOP #52: God’s inclusion of Gentiles in His plan of salvation is meant to motivate Jews/Israel to repent of unbelief. [RM 11:11-32]
TOP #53: God’s wisdom and judgments cannot be known or understood fully by finite and fallible minds. [RM 11:33-36]
I intend for y'all to be reading the Scripture and critiquing my interpretation or commentary, but seeing nothing from y'all I will continue sharing what I am learning from my study of the writings of Paul, which I am posting on my website if you want to see the entire list in one place. <truthseekersfellowship.com> I am just about ready to work on Hebrews, which I think Paul wrote but did not sign because his ministry was supposed to focus on the Gentiles.
TOP #54: Spiritual worship consists of offering one’s body to God as a living sacrifice of service. [RM 12:1] Self-explanatory?
TOP #55: Believers should renew their minds so that they will appreciate God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. [RM 12:2] This renewal is achieved as believers learn and apply GW.
TOP #56: Believers have various gifts or functions in the body of Christ. [RM 12:3-8] These gifts include prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, charity, leadership and showing mercy. Spiritual gifts are also listed in 1CR 12:4-11.
TOP #54: Spiritual worship consists of offering one’s body to God as a living sacrifice of service. [RM 12:1] Self-explanatory?
TOP #55: Believers should renew their minds so that they will appreciate God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. [RM 12:2] This renewal is achieved as believers learn and apply GW.
TOP #56: Believers have various gifts or functions in the body of Christ. [RM 12:3-8] These gifts include prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, charity, leadership and showing mercy. Spiritual gifts are also listed in 1CR 12:4-11.
At this point Paul gives several brief commands, which are worth listing separately.
TOP #57: Love one another, hate what is evil and cling to what is good. [RM 12:9-10] 1THS 5:21 says to test everything, hold on to the good, and avoid every evil.
TOP #58: Maintain zeal or fervor while serving the Lord. [RM 12:11] This attitude or emotion is called the Spirit’s fire in 1THS 5:19.
TOP #59: Be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. [RM 12:12a] This is akin to PHP 4:4&10-13, where patience is described as being content whatever the circumstances.
TOP #60: Be faithful in prayer. [RM 12:12b] Paul also encouraged prayer in 1THS 5:17&25.
TOP #61: Share with believers in need. [RM 12:13a] This is stated in EPH 4: 28 as working to earn something to share.
TOP #62: Practice hospitality. [RM 12:13b] This is mentioned also in 1PT 4:9 & 3JN v.8. It is enjoined for church leaders in 1TM 3:2 and TIT 1:8. Such help enabled house churches to meet (RM 16:23) and missionaries to spread the Gospel (ACTS 28:7).
TOP #63: Bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good. [RM 12:14&19-21] This is reminiscent of Jesus saying that believers are blessed and rewarded in heaven when they are persecuted (MT 5:11, cf. 1PT 2:19-21).
TOP #64: Have empathy and live in harmony. [RM 12:15-16a &18] Peace and unity rather than arguing and divisiveness is a theme in Paul’s epistles, and James addressed this in JM 4:1-2. Jesus prayed that believers would be one in JN 17:23.
TOP #65: Do not be proud or conceited, unwilling to associate with those in a lower social class. [RM 12:16b] James also spoke about this in JM 2:1-7.
TOP #57: Love one another, hate what is evil and cling to what is good. [RM 12:9-10] 1THS 5:21 says to test everything, hold on to the good, and avoid every evil.
TOP #58: Maintain zeal or fervor while serving the Lord. [RM 12:11] This attitude or emotion is called the Spirit’s fire in 1THS 5:19.
TOP #59: Be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. [RM 12:12a] This is akin to PHP 4:4&10-13, where patience is described as being content whatever the circumstances.
TOP #60: Be faithful in prayer. [RM 12:12b] Paul also encouraged prayer in 1THS 5:17&25.
TOP #61: Share with believers in need. [RM 12:13a] This is stated in EPH 4: 28 as working to earn something to share.
TOP #62: Practice hospitality. [RM 12:13b] This is mentioned also in 1PT 4:9 & 3JN v.8. It is enjoined for church leaders in 1TM 3:2 and TIT 1:8. Such help enabled house churches to meet (RM 16:23) and missionaries to spread the Gospel (ACTS 28:7).
TOP #63: Bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good. [RM 12:14&19-21] This is reminiscent of Jesus saying that believers are blessed and rewarded in heaven when they are persecuted (MT 5:11, cf. 1PT 2:19-21).
TOP #64: Have empathy and live in harmony. [RM 12:15-16a &18] Peace and unity rather than arguing and divisiveness is a theme in Paul’s epistles, and James addressed this in JM 4:1-2. Jesus prayed that believers would be one in JN 17:23.
TOP #65: Do not be proud or conceited, unwilling to associate with those in a lower social class. [RM 12:16b] James also spoke about this in JM 2:1-7.