{"id":1017,"date":"2018-01-30T14:34:35","date_gmt":"2018-01-30T13:34:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/?p=1017"},"modified":"2018-01-30T14:52:38","modified_gmt":"2018-01-30T13:52:38","slug":"pauls-letter-to-the-romans-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/2018\/01\/30\/pauls-letter-to-the-romans-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Paul’s Letter to the Romans"},"content":{"rendered":"

THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS
\nThe Gospel In Its Fullness<\/p>\n

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By Dr. David L. Cooper, Th.M., Ph.D., Litt.D.
\n<\/span>
Biblical Research Monthly<\/p>\n

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Installment 12
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Romans 10:1-21<\/center><\/p>\n

\nIn the last issue we discussed Israel’s past and saw the principles upon which God has always acted in dealing with His people. He has never changed, but acts upon the same principles today as when He selected Isaac and Jacob rather than their older brothers. No one has a right to object to the principles according to which God has dealt with His people.<\/p>\n

In chapter 10 we shall study Israel’s present situation and the principles upon which God is dealing with her today.<\/p>\n

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„Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law unto righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses writeth that the man that doeth the righteousness which is of the law shall live thereby“ (Romans 10:1-5).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Paul loved his brethren with an inextinguishable passion and constantly prayed that they might be saved. Everyone who realizes the value of a soul and what it is to be lost, instinctively prays for the unsaved–especially for those related to him. Paul prayed for the Jews because he was one of them.<\/p>\n

God had chosen the nation of Israel and revealed to her the knowledge of His will, so there would be no excuse for not knowing it. After Moses‘ day, God had raised up prophets who made further disclosures of His will, pointing Israel to the way she should go. Why then did Israel, despite her zeal, not have the knowledge of God?<\/p>\n

Writing was not general then as today. Books had to be written by hand on scrolls and later possibly on papyrus material. The cost of owning a copy was prohibitive to the majority of Israelites. They had to depend upon what they could learn when they went to the central sanctuary to worship God, or upon what some priest, prophet or teacher told them of the Word. Then again we know that many of the prophets and teachers would not tell anyone what God had said unless they were given a special donation (Micah 3:11). Many of the teachers and religious sects in Israel had warped and twisted the Word of God, making it mean something entirely different from what God intended. The nation was plagued by tradition. Being naturally religious and not having the true knowledge of God, the people went about to establish their own form of righteousness. In doing so, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.<\/p>\n

The Law was a schoolmaster to bring the Jew to Christ. When Christ came in the fulness of time, there was no longer a need for the Law. When He was crucified He nailed the ordinance and the Law itself to His Cross and abolished it. Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believes. Moses, in writing that „the man who doeth the righteousness which is of the law shall live thereby“ was speaking of the blessing in this life to be received by the one who strictly observed the law. He was not, of course, talking about spiritual and eternal life.<\/p>\n

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„But the righteousness which is of faith saith thus, Say not in thy heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down:) 7 or, Who shall descend into the abyss? (That is, to bring Christ up from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach: 9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be put to shame“ (Romans 10:6-11).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In contrast to the righteousness which was of the Law is that which is of faith. Certain regulations of the Law carried the death penalty for disobedience. Those who observed the Law were allowed to continue living, whereas violators were tried, condemned and executed. In contrast with this legalistic system of life is what the prophet calls the „righteousness which is of faith.“ Obviously, this is a <\/span>paronomasia,<\/i><\/span> a play on words similar to that of Jesus in John 6:28,29, where He answered those asking, „What must we do, that we may work the works of God?“ by saying, „This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.“ Clearly, faith is not a work at all.<\/p>\n

One who has faith accepts the testimony of God’s Word. Those having doubts concerning the second person of the Trinity, His incarnation and resurrection, might raise such questions as: „Who shall ascend into heaven to bring Christ down?“; „Who shall descend into Sheol to bring Christ up from the dead?“ The miracles of the virgin birth and the entrance of Messiah into the human realm had already occurred. Witnesses, competent and faithful, had established the facts and their testimony was corroborated by miraculous manifestations of God’s Spirit (Heb. 2:3,4).<\/p>\n

