Romans: Justification, sanctification, and Salvation

[JaumeJ]

Jesus Yeshua died for all who believe. He died and resurrected being the Life and the Resurrection so that our payment for sin no longer requires our death. This is true for all who believe Him, freed from the penalty of deathe by His dying for each of us.. W"e who truly believe Him, though we are dead because of sin, live because of His sacrifiec, His Blood. For Blood is the life of any being, and the Blood of the Lamb of God is Life for all who believe Him.

 

[Nehemiah6]

How could this make sense? If the penalty for sin is the sinner's death, how could anyone else's death pay the penalty?

That is really quite simple and makes perfect sense. If you are guilty of a traffic violation and cannot afford to pay the fine, a friend of yours could pay it for you. which means that you would no longer be liable for the fine.

 

[The_old_guy]

The Book of Romans, an epistle in the New Testament of the Bible, is one of the most influential texts in Christian theology, written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome. It systematically outlines the Christian faith, explaining the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles. Here’s a synopsis of its key themes and structure:

Introduction (Romans 1:1-17)
Paul introduces himself and expresses his desire to visit the Roman church. He states the letter’s theme in Romans 1:16-17, emphasizing the righteousness of God revealed through faith in Jesus Christ.

Condemnation (Romans 1:18-3:20)
Paul begins by demonstrating humanity's universal sinfulness. He argues that Gentiles, despite not having the Law, have sinned against their innate knowledge of God (1:18-32), and that Jews, despite having the Law, have also failed to live up to it (2:1-3:20), concluding that all humanity stands guilty before God.

Justification (Romans 3:21-5:21)
This section presents the core of the Gospel: righteousness from God is available through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (3:21-26). Paul explains justification by faith, contrasting it with the works of the Law, and discusses Abraham as an example of faith (4:1-25). He expounds on the benefits of being justified, such as peace with God and the hope of glory (5:1-21).

Sanctification (Romans 6:1-8:39)
Paul addresses the implications of justification for the believer’s life, focusing on sanctification—the process of being made holy. He discusses dying to sin and living to God (6:1-23), the believer’s relationship to the Law (7:1-25), and life in the Spirit, which empowers believers to live righteously (8:1-39).

Sovereignty of God in Salvation (Romans 9:1-11:36)
Paul delves into the sovereignty of God over salvation, particularly in relation to Israel. He defends God's right to choose and His faithfulness to His promises, explaining that not all ethnic Israelites are true spiritual descendants of Abraham. He concludes with a doxology, marveling at the depth of the riches of God's wisdom and knowledge (11:33-36).

Practical Application (Romans 12:1-15:13)
This section applies the theological truths discussed earlier to practical living, urging believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices, to use their gifts for the benefit of the church, to love their neighbors, and to live in harmony with others. Paul gives specific guidance on how to live out the Christian faith in various aspects of life.

Conclusion (Romans 15:14-16:27)
Paul concludes by expressing his plans to visit Rome and his desire for the Roman Christians to support his mission to Spain. He sends greetings to various individuals in the Roman church and ends with a doxology praising God.

The Book of Romans systematically explains the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and its implications for both individual believers and the church as a whole. It addresses profound theological truths and provides practical guidance for living out the Christian faith, making it foundational to Christian belief and practice.

Another simpler way to divide it is: 1) Human GUILT (1:1--3:20), 2) Divine GRACE (3:21--11:36), 3) Human GRATITUDE (12:1--16:27).

 

[Pilgrimshope]

How could this make sense?

If the penalty for sin is the sinner's death, how could anyone else's death pay the penalty?

So it sounds like the penalty for sin is "someone's death". Why is that a fitting penalty? If it was the sinner's death, that would make more sense.

Perhaps it is not reasoned but an arbitrary policy of God's. Then I wonder, how is it good?

