Romans (Written)

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband. Romans 7:2

In his ever-consistent writings, Paul confirms his words in this verse in another verse found in 1 Corinthians 7:39 –

“A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”

This is an obvious truth. The marriage of a woman to a man binds her to that husband. He is the head of the family, both under the law and also within the New Testament context (Ephesians 5:23 for example). Being bound to that husband means that she has vowed to perform her duties as a wife and be faithful to him. However, the death of the husband releases her from his headship; she is no longer bound to him.

This simple example of the husband/wife relationship will be used in order to demonstrate a truth concerning our relationship to the law. The Bible uses such simple examples to keep us from mistaking deeper theological truths. Unfortunately, even such simplicity is often overlooked or ignored in an attempt to continue on down improper paths of our relationship with Christ. Endeavor to not be swayed by those who would follow such avenues of disobedience.

Life application: When an object lesson is given in the Bible, it is done so that we can see easy-to-understand concepts of issues that are often complex or which could otherwise lead to heresy if ignored. Pay close attention to such simplicity because it will guide you as you wade into deeper theological waters.

Lord God, I cherish Your word and I truly want to be obedient to it. When there are things I don’t understand contained there, please direct me to proper instruction on those matters and keep me away from those analyses which are incorrect. I trust that You will lead me on the right path of instruction so that my doctrine will be pure and You will be glorified through my walk. Amen.

Tuesday, 4 June 2013

Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? Romans 7:1

It has been made abundantly clear in Chapter 6 that we are no longer slaves to sin, but to righteousness; we have died with Christ and shall also live with Him; death has no dominion over Him and therefore it no longer has dominion over us. Can I get an amen?

Now in chapter 7, we will be shown our relationship to the law. If we get this chapter wrong, we will have a confused idea about what we can and cannot do. Churches all over the world levy requirements from the Law of Moses onto their congregants because they fail to grasp and adhere to the precepts found in this chapter (and which are explained elsewhere in Paul’s writings).

Chapter 6 explicitly said that in Christ we “are not under law but under grace.” (v14) Chapter 7 will show us how this happened and will demonstrate that the law has no authority over, or claim on us. Pay heed to Paul’s words because the law is “all or nothing.” If we are under the law, we are obligated to the whole law, every precept of it (James 2:10). If we are not under the law, then no part of it has a claim on us. We cannot “pick and choose” which part of the law is still required and which isn’t as so many within the church attempt to do.

And so to set the tone for his argument, today he begins with “Or do you not know?” This is a rhetorical question to be taken as a statement of fact – “Surely you realize this truth.” After this he explains his position to his “brethren.” Although he is writing to all within the church and his words are doctrine for all, he is directing his comments to those who “know the law.” This would be the Jewish brethren who have an understanding of what the law is clear about.

“Surely you realize this truth from within the law itself…” And then he brings up a precept from the law which is as obvious as it could be, “that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives.” A person born under the law is obligated to that law; the law has dominion over you.

The term “has dominion” is the Greek kyrieuei. The word is one of ruling. Paul has personified the Law to show a comparison to what he already demonstrated in chapter 6 when he personified Sin and Righteousness. The term “as long as he lives” can also rightly be translated “as long as it lives.” The ambiguity is certainly to show the truth from either direction. As long as a man is alive, the law has ruling authority over him. Or, as long as the law is in effect, it has ruling authority over the man, but if it is abrogated, it no longer applies. However, based on the comparison he will make in the coming verses, the translation “as long as he lives” is the intent of the passage.

Life application: If you are under the law, it has dominion over you. If you die, you are free from the constraint of the law. Likewise, if the law is abrogated, you are free from its constraint. Think on this and apply it to your Christian walk. Either a law applies or it doesn’t. If it does, it does so entirely. If it doesn’t then it is of no effect.

Heavenly Father, let me not be one to “pick and choose” what I will comply with from Your word. Rather, let me be obedient to Your precepts as they apply to me. If they are set aside, then I am free from them. If they are enacted and in force, then let me be obedient to them. Lord, what You determine, so help me to do in order that I may be pleasing in Your sight. Amen.

Monday, 3 June 2013

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

The term “gospel” which equates to “good news” implies that there is bad news. The concept of being “saved” implies that there is something to be saved from. These are truths that are clearly and carefully laid out in the Bible. The creation and fall of man are recorded to show us that there is a problem which needs to be fixed. The Bible then shows the on-going process of working toward that fix. Here in the last verse of Romans 6, we see as clearly as can be presented, the contrast between the bad news and the good news, the state of loss and the salvation from it, and also the way that these things are realized.

