Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 15 - With the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 15 - With the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin)

Another Law in my Members

Rom 7:5  For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.  (6)  But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

The motions of sin which exist in the flesh, strengthened by the knowledge of the law, work in our fleshly members to bring forth fruit unto death. This is not eternal death, since justification saves us from the wrath of God and hell, but it is a functional death, meaning that we are unprofitable to God, incapable of being used by Him as an instrument of righteousness. 

On the other hand, if the second pillar of sanctification, (deliverance of the law), stands strong and sure in us, then we are married to a different husband, to Christ, and we operate under a different set of principles; not those of law, but those of grace. Actually, Paul says in Rom.7:4 that, “ye should be married to another”. The word ‘should’, is an actionable word, meaning that we could stand idle and remain widowed (unmarried), and exist in that state relying only on our justification, or we could set about to seek another husband and marry him, coming in under a new spiritual set of principles. In this state we can grow and function in the motions of obedience unto righteousness, which exist in the spirit of the mind, Rom.8:5,27, strengthened by the knowledge of the Word of God, producing in us the workings of God, to will and do according to His good pleasure, bringing forth the fruit of righteousness and godliness, even in our flesh, which is being quickened by the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, Rom.8:11.

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 10 - Salvation doesn’t stop at the cross, but includes resurrection too)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 10 - Salvation doesn’t stop at the cross, but includes resurrection too)

Romans 6 to 8 is a keynote part of our Christian doctrine. Paul has fully transitioned from lessons in justification through Romans 1 to 5 and is now focused on sanctification. Justification is shelved and is settled. Those who believe in Jesus Christ: in his cross work through the gospel of grace, are saved from God's wrath and hell. Their heavenward salvation is final and sure, because it is not based on the life of the believer, but on the righteousness of Christ and God's heavenly decree to save those who believe in His Son. This is positional salvation because it is not up to the believer. It is God's decree and Christ's work. The believer is placed in Christ and sealed unto the day of salvation, Eph.1:13.

What we are going to get into now is in contrast to positional salvation. Sanctification is functional salvation because the believer has a responsibility, or as Paul puts it, a reasonable service to perform, Rom.12:1. Recall this verse,

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 7 - Much more then, being now justified)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 7 - Much more then, being now justified)

If you have been following this study, you should be well aware that we have been looking at justification, which is the first step of the broader term called salvation. Romans 5 is a transitional chapter that moves us out of Romans 1 to 4, concerning justification, and into Romans 6 to 8, which leads us into the beginning of sanctification. 

Word statistics in the KJV helps to confirm this fact because it is interesting to note that if you search for all spelling variants of justification, there are 29 entries scattered about in Paul's epistles. Out of those 29, 25 of them are in Romans and Galatians, and 4 additional entries in the rest of his epistles. In Romans there are 17 matches where 15 are in Romans chapters 1 to 5 and 2 in Romans 8. There are 8 in Galatians, because Paul's letter to them is to do with correcting their wayward understanding of salvation: see Gal.3:2-3. The point I'm making is that the believer is educated in the foundational understanding of justification in Romans, and then corrected in its practice in Galatians. So, barring these two books, Paul never teaches directly about justification again, because a believer, even by the end of Romans 5, should have settled on the truth of justification and moved past this serving of 'milk', into 'meatier' truths in the curriculum of Paul's doctrine.

As mentioned in the closing statements of part 6, I'd like to expound on something important in Paul's closing statements concerning justification. Let's first read the passage and then I want to provide some interesting insights in these verses,

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth [entrusts, commits] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  (9)  MUCH MORE then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be SAVED FROM WRATH through him.  (10)  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, MUCH MORE, being reconciled, we shall be SAVED BY HIS LIFE.  (11)  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 6 - Therefore being Justified by Faith)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 6 - Therefore being Justified by Faith)

When you believed the message of the grace gospel, you acknowledged your sins and put your trust in the fact that the cross of Christ was the propitiation [appeasement, satisfactory fulfilment] that was made on your behalf, allowing God to remain just, while justifying you freely through that sacrifice, Rom.3:26. The moment you did that, your soul became redeemed and is now at peace with God, Rom.5:1. Being justified became the FIRST STEP of your salvation, as we will learn in upcoming parts of this study. 

• What is the significance of justification? Well, you can spend the rest of your life in that justified state and still be saved, even if you never learn and receive the rest of God’s salvation. 

