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Dee asked, "What is Paul trying to say in Romans about
trusting God and his covenants to the chosen people and the Gentiles, law
versus conscience respectively? Are the Jews being held to a higher
standard in obeying the law of Moses compared to conscience with faith in salvation
through Jesus?
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Romans is about faith and the working out of that faith. He starts out here with the statement that
obedience is linked with faith. And as if there needed to be confirmation, he ends with the same point.
Romans 1:5
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets,
according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
There is a ranking of humanity. The House of David and the Jewish people are first in the eyes of God.
And they will remain so throughout eternity.
Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness,
by the resurrection from the dead:
Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believers; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Chapter one continues to describe unbelief and the consequences of rejecting the free offer of salvation through faith.
But is there validity in the statements, "I didn't know". I was living in the middle of Colorado and no one spoke to me of
Jesus.
Romans 1:19-21
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darken.
Chapter two starts off with a rebuke of those who would judge hypocritically.
People are won to Christ to be one in Christ.
Romans 2:4
Or despise thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long suffering;
not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
God has a very consistent way of dealing with man:
Romans 2:6-11 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
For there is no respect of persons with God.
Now specifically to the question of the differentiation of the Law to the Jews and the Law to Gentiles.
Romans 2:12-15 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
What is then the true covenant.
Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Chapter three then stops us from making the rash and incorrect assertion that the Jewish people are no longer a part of God's plan.
One of the greatest miracles we can point to for the existence of God and the faithfulness of God is the Jewish people are now
in Israel after around 1900 years of exile from the land.
Romans 3:1-2 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
There is no righteousness of man, we are all sinners. This is bad news if you think you can get to heaven on your merit or sincerity.
Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God.
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, no, not one.
and
Romans 3:22-24 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:
for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
But there is good news for all as well.
Romans 3:29-30 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
As Chapter 3 ends, the question of the law is lifted then to the fore front. Review and meditate a moment on Romans 2:12-15.
The law is the written code on tablets of stone, pages of paper, and the flesh of the heart. So then a standard for behavior remains.
Although written on the heart, there is a copy on file for all to read.
Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Chapter 4 then points to Father Abraham and his relationship to works.
The written code, as pointed out in Galatians 3, is 430 years in the future.
The acquisition of the righteousness of God is not performance based.
If Abraham had righteousness in himself then he can boast. But if righteousness is from God, then God receives glory.
Romans 4:2-5 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
For what says the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
The promise then was not given after a performance of the act of obedience but at the time he believed.
Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham,
or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Chapter 5 then provides the comparison of the sinfulness and condemnation of all through our first father, Adam,
and the salvation through Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:18-19 Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation;
even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Chapter 6 addresses the arguments that come from pride. We think we can obtain righteousness.
Even when we claim we are saved by grace.
And what about those others. If they are not told they must be good they won't be. Or even worse, they will claim salvation
and act all the more sinful in light of the forgiveness of God. That is not Faith, it is sin.
Take a moment to review and meditate on Romans 2:12-15 and Romans 1:5.
Do you believe you can obey the law apart from the Holy Spirit.
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
That only makes man a slave to sin.
Romans 6:17-18 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin,
but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
There is value in the law as a teacher of righteousness and unrighteousness. It is that sword that splits bone.
The law is good, in it there is life and light. But can I obey the law?
Romans 7:7-11 What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law:
for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shall not covet.
But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence (lust).
For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
It is not possible to hold to the law or even please God by any of our actions.
Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
But I am in touch in the spirit through the Holy Spirit. And so the struggle within me rages. The battle will not end "until that day".
Romans 7:19-25 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me.
I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind,
and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
So here now is the great conjunction of righteousness, and justice with mercy and grace.
Romans 8:1-5 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus
hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
It is now not a matter of the set of rules we follow but that we follow the Spirit of God. Listening to him.
The relationship is now that of Father to child.
Romans 8:14-16
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
The obedience that we now engage in is even yet, "not of ourselves".
Romans 8:29
For whom he did fore know, he also did predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son,
that he might be the "first born" among many brethren.
How about that B.C. Easter message. Is the depiction of the transformation of the candlestick to the cross a matter of
replacement theology? A history of evil has surrounded the idea that the Jews have been replaced by the Gentiles.