“And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.”
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭24:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭31:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭21:17‬ ‭

“And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.”
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭24:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭20:10‬ ‭

“If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭20:13‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭21:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.”
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭20:27‬ ‭

“And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭21:15‬ ‭


“And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them.”
‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭20:12‬ ‭

“At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭17:6‬ ‭

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: his body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭21:22-23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[lovejoypeaceetc]

Dears, thank you all for your replies, which bring in a variety of interesting and useful perspectives. I ought to ponder further before discussing them. Personally, up till now, what makes most sense to me is that, like the snake on the pole in the wilderness, the way of salvation through gazing on Jesus' death requires the heartfelt recognition of the nature of one's sin: man's best efforts in our own strength are shown up as evil by the fact that they put Jesus on the cross. (As I write, I notice this seems to match Peter's words at Pentecost - the indictment is that the Christ walked amongst us and we crucified him.) So it humbles us and silences any boasting apart from God. To me, this perspective seems to relate the means of salvation to its starting problem and desired effect. I continue to wonder how the language of debt fits in with this. Thank you again.

 

[tylerbones1313]

Romans Chapter 1​

Introduction (Romans 1:1-17)
Paul introduces himself and expresses his desire to visit the Roman church. He states the letter’s theme in Romans 1:16-17, emphasizing the righteousness of God revealed through faith in Jesus Christ.

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ: This establishes Paul's identity. He identifies himself as someone devoted completely to Jesus Christ.
called to be an apostle: This refers to Paul's special calling as an Apostle of Jesus. Apostles were chosen disciples entrusted with spreading the message of Jesus and establishing the early Church.
separated unto the gospel of God: This means Paul was set apart for a specific purpose - to proclaim the "gospel of God." The gospel refers to the "good news" of Jesus' sacrifice, death, and resurrection, offering salvation to humanity.

2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

Which he had promised afore: This refers to the good news (also called the gospel) of Jesus Christ.
by his prophets in the holy scriptures: Paul is saying that God had already hinted at this good news through the prophets mentioned in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible). These prophets spoke God's message to the Israelites for centuries before Jesus came.

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: This establishes Jesus' identity as Divine, the Lord worthy of our worship.
Which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh: This is the part that speaks to Jesus' dual nature.

Dual Nature: Christians believe Jesus has two natures: fully human and fully divine.
Seed of David according to the flesh: This refers to Jesus' human lineage. The phrase "seed of David" signifies he descended from King David, fulfilling a prophecy about the Messiah coming from David's line (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16). So, Jesus was a real human being, born into a specific historical context.

Fulfilling Prophecy: Jesus' lineage from David is seen as a sign that he is the promised Messiah.
Understanding Jesus' Ministry: Jesus' humanity allowed him to experience life as we do, understand our struggles, and offer compassion.
Relevance of Jesus' Sacrifice: Because Jesus was fully human, his sacrifice on the cross is considered an act of solidarity with humanity, taking on our suffering to redeem us.

The Other Half: While this verse focuses on Jesus' human nature, the following verse (Romans 1:4) talks about his divine nature: "declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead."
Mystery of the Incarnation: The concept of Jesus being both fully human and fully divine is a mystery that theologians have pondered for centuries. It's a central tenet of faith, but not meant to be fully understood through logic alone.

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

And declared to be the Son of God: This refers to Jesus' divine nature. He wasn't just a human teacher or prophet, but God robed in Flesh.
with power: This emphasizes the certainty and strength of this declaration. It wasn't a mere suggestion, but a powerful demonstration.
according to the spirit of holiness: This refers to the Holy Spirit, God's presence and power. The Holy Spirit is often associated with holiness and purity. Some interpretations see this as referring to Jesus' sinless life, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
by the resurrection from the dead: This is the central event. Jesus' resurrection from the dead is considered the ultimate proof of his divinity and power over death.

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

By whom: This refers back to God, mentioned earlier in the passage.

We have received grace and apostleship:

Grace: This refers to God's undeserved favor and love bestowed upon humanity.
Apostleship: This refers to the calling and mission of the Apostles, the special disciples chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings.

For obedience to the faith among all nations: This is the purpose of grace and apostleship. It's to bring people from all nations (Gentiles) to believe and follow Jesus (obedience to the faith).
For his name: This refers to God's glory and reputation. The ultimate goal is to bring people to faith and obedience, which brings glory to God's name.

6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Among whom: This refers back to the "all nations" mentioned in verse 5.

Are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Ye: This is an archaic pronoun meaning "you" (plural).
The called: This refers to those who have been invited or chosen by Jesus Christ.
Of Jesus Christ: This clarifies that the calling comes specifically from Jesus.

To Be Continued.........​

 

[The_old_guy]

Elementary, my dear Tyler! You nailed it!