This expression above is a biblically qualified fact, based on what we have already learned. However, even though this statement is true, it is not where we should stop and rest on those laurels. There is more to salvation and God would desire that we press on in our learning of Paul’s doctrine, Php.3:14, as much more blessings and glory are there for us to receive by the grace of God, as we will learn in Rom.5:10.

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 5 - A Transition is at Hand)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 5 - A Transition is at Hand)

Romans chapter 5 is a chapter of transition. It concludes the topic of justification, and it introduces a new topic; that of sanctification, which is the next step in the broader understanding of salvation. The primary purpose of this study is actually to expound on the content of Romans 6 to 8, which I cannot wait to get into, but let me draw important attention to the fact that none of the information in chapters 6 to 8 would mean a thing if one skips over Romans 1 to 4. One cannot be saved without Romans 1-4. One cannot start to walk after the Spirit and bear the fruits of the Spirit if one ignores the gospel and disregards justification.

So, with this said, let me remind you what we have already covered from Romans 1 to 4 with the few points listed below. I want you to remember these points because we will not be returning to them in Romans. Once Paul concludes justification in Rom.5:11, he does not expound it again in this epistle. It becomes a settled fact, and Paul expects you to take the next step upwards and press on to higher revelation.

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 4 - He staggered not, but was strong in faith)

Start this lesson series here: 
Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 1)

Understanding the Process of Salvation in Romans (Part 4 - He staggered not, but was strong in faith)

Rom 4:3-5  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

In the beginning of Romans, Paul appealed to us (the reader of his epistles) that we should have faith in ‘the faith’; our doctrine that God inspired Paul to write, that contains the principles which should govern our lives. We should have faith not only in the words he wrote, but we ought to have faith that they are the very words of God, 1Cor.14:37; God’s will for us, His desires for us, the way He wants us to walk and function as members of the Body of Christ.

Now, in chapter four of Romans, after having delivered the doctrine of justification: concerning the wrath of God, concerning His righteousness and justice, and concerning His love for us through His Son, Paul writes to us of faith, again, appealing to us to have faith in the gospel, in like manner that Abraham had faith in God, believing that He was able to do what He promised Abraham,

Rom 4:20  He [Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;  (21)  And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.  (22)  And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

God's Forbearance and Righteousness revealed in Christ

God's Forbearance and Righteousness revealed in Christ

Rom.3:24-26  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  (25)  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  (26)  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Imagine I told people that the only way to be justified with God was to jump across the ocean to another country; obviously, that would be impossible. Without God's grace, this would serve as a good illustration of how unattainable it is for us humans to be justified before God. However, what does the human heart do? What about sinners who believe they can earn their salvation through their efforts? In their ignorance, they attempt this challenge regardless—one person jumps two feet and falls far short, while another jumps twenty feet and, instead of acknowledging how far he still is from the other side of the ocean, turns around and says, "Look how much better I am than that guy."

The point of the matter is, the man that jumps the furthest is in the deepest water. It's the people in this world who compare themselves with drug addicts and serial killers and pedophiles that are in the most trouble because they're comparing themselves to everybody around them and refusing to acknowledge how far short of the glory of God they've fallen. They think they are in a different category because they are not as bad as those people. They seem to ignore the fact that in the sight of God, they are as guilty and vile as addicts, murderers and pedophiles. What does John say, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1Jn.1:8. People who think they are more righteous than the person next to them are deceived and lie to themselves. The scriptures say that all have sinned, and all have come short of the glory of God. 

What is the explanation on Ephesian 2:10?

What is the explanation on Ephesian 2:10?

This is the verse you reference: 

Eph.2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

There are three key points in this verse: God’s workmanship, good works, and before ordained that we should walk in them. Let me clarify each of these three statements to fully explain this verse.

God’s workmanship 

When we hear and respond in faith to the grace gospel, we are redeemed back to God through the payment (sacrifice) of Jesus Christ. Our regeneration and redemption translate us from the kingdom of darkness into God’s kingdom, Col.1:13, and exposes us to righteousness through His spirit and word, Rom.5:21; Rom.6:11; 1Co 2:11-12.

It is this very exposure to God’s spirit and word that begins His workmanship within us. It is HIS workmanship, not ours. Let me make this clear by reminding you of a seed planted in the ground. You can water the seed, but it is outside of your power to make it grow. Similarly, the growth and transformation within a believer is God working in them, through His written word, to will and do according to His good pleasure. The good works that are produced in the life of a believer is a result of this transformation. A believer cannot generate these works by willpower. They are the result of the spiritual fruits that increase in a believer as they grow in knowledge of the word of God, and exercise obedience unto righteousness from a renewed mind, Rom.6:16-17; Rom.12:1-2.