“For” treats the following words as an axiom – “the wages of sin is death.” The Bible proclaimed it right at the beginning and this rule has never changed; it is as if it is set in stone. There is nothing unfair or arbitrary about this. It is simply the way it is. In Ezekiel 18:4, it says, “The soul who sins shall die.” This is what Adam was told and it is what every person who takes God at His word confesses. Nothing more than what is promised comes about – sin equals death. It is the exact and just punishment for the offense.

“Wages” are what is earned. We go to work and we expect to be paid. They are not grace, but are rather the just payment for a given work.

“Sin” is a missing of the mark. It is not meeting a set standard, but rather violating that standard. Sin can be inherited, such as when Adam sinned. His sin has been transferred to every person who was born of man; his unrighteousness is imputed to each of us. Sin can also be committed. Any violation of God’s standard is sin and any infraction of God’s law breaks the entire law (James 2:10).

“Death” is what results from sin. It stands in opposition to life. This is the bad news. We have earned our wages and the sentence has been executed. We have received death because of our sin. The death noted here is “spiritual” in nature. Physical death is merely a result of spiritual death. This is certain because when one is “born again” it is spiritual in nature. We are already physically alive and, unless Jesus comes first, we will physically die. Therefore, the death is spiritual and the “born again” life is also spiritual.

Despite this bleak situation, there is a resounding note of hope as the word “but” is introduced. “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This little word “but” brings in a contrast to what was just noted.

“The gift.” Wages are earned; a gift cannot be earned. If one attempts to pay for a gift, it is an offense to the giver and it negates the nature of the gift. Therefore, this is something which cannot be earned by our merits or labors. It is an act of grace. Adam Clarke states it this way, “A man may Merit hell, but he cannot Merit heaven.”

“Of God” indicates the source of the gift. An individual’s personal effort is the source of his wages. Man believed the lie of the devil and then took action by his own will. He ate (his work); he died (his wages). In our “but” God has done the work and has offered it to us; His work and His gift.

“Is eternal life” this contrasts death and it shows very precisely that one (death) is just as enduring as the other (eternal life). If one doesn’t receive the gift, then the death is eternal. This is the only obvious conclusion to the matter. If the life which is granted is eternal, then the death which is earned, if not reversed through the gift, will likewise last for eternity.

This superlative gift which God offers is found “in Christ Jesus.” One is either “in” Christ or they are “not in” Christ. The Bible offers no other path to God and it excludes any other path to God. There is no such thing as “Christianity plus.” It is either/or. If God were to allow any other path to reconciliation apart from the cross-death of His Son, then it was the most pointless gesture ever made. To be “in” Jesus then can be explained by His own words in John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Jesus’ statement is exclusive of any other remedy. There is nothing arbitrary about it, nor is it unfair. Fair is getting what one deserves and therefore “fair” is death. This is our just desserts. Grace bestowed upon one and not another isn’t unfair; it is grace. Jesus explains this in His parable of Matthew 20:1-16. To be “in Christ” is to have received God’s gift. To not be in Christ means to receive the earned wages.

Concerning those who are “saved” prior to the cross, such as Abraham. Their salvation looked forward to the work of Messiah; ours looks back on it. But all who are saved come through Christ Jesus and none come apart from Him.

A point about gifts must be made. A gift is something that is offered and which must be accepted. If, as Calvinists teach, one is “regenerated” in order to believe, then they are saved before they are saved; it is no gift at all. The Bible never teaches this doctrine. Instead, it teaches that man is fallen and dead spiritually. We can do nothing to revive ourselves from this dead state. But it is a category mistake to say that we can’t “see the gift” and receive. We may be spiritually dead, but we are not mentally dead. We see the good, we receive the good, and are then regenerated to spiritual life. A forced gift is no gift; forced faith is not faith; and imposed grace is not grace.

The final portion of Romans 6:23 states “our Lord.” Christ Jesus isn’t “a” Lord, as if there were others. Christ Jesus isn’t a created being to whom we fall in praise and adoration, thus committing another sin by denying God the glory that He alone is due. Christ Jesus is God. He is the Incarnate Word of God. He is the full expression of God in a form that we can understand. He is “Lord.”