The Jews had been evangelized and were talking about the message. The whole nation had heard the testimony of the Gospel: that Messiah had come, had been crucified, buried and raised from the dead, then ascended back to the glory of heaven. This message did not require, like the law of Moses, the observance of ceremonies and ritualism. It simply required that they believe the facts which had been presented to them and take a public stand for Jesus Christ. Salvation is contingent upon faith and it is impossible to please God without it. Abraham believed the promise of God and his faith was reckoned to him for righteousness. Men and women are counted righteous in the same way today (Rom. 4:20-25).<\/p>\n

Is Paul being inconsistent in requiring „mouth confession“? The harmony between this and Rom. 4 becomes apparent when we realize that in the fourth chapter the apostle was talking about salvation by faith in a general way, whereas in the tenth chapter he speaks of the Jewish nation that had heard the message (Heb. 4:1,2). Many of them were under conviction but were afraid to declare their faith. Speaking on this point, Jesus declared, „Every one therefore who shall confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father who is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven“ (Matt. 10:32,33). One who believes in his heart that Jesus is the Christ, the Saviour of the world, and has trusted himself to the Saviour, will never deny it. If he denies his faith, it is not a genuine one. May we always be bold to confess the Lord Jesus Christ before men!<\/span><\/p>\n

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„For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him: 13 for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!“ (Romans 10:12-15).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

During the Law Dispensation, it seemed to the world that God was especially partial to the Jews; that the Gentiles were but dogs. This was a misinterpretation of the facts. The Law was a „schoolmaster“ to prepare the Jews for Christ’s advent. Now, having laid down His life for all humanity, the Law of Moses has been nailed to His Cross. There is now no distinction and all who come to God must come by way of the Cross. His mercy is extended toward Jew and Gentile alike. Whoever turns to God, calling upon Him for deliverance, shall be saved. God has put salvation on the basis of grace through faith, apart from ceremonialism and obedience to commands and regulations so the promise might be made sure to all. Whosoever thirsts may look to the Lord Jesus Christ and live!<\/p>\n

People must learn of the Saviour to call upon Him. Messengers of the Cross cannot go to the people unless they are sent of God and supported by believers as they proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ. Supporters of those who preach the Gospel to all nations will receive a reward along with the missionaries and ministers of the Word, commensurate with the effort and offerings made.<\/p>\n

„How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings“ is a quotation from Isa. 52:7. Isaiah saw in vision the very end of this age when there will be those who proclaim to the Jewish people the unsearchable riches of Christ and His coming to reign over them. The called and equipped missionary of the Cross is indeed beautiful to those to whom he brings the Word of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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„But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 18 But I say, Did they not hear? Yea, verily, Their sound went out into all the earth, And their words unto the ends of the world. 19 But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you. 20 And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me. 21 But as to Israel he saith, All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people“ (Romans 10:16-21).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Though the entire Jewish nation had heard the message of the Gospel, all had not believed. This was no surprise, for the prophet Isaiah had asked, „Lord, who hath believed our report?“ (see Isa. 53:1), implying that comparatively few of his brethren would believe the message when it was delivered to them.<\/p>\n

Saving faith comes only by hearing the message of redeeming love as manifested by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is of utmost importance that the missionary and minister preach Christ and Him crucified as the Apostle Paul did, so that people might have the faith necessary for salvation.<\/p>\n

Paul answers this question, Did they not hear?“, „Yea, verily.“ The message of redemption was preached first in Jerusalem, then in Judea and Samaria and then had gone to the uttermost parts of the earth. This thought is clothed in the phraseology of Ps. 19:4 (see also Col. 1:6,23). Jews were scattered over the Greco-Roman world. There were those in Sinim (China), India–and practically everywhere. The Gospel was first given to the Jews in each local community according to the custom of the Apostle Paul (Rom. 1:16) and then given to the Gentiles.<\/p>\n

Paul asks again, „Did Israel not know?“ He answers with a quotation showing that Moses prophesied God would provoke the Israelites to jealousy by accepting those who were not considered as His people–the believers among the Gentiles (Deut. 32:21). While the Church of Jesus Christ was foretold in this statement, the details are very meager. Isaiah foresaw the body of believers from all nations who, during the time that Israel is in rejection, accept Christ and constitute His Church (65:1-7).<\/p>\n