Our salvation does not end at the cross! There is MUCH MORE to what Jesus did for us!

His cross marks the start of your salvation, His resurrection is God's power to run the race and win the prize of the high calling of God.

Don't be blinded in your mind by the enemy. Don't remain ignorant and childlike in the faith. Get into the Word of God and let it educate and sharpen you unto the full redemption plan of God and His purpose for your future and vocation in the ages to come. Our Lord's cross marks the start of your salvation; His resurrection is God's power to run the race and win the prize of the high calling of God.

Read this important message here:

https://thebigpictureviews.blogspot.com/2024/09/his-cross-marks-start-of-your-salvation.html

Explain the difference between BY faith and THROUGH faith

Explain the difference between BY faith and THROUGH faith

Rom 3:30  Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision BY faith, and uncircumcision THROUGH faith. 

In the scripture above, Paul writes an interesting thing. He distinguishes between the circumcised and the uncircumcised by referring to their justification as by faith or through faith. So, what is the difference? Can this be explained and clarified? Many commentaries simply conclude that there is no difference between the two, but why then would Paul, through inspiration, write different words for each group. I do not agree with these commentaries as I believe that they are different, as much so as the doctrine between Israel and the Body of Christ are different. I am no formal scholar of doctrine and hermeneutics, so I do not claim absolute accuracy in my interpretation, but I have come to believe that Romans 4 has some insightful content to clarify this difference. 

Rom.4:11-17 And he [Abraham] received the sign of circumcision, a seal (Eph.1:13) of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of ALL those who believe, though they are uncircumcised [Gentiles], that righteousness might be imputed to them also [as the Body of Christ], 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision [Jews], but who also walk in the steps of the faith [Little Flock] which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.

Two Types of Righteousness

Two Types of Righteousness

The Bible speaks of two types of righteousness. There is a righteousness of the law and there is a righteousness of faith.

Php 3:6-9  Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.  (7)  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  (8)  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  (9)  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Paul clearly points to his own righteousness, which is of the law and by man’s works, but then he mentions another righteousness which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

Justification assures glorification

Justification assures glorification

The gospel of grace and its resulting salvation is a gift that God freely provides to the one who believes in the cross work of Jesus Christ; that by His death we are forgiven and by His resurrection we are justified.

Paul provides us assurance of this perfect work to save us and bring us to peace and atonement with God. However, Paul continues to provide more details of this incredible gift of salvation. Read the two verses and let me elaborate on them,

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

Rom 8:30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

God’s salvific work does not stop at our justification. The cross work of Jesus Christ was so complete and effectual that if utterly guarantees glorification to the one who believes in Christ. Did you get that? I’m going to say it again as it is worth reading again and its worth remembering that these are the inspired and assured words of God! “The cross work of Jesus Christ was so complete and effectual that to the one who believes in Christ it utterly guarantees their glorification.”

DM#27: The faith of Christ

Doctrine of the Mysteries #27

The faith of Christ

Paul writes the following in Romans 5 concerning the redeeming work that Christ has secured for those who believe in Him,

Rom 5:18-21  Therefore as by the offence 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.  (19)  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  (20)  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  (21)  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

The above verses are just a few in Paul’s writings that confirm the cross work of Christ on behalf of those who believe. This work of Christ provides God, a righteous and just judge, with the ability to justify ungodly men. Who has heard such a thing? Not ever the courts under the wisdom and justice of men justify the ungodly. Paul continues to write,

Christian’s cling to the great deception of 'once saved, always saved'

STATEMENT:

There’s a problem here, in which Christian’s cling to the great deception of 'once saved, always saved', which is a false teaching, coming from a sense of feeling 'privileged' by reciting a phrase, or attending a ceremony, or doing a ritual. They think they will prevail in saving themselves from hell. The truth is that Christian’s must go through the motions of being 'good' and having 'a sense of duty' to know they are saved! There’s no instant saving formula etched in stone that anyone can point to or jump through the hoops and proclaim. Christ looks at the devices and desires of the heart, which are unknown to everyone on this planet. It’s not like there’s a one-for-all recipe in which you check all the boxes and you're saved! It doesn’t work that way.