Romans 6:23 is a verse which will never be fully exhausted in how it can be discussed and contemplated. It demonstrates the immense wisdom of God, the glory of Christ, and the beauty of reconciliation through the gift of His life, death, and resurrection.

Life application: Take time to memorize this verse and to think on it from day to day. Always be ready to cite and explain it so that others can grasp the wonder of the gospel message; our Good News.

Heavenly Father, as sure as I know anything else, Your word contains truths which are eternal in nature. Adam sinned and immediately after that a promise was made – that the Seed of the woman would undo what we had fouled up. Every page after that continues to work towards that Promised One. I may not know it all, but I know who He is. Thank You for the coming of Messiah. Thank You for Jesus! Amen.

Sunday, 2 June 2013

But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. Romans 6:22

As so often occurs in the apostle’s writings, “but” is introduced. It is given as a stark contrast from the previous thought in 6:20, 21. Reflecting on all three verses will allow for a fuller comprehension of this contrast –

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.”

What was once true is no more: The bonds which confined us have been removed. The sin that infected us with corruption is replaced with holiness. The master who assured only rewards of punishment has been exchanged for God who rewards with grace and love. What once condemned us is swallowed up in salvation. Everlasting life has replaced eternal death. All of this is tied up in “but.” It is the glory of calling on Jesus Christ as Lord.

We have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God. Because of this, one could ask, “Isn’t this then exchanging one type of bondage for another?” No. The answer is because God is infinite. In Him, there is no true confinement. Being a slave to God means sharing in His infinite stream of love, grace, mercy, truth, and holiness. There is no bondage where there are no bounds which limit our movement. Becoming a slave of God is to become the freest being of all.

Jesus told us this in John 8:34-36 – “Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'”

Life application: Because we have believed and stand justified, we should behave and become sanctified. Of what use is the old self? Of what use is sin? It is bondage and confinement, but in Christ is freedom and expanse. Live now as if eternity has been realized in you, because it has.

Lord, if sin is bondage and confinement, then holiness must be freedom and movement in broad places. If sin brought in death, then righteousness must surely restore life. If the devil is our master of condemnation, then You, O Lord, are our Master for salvation. The work is done and I receive it by faith. I look to the cross for my freedom and restoration.  Amen.

Saturday, 1 June 2013

What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. Romans 6:21

Paul’s question is asking about having fruit, not so much the quality of it. The quality naturally goes along with what the source of the fruit is. This can be seen in Jesus’ words found in Matthew 17:16-19 –

“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Elsewhere in the Bible, it’s noted that thorns and thistles end up in the fire, just as those who bear bad fruit will end up in the Lake of Fire. These agricultural concepts are given because anyone can figure them out. No one would pick up a thorn bush and start chewing on it and expect to get delightful nourishment from it. And so Paul asks his reader to think things through. If you were a slave to sin, of course only bad fruit would result. It isn’t possible that a tree which is by nature bad could somehow produce fruit contrary to its nature.

Adam Clark states it this way: “God designs that every man shall reap benefit by his service. What benefit have ye derived from the service of sin?”

The answer is that the bad tree will, of course, bear that which is bad. The reaping then is one which is intended for death and destruction. We will see this concept reintroduced in chapter 7 as well –

“For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.” Romans 7:5

If we are a slave to sin, then our passions will work in our members to death. Think of whatever sin you wish. In the end, it always leads to death because it is destructive to the body and the soul. But more importantly than the physical death is the spiritual, eternal death which is a result of being a slave to sin. The life of sin is ultimately a life of death.

If we have become a slave of righteousness (meaning having been saved by Jesus), then why would we continue to entertain the life of sin? It is contrary to our new nature. Those things we were ashamed of when we called on Christ are no less shameful now, so don’t allow your life and your actions to be returned to the very bondage from which you were purchased.

Life application: A spiritually alive being living in a spiritually dead way is a self-contradiction. If you have been born again by the Spirit of God, then you should endeavor to live in newness of life. You will bear fruit from your labors. What type will they be?

Heavenly Father, in Your wisdom you made each tree to bear its own fruit. Some bear good and some bear bad. Before, I bore fruit which showed the type of tree I was and it wasn’t pleasant. But then came Jesus and then came a change. What could once only be bad can now be pleasant and sweet. Help me to bear that which honors You in Your garden of delight. Amen.