Since the Apostle Paul interpreted Deut. 32:21 and Isa. 65:1-7 as predictions concerning the Church, we see that it was foreknown in the Old Testament. The Church Age was also revealed in the Old Testament (Ps. 110:1, etc.); however, details concerning it were not as fully given to the prophets as to the New Testament writers (Eph. 3:1-6).<\/p>\n

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THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS
\nThe Gospel In Its Fullness<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

By Dr. David L. Cooper, Th.M., Ph.D., Litt.D.
\n<\/span>
Biblical Research Monthly<\/p>\n

<\/span>

Installment 13
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Romans 11:1-36<\/center><\/p>\n

\nIn the last two issues, we have studied the doctrine of Israel’s election to service as set forth in chapter 9 and her present status as shown in our study of chapter 10. In chapter 11 Israel’s future is discussed. Unfortunately, the chapter divisions do not fall exactly where the thought divisions occur. Again, we must remember that the inspired writers were not led by the Spirit of God to make many of the formal divisions of thought that we do in our modern analytical studies of various passages.<\/p>\n

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„I say then, Did God cast off his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not cast off his people which he foreknew. Or know ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he pleadeth with God against Israel: 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, they have digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have left for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal“ (Romans 11:1-4).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The apostle shows us, in the first four verses of this chapter, that at the present time Israel has been laid aside. This is not to imply, however, that God has cut her off. Unfortunately, there are those who have come to that conclusion and proclaim „from the housetops“ that God is through with the Jew. Such a position is contrary to the teachings of Scripture. God has never turned aside from His avowed plans and purposes as set forth in the writings of Moses and the Prophets. The Lord declared that He would bless the world through Abraham and his seed and we may be certain that He will yet carry out this foreannounced plan. The promise will be realized when Israel acknowledges her national sin and accepts her Messiah, pleading for Him to return.<\/p>\n

To the superficial reader of this epistle, it might appear, from the first eight chapters, that God did change His Old Testament plan and that Israel has now been cast aside while He is calling people from among all the nations to give the Gospel to the world. In the Great Commission, the Lord told His apostles to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel, teaching all nations and baptizing the believers into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Church of Jesus Christ came into being on the day of Pentecost and was entirely Jewish in the first decade of its existence. But when Paul was sent to proclaim the Gospel beyond the borders of Israel, Gentile churches were organized, often around a nucleus of Jews. The church changed from a purely Jewish group to a Gentile institution after the catastrophe of A.D. 70, when the Jewish nation was overthrown, Jerusalem was destroyed and the Hebrews were scattered among all nations. Since then, God has not worked through Israel as a corporate body. He is now working through the church.<\/p>\n

Paul immediately refutes the idea that God has changed His plan, asserting that God has not cast off His people. „He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children <\/span>of God, even<\/i><\/span> to them that believe on his name“ (John 1:11,12). The doors have always been open for Israel, and they are still open. The Apostle asserted that he was a Jew, „of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.“ He calls attention to the time when a discouraged Elijah thought he was the only person who had remained faithful and true to God and that all Israel had gone after the worship of Baal. God replied that He had seven thousand men who had never bowed the knee to Baal. Just as there was a faithful remnant of Jews in those dark days of apostasy, there was a remnant when Paul wrote this Roman epistle–a remnant according to the election of grace. There always was such a remnant and will continue to be throughout this age–and a remnant will exist during the Tribulation after the Church of Jesus Christ is removed from earth. <\/span><\/p>\n

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„Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. 7 What then? that which Israel seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened: 8 according as it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this very day“ (Romans 11:5-8). <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This „remnant“ which exists throughout the present age is „according to the election of grace“–and not of works. One would have to obey perfectly in every respect the will of God, never making a single mistake, to be justified by works. This of course is impossible because of the weakness of the flesh. But God knows that we are dust (Ps. 103:14), and has provided a scheme of redemption whereby <\/span>everyone<\/i><\/span> can be saved.<\/p>\n

Israel strove for a state of justification and righteousness, but utterly and miserably failed. But those who constitute the „election“–those who accept the grace of God–obtain as a free gift that which the observance of ritualism and ceremonies could never procure.<\/p>\n