CORRECTION:

My first thought, after reading your comment, is how will anyone know if they have done enough to be saved? When have we done enough work or are righteous enough to deserve God’s grace? The truth is that salvation is not based on feelings or emotions, neither is it based on a sense of duty and motivated by works. No! Salvation is not produced by our effort, goodness, or desires! It is given by God, and we receive it by faith, not fret or feeling.

Not my righteousness, but God’s righteousness

Not my righteousness, but God’s righteousness

Rom 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 believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Verse 16 is a well-known verse, but verse 17 contains a very important statement which tells us that within the gospel, God’s righteousness is made manifest.

The righteousness of God without the law has been made known, Rom 3:21. So, this is not a question of your righteousness, it's a question of God's righteous. The gospel tells us that God freely justifies the one who believes in Jesus, because, without this grace of God, there is NOTHING that we can do to save ourselves. If it was up to us, God could not justify us, because we're guilty in his sight!! So, now it's up to God, and the question is, will God justify ungodly men?

Insights into the messed up 'Modern Denominational' view of Salvation (incl. the Olive Tree)

Insights into the messed up 'Modern Denominational' view of Salvation

Below is a comment on one of my posts regarding salvation by grace through Christ alone. After the comment, I reply with my answer, rightly divided.

COMMENT:

If people listen to the gospel that you preach, in which people are saved by grace alone, they would never be saved. Anybody can just narrate passages, but teachers should first learn before teaching. On a little side note before the shocker, Paul blatantly tells the Gentiles in the church that just as the Israelites have been cut out of the Olive tree, so can they, if they do not continue in His goodness. That means it is possible to NOT continue in His goodness, which he says will result in being chopped off! There are many more versus like I’LL SAY I NEVER KNEW YOU, and I’LL SPEW OUT OF MY MOUTH, and I WILL BLOT YOUR NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, and many more.

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 6): Eternal Security (Continued…)

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 6): Eternal Security (Continued…)

Start with Part 1 of the series here.

In a previous post, we learned that we can know that we have eternal life. It is vitally important that each of us have this absolute assurance. Thus, I will devote a second post to this critical topic.

Sealed with the Holy Spirit

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Notice the progression in verse 13: First you hear the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; Secondly, you believe in Christ and His death for your sins; Thirdly, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit. (1. Hear the gospel; 2. Believe the gospel; 3. Sealed with Holy Spirit) Everyone who hears the gospel and believes it, is sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Justification is not by the law, but freely given by God through His Son

Justification is not by the law, but freely given by God through His Son

“What things soever the law saith it saith to them who are under the law that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God.” Rom 3:19.

What does the law declare? It declares the whole world guilty before God, and here's the conclusion, “therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

The law cannot justify you because the law exposes who you are. The law brings to light your condemnation and your guilt, and so, if God is to judge you according to your works by the law, He cannot justify you, He cannot declare you innocent, because the law declares you guilty.

The paradox in the cross of Christ

The paradox in the cross of Christ

In reference to this post:

• https://thebigpicturelink.blogspot.com/2023/08/as-simple-as-that.html

Somone asked the following question(s) in response to the above post. I wanted to share the answer I gave into this space for the encouragement and edification of people that peruse here.
God bless. 🙌

QUESTIONS ASKED:

• Do you believe in Satan? Do you believe a serpent can talk? Do you believe serpent can be smarter than humans? Do you think that God was so stupid to create Satan who will deceive Eve, and then god will dump curses on Eve, and say nothing to Satan. There are numerous problems in my mind about is in Bible.
• Why god kept quite when children were eaten? Why god allowed pagan women to be raped.
• Why god changed Lot’s wife to a pillar of salt, but said nothing to Lot who gulped alcohol and did sex with his daughters.
• Why god told Moses to kill all women who have seen men, and spare others and Moses gave them to his soldiers. Boys with pubic hair were beheaded.
• Why God did not punish David for raping Hittite woman?

MY ANSWER:

A Sobering Thought of Gratefulness

A Sobering Thought of Gratefulness

God is all powerful and all wise. God knows everything there is to know. In the scope of His righteousness and holiness, He can choose how to manage a scenario according to His influence and design.

With this said, consider the following,

When the Son of God went to the garden that night and bowed his head and said, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:”, do you know what that means?

In all of God’s knowledge, and in everything that there is to know, God determined that there was ONLY ONE WAY He could justify sinners, and it was that his Son had to drink that cup, bear our sins in His body, and die on the cross.

In all of wisdom, creation, and time, that was the only way that God could remain just, but also be the justifier of the ungodly.

Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

What a sobering thought.
Oh Father, how grateful I am for your grace and wisdom.