Introduction
Welcome to this new section of the site where I will apply the content of the metaphysics and metamath sections to the letters in the New Testament. There will be much doctrinal content - most of it concerning the identity of the believer and ultimately the sovereignty of God. I am a firm believer that if you read these letters verse by verse and concentrate on a micro-scale rather than reading two or even three chapters in context , you are missing out on something important. Context is everything.
Paul in particular was intimately concerned with what he himself had given the believers already in terms of doctrine - most of the content of his letters concern further instruction on principles that seem to have escaped most of the christian church today. I hope to apply the content of the metaphysics and metamath sections as a basis, or key to the scripture to reveal more depth in context than you may have encountered at a church.
You will require an open bible as I will not be including the verses - Enjoy!
Romans Chapters 1-8
Chapter One
An introduction on the freedom of God and the identity of the believer under His sovereignty. Paul is interested here in revealing that freedom does not make one free if it be license - because people do not recognise the sovereignty of God they find themselves under sin. Whether jew or greek - all are under sin. Chapter Two
Commentary on the identity of Israel as a spiritual kingdom, rather than one of works under the law given to a physical people. By faith there is no difference between jew and gentile, since all have sinned - only a repentant and fearful spirit stands justified before God on the grounds of such faith as exampled by Christ. The sovereignty of God is absolute. Chapter Three
An important chapter on the identity of the believer and more on the law of faith through Christ as opposed to the law mediated through Moses. The gospel is a far more effective foundation upon which to build a temple than the law on its own. Chapter Four
More on the justification of the believer through faith and not works. The example of Abraham and how God imputes righteousness for the faith of the believer - why the Gospel and the law of faith is open to all, and not just to the jewry who keep the law of Moses. Chapter Five
How Christ has justified His believers with faith, and how eternal life is as much the domain of faith as it is for justification. Sin came into the world through Adam, but grace is boundlessly extended all the more through the example and faith of Jesus Christ. Chapter Six
Paul talks plainly here about Christ having rescued us from the snare of sin and its sting which is death - almost as if Christ proceeded us into the grave and pulled us all out! However He is the first of the resurrection and the foremost heir of eternal life. Chapter Seven
Paul teaches on the confidence we have to expect our repentance to inherit eternal life - He assures us all of the doctrine of the good news - the freedom from sin as well as the separation of a remnant of Israel and the translation of the kingdom of God from the law to one of faith. Chapter Eight
We may extend by perfection and the presence of the Holy Spirit and God's ministrations for us that nothing can separate us from the promises of God as long as we are in receipt of true doctrine. We can not be at fault as long as we are repentant and stay true to Christ's teachings, though the world be enveloped in suffering, which is our chief opponent.
Romans Chapters 9-16
Chapter Nine
Paul's desire for physical Israel to repent and follow after Christ is perhaps a predilection of his - as to them historically was shown much mercy and was in receipt of all the chief works of redemption, as well as the promises of Christ's coming. Not only are they His brethren by blood and nation, Paul starts to justify why he has such a desire. Chapter Ten
The desire of Paul to preach to the jews is continued here. Since Paul argues that those better instructed in the promises of God are better suited to the preaching of the gospel - and no one is sent to the unbelieving jews, and they will not except a gentile. If the gentiles have faith from God, why should the jews who also do not believe go without a teacher? Chapter Eleven
Paul makes His case for the jews to be preached to here - there is no preference between jew and gentile in the true body of Christ which is Israel - but we are to be minded of the severity for blindness to obedience to our new covenant as well as mindful of God's mercy to all. The gospel is just as strong to those jews cut off in unbelief as to gentiles who knew not Gods promises. Chapter Twelve
We should be fearful of God that is true, but by better displaying His character we fulfil the intent of the creator of the Body of His Son Jesus Christ. Chapter Thirteen
We have other responsibilities that to ourselves in Christ. One is not to blaspheme the law of faith, but also to not bring ourselves under the power of men. We are to respect the sovereignty of God's commandments. This means staying lawful under godly instituted power, and remaining under God's grace even in the face of ungodly rule or threat. Chapter Fourteen
The seeming weaknesses in the faith of others are not unproductive. We have been reminded by Paul that our eternal redemption begins now! We should be mindful of the continuing ministration of those things by the Holy Spirit that train us in repentance, as well as towards the larger things which we can eventually be trusted with. Chapter Fifteen
Paul ends his teaching to the gentiles in this epistle with much encouragement. From the promises of scripture to the boasting that comes from the works of the gospel as in grace, and not of the law - Paul seeks to assure the romans of the hope they have evidenced by the Holy Spirit. He also makes them aware of his travel plans and his desire to visit them soon enough. Chapter Sixteen
The letter is closed by Paul with a final warning and praise of God.
Continue To Next Section
Continue To Next Page |