Whenever anyone will not receive truth and by this attitude destroys the delicate instrument of conscience in his very soul, God must harden him so that his condemnation may be just. In vss. 9, 10 the apostle quotes from Ps. 69:22,23ff and Isa. 29:10 as proof of this. When these passages are studied in their original settings, one sees that God does pour out a spirit of stupor that blinds the eyes and hardens the hearts of those who deliberately and willfully reject the light.<\/p>\n

Thus the nation of Israel, from the Cross and onward, has been divided into two groups: those who accept the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and are counted righteous because of their faith; and those who spurn the Gospel, preferring to go their own chosen ways and become <\/span>hardened<\/i><\/span> because of it. <\/span><\/p>\n

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„I say then, Did they stumble that they might fall? God forbid: but by their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if their fall, is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry; 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy them that are my flesh, and may save some of them“ (Romans 11:11-14).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Here we see that Israel’s rejection of Christ is the occasion of sending His blessings to the whole world. God did not put a stumbling block in Israel’s way so that she might fall. This is brought out very clearly in Jer. 6:16-21, where we see the people first spurned the Word of God, so God set stumbling blocks in their way. But God never causes an honest-hearted, truth-seeking person to stumble. He will hold by the hand anyone who looks into His face by faith and places his trust in Him. As a nation, Israel heard the Gospel when it began at Jerusalem, spread throughout Judaea, was carried into Samaria and then sounded forth to the uttermost parts of the earth. She had ample opportunity to accept the truth but did not, so God allowed her to go on in her determined manner into darkness (see II Cor. 4:3,4). She stumbled and fell as a result of her rejection of light and truth. But God <\/span>used<\/i><\/span> Israel’s fall as an occasion to send forth His truth to the Gentiles and multiplied hundreds of millions of souls among them have come to the Lord Jesus Christ as a result. God could use a very unfortunate condition to bring blessings to the hungry hearted among the Gentiles. If He could thus use the failure of Israel, think how much greater the blessing will be when the entire nation returns to God!<\/p>\n

The receiving of Israel will become a reality when the Jewish nation turns to the Lord Jesus and lays all her natural endowments and capabilities at the feet of her Messiah. There will be as much difference between conditions which now exist and those of that time as there is between a corpse and a living person. It will be like life from the dead, declared the apostle, „For if the casting away of them <\/span>is<\/i><\/span> the reconciling of the world, what <\/span>shall<\/i><\/span> the receiving <\/span>of them be,<\/i><\/span> but life from the dead?“ (Rom. 11:15).<\/p>\n

In vss. 16-24, the apostle boldly and vividly presents the teaching concerning Israel’s future role. <\/span><\/p>\n

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„And if the firstfruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree; 18 glory not over the branches: but if thou gloriest, it is not thou that bearest the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20 Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. 22 Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God’s goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they continue not in their unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if thou wast cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and wast grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree; how much more shall these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? (Romans 11:16-24).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Vs. 16 is an echo of the ceremony under the law of Moses offering the firstfruits of the increase to the Lord who, by accepting that which was brought and considering it as holy, acknowledged that the rest was also holy and acceptable.<\/p>\n

Then Paul in vss. 17,18 uses the olive tree as an illustration and the soil in which the roots of this tree grow, and from which it receives its nourishment, to illustrate the unchangeable promises of the Living God as expressed in the covenants and words delivered to the early fathers of the nation. The trunk consists of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and others with whom God entered into special covenant relations. The branches are the individual Hebrews of each generation. Many of these first-century branches–unbelieving Jews who heard but rejected the Gospel–were those that were broken off. But those who heard and received the message remained in the parent stock and continued to grow, being the native branches. The wild olive branches are regenerated Gentiles who hungered and thirsted after God and His truth and have been grafted into the parent stock among the natural branches, bearing fruit to the glory of God.<\/p>\n

According to this teaching, the Jews who believe are in their natural element. We who are Gentiles that have accepted Christ are, by the grace of God, made partakers of His riches along with them. The apostle assumes that the truth would be given to Israel throughout the dispensation and that there would be believers among the Hebrews at all times. Unfortunately, the Jew has been omitted for the most part from the ministry of the church.<\/p>\n