The Gentile church has NOT replaced Israel. In fact there are many ministries today who are Jewish.
The Bible is a Jewish book. Written by Jews about a Jews. In particular, THE Jew, the promised savior Jesus Christ.
Chapters 9 through 11 need special attention. Do not forget the context mentioned previously, Israel is at the
center of God's heart. It is always "to the Jew first".
Paul, an Israelite, speaks about Gods Love and the giving of the promises through his kinsmen.
Romans 9:1-6
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Who are Israelites; to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law,
and the service of God, and the promises;
Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
Paul goes on to explain that God has always worked that way. It is not about "who your father is" but what YOU do as
seen in Romans 2:6-11. Verse 11: there is no respect of persons with God.
Here we know that Abraham was the father of nations but the promise did not come through all Abraham's seed.
This is a contention as well with the Muslim world. They believe the promise comes through Ishmael.
It is by faith, not by your kinship. And Isaac had two sons, but then, "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."
Romans 9:7-8
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God:
but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
As it is not by birth, neither is it by the works of your hands. Following the written code of the law does not attain to
righteousness. It is by faith. Review Romans 1:5. Obedience follows faith.
Romans 9:30-33
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone;
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense: and whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.
This problem is not to Israel alone. There are many of the Gentile churches that chase after a righteousness by works.
They say "we are the chosen people".
How many have lived their lives "doing the church thing" and missing the relationship with God that is by faith?
The blessings of His Spirit in us working his will and way.
Romans 10:1-4
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness,
have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes.
The scripture has said it all along.
Romans 10:8-13
But what does it say? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved.
For with the heart man believe unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
As with Moses in the desert, the "mixed multitude" has always been a part of the plan.
God's calling of the whole world continues and as such makes his appeal to Israel even stronger.
Romans 10:19-20
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses said, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people,
and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
But Isaiah is very bold, and said, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
Clearly stated in chapter 11, God has not cast off the people Israel. But it seems that some in Israel have gone astray.
King Ahab was not approved by God, yet he was of the House of Israel.
Romans 11:1-3
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
God hath not cast away his people which he fore knew. Know ye not what the scripture says of Elias?
how he made intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and torn down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
So Elijah is in no way speaking about the people of Israel but rather those who live by faith in God.
The reply of God speaks to the obedience that comes by faith in Him. Notably Israelite Christians.
Romans 11:4-6
But what said the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men,
who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.
But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
The olive tree grafting metaphor points to the olive tree as faith in God, not obedience to the law or your earthly father.
The branches are cultured (the Jews) and wild (the Gentiles). The metaphor is not of the nation of Israel and the nations of the Gentiles.
For there is one God, one Spirit, one Christ, and one Church (the body of believers).
Jesus makes this clear using the vine in John 15.
I am the vine and you are the branches. Jesus was speaking to Jews. There was not a Gentile in the crowd.
Romans 11:17-21
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree,
wert grafted in among them, and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou carry not the root, but the root thee.
Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou stand by faith. Be not high minded, but fear:
For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
God is about reconciliation. And Israel is always called and beloved. Note that here the reconciliation, grafting, of Israel is
a better fit. For they are the natural fit into God's structure.
Romans 11:22-24
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee,
goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shall be cut off.
And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.
For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature,
and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these,
which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
We as Gentiles should praise God for the opportunity he has given us. The promise of God is forever and will never be withdrawn.
Romans 11:25-29
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery,
lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel,
until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer,
and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election,
they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Chapter 12 then takes the previous points and brings them into application. Using the metaphor of the sacrificial system in the law,
we are to replace the animal with ourselves. A living sacrifice. And we are to all come the same way. Our works are now done
in accordance with the gifts given of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 12:1-5
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Through 12 13 and 14, Paul then speaks some be-attitudes as Jesus did. This is to lift
our work from drudgery to the lofty goals of high morality. The law that is written on the hearts of flesh will give glory and
honor to God our savior allowing the construction of His church.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
Jesus is the fulfillment.
Romans 15:8-13
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
And again he said, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
The unification of the Jews and Gentiles is made in Jesus.
Ephesians 2:14-22
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together growing unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
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