Gentile Christians were warned against becoming puffed up and conceited because of the great privileges that have been conferred upon them. They are not to gloat over being partakers of the riches of the native olive tree, or to rejoice that the natural branches have been broken off. If God could graft in the wild olive (Gentile) branches among the tame ones because of their faith, He can just as easily and consistently graft the natural branches back into their parent stock. That they will believe and thus be grafted back is asserted by the apostle.<\/p>\n

That God will yet bring Israel back into fellowship with Himself is shown in vss. 25-32. <\/span><\/p>\n

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„For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in; 26 and so all Israel shall be saved: even as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer; He shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 And this is my covenant unto them, When I shall take away their sins. 28 As touching the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers‘ sake. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are not repented of. 30 For as ye in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience, 31 even so have these also now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they also may now obtain mercy. 32 For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all“ (Romans 11:25-32). <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This „hardening in part“ will be „until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.“ What is meant by this? Some say that it refers to the time when the Gentiles will have filled up their cup of iniquity to overflowing, like the Amorites (Gen. 15:16). I am convinced that, when the Gentiles have had full opportunity to take advantage of the blessings of the Gospel but reject it in persistent rebellion against God and His will, they will indeed have filled up their cup of iniquity to overflowing. The Tribulation judgments will then come upon the world; the 144,000 Jews (Rev. 7) will accept Christ and go forward, bringing about that mighty worldwide revival for which God’s people are now praying; Israel will turn to God; her conversion will bring about the conversion of the world.<\/p>\n

Others have interpreted this phrase as referring to the completion of the Church, the body of Christ. When the Gospel will have been preached and all those who, according to the foreknowledge of God, will have come into the Church, the fullness of which Paul speaks will become an accomplished fact.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the way in which we understand this passage, we can be certain that when the fullness of the Gentiles will have come in, Israel will be saved. „All Israel shall be saved“ refers to those Jews who will be living at that time. „… It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this <\/span>cometh<\/i><\/span> judgment.“ (Heb. 9:27) When one passes out of this life, his destiny is sealed. It cannot be changed.<\/p>\n

When will all Israel be saved? when the Redeemer comes to Zion, turns away ungodliness from Jacob and enters into a covenant with the converted Jews. Verses 26b, 27 are a quotation from Isa. 59:20. Israel’s conversion will occur at the glorious coming of the Deliverer to Zion, after the nation acknowledges her offense and seeks His face. „For the gifts and the callings of God are not repented of“ (vs. 29). Israel will yet be obedient to the call of the Gospel, at which time she will become the channel of world blessing. Wisdom dictates that we do all we can to give the truth to her so that she may come to Him and become God’s channel for bringing His grace, mercy and truth to the world.<\/p>\n

With verse 32 Paul concludes the argumentative part of his epistle. Having presented to us God’s „blueprint“ of the ages in these eleven chapters, the apostle, in vss. 33-36, bursts forth in a paean of praise:<\/span><\/p>\n

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„O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen.“ (Romans 11:33-36)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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By Dr. David L. Cooper, Th.M., Ph.D., Litt.D.
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Biblical Research Monthly<\/p>\n

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Installment 14
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Romans 12:1-21<\/center>
PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING<\/center><\/p>\n

Having finished the argumentative portion of the epistle to the Romans, we are now ready for the practical problems of the Christian life. Behind the discussion of these chapters lies the general assumption of the regeneration of the heart by the Spirit of God and the power imparted by the Holy Spirit to the believer. Assuming that those in the Roman church had been regenerated, the apostle urged his readers to act according to the instructions placed before them. Only those who have new life in Christ can carry out the principles found in this or any portion of God’s Word–the natural heart is not subject to the law of God nor can it be.<\/p>\n

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„I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God“ (Romans 12:1-2).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Since God loves us and has provided ample and complete salvation in Jesus Christ, as demonstrated in the arguments of the preceding chapters, He wants to give the necessary power to live honorably for Him during this life. Paul, using the word „therefore,“ connects us to the first part of his epistle. Because of his apostolic authority he could have commanded that they do specific things or take certain steps. Commands, statutes and ordinances are characteristic of law wherein God hurls „thou shalts“ and „thou shalt nots“ against the people; but under grace He appeals to their better nature, pleading with them in love to yield and to serve Him. The heart can be melted in the light and warmth of the mercies of God. The appeal in these two verses is for the Christians of Rome to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God. Under the Law Dispensation, God commanded the people to make various types of offerings when they had sinned. These were always slain animal sacrifices–dead offerings–but God does not want anything of that nature now. Before our regeneration we were dead in trespasses and sins (see Eph. 2:1ff). But now, since we have new life in Christ, He wants us to present our bodies as living, energized sacrifices to God. It is His will that they be offered in such a manner and spirit that they may be acceptable to Him. God always looks at the condition of the heart that renders the service, and at the spirit that motivates the act.<\/p>\n

The things of this world appeal to the fleshly nature rather than to the spiritual element of man’s being. We are in the world but not of it and should not delight ourselves in the things of the flesh. While seemingly harmless, when analyzed in the light of the real facts they are seen to be tainted with the spirit of the world and injurious to the people of God. Rather than being fashioned according to this age we can, by making full and complete surrender in faith to Jesus Christ, be transformed. This is brought about by the renewing of our minds. Every new truth that is discovered in the Word renews, energizes and stimulates the child of God to greater activity in His cause and to a closer walk with the Lord. We are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.<\/p>\n

The good, acceptable, perfect will of God can be proved by yielding oneself to Him. According to this statement, it is possible to be filled with the Spirit of God and in such harmony with His will as to live a perfect and acceptable life. The apostle did not wish to cause us to believe that some experience or spiritual exercise could make us reach a point of perfection whereby it would be impossible for us to sin. So long as we are here in the flesh, there will be that tug-of-war between the Spirit and the flesh mentioned in Gal. 5:16-21. But that it is possible for one thus to surrender to God, be filled with the Spirit and so live above known sin is possible as seen from the following: Do all things without murmurings and questionings: that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain (Phil. 2:14-16; see also I Thess. 2:10-12; II Pet. 1:1-11).<\/p>\n

Paul then tells the Christian „Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but … soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith“ (vs. 3). The prerequisite to living the Christian life is a recognition of the position one occupies in the body of Christ with his fellow-believers. This exhortation is based on the general principle involved in God’s requirement of the worship of His creatures. God does not arbitrarily insist upon man’s groveling in the dust, as some rationalists claim, and looking up to Him in dread and fear. On the contrary, God is the Omnipotent One of truth and holiness. Being absolutely and utterly dependent upon God for our very breath and for life itself, if God should withdraw for one second the gift of life and strength, we would perish from off the globe. It is in God that we live, move and have our being. Therefore God, in asking mankind to worship Him, is simply asking that for our own benefit we acknowledge that which is right and true, acknowledging our relationship to the Creator as His creature and our responsibilities to our fellow man.<\/p>\n

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„For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. 6 And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; 7 or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; 8 or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness“ (Romans 12:4-8).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Like the members of the physical body, each of which has its own special function to perform, so it is with the group of believers in their relationship with one another and with God and Christ. My hand, for instance, can do certain things that no other member of my body can perform. The same thing is true with my eye, nose or ear. When my eyes function properly, they assist my hands or feet and vice versa.<\/p>\n

In the Apostolic Age, certain gifts were conferred by the Holy Spirit upon various members of the church according to the grace of God and His plan and purpose. This is seen in I Cor. 12:8-10, 28-30 as well as the passage we are studying in Romans. The gifts listed in both passages are the ability to speak in tongues; of interpreting unknown tongues; healing; helps; workings of miracles; wisdom; knowledge; discernment; faith; prophecy; ministering (which may refer to a ministry such as that of a deacon where one administers material substances, or it may refer to a spiritual ministry); teaching, enabling one to teach the Word of God with force, clearness and accuracy; exhorting; the ability to rule or direct the movement and work of the church; liberality–which we understand to be a willingness to distribute what one possesses to others in need. The apostle concludes this discussion of gifts with that of cheerful mercy. One may show mercy, but the motive prompting it may not be full and free; an improper desire might produce an act of mercy; or it can be done with a grudging spirit. To show mercy with cheerfulness is a gift from the Lord Himself.<\/p>\n

A question which rises from this is, Do those special miraculous endowments which we saw in the Apostolic Church continue with the believers throughout the Christian Age? Some say they do; others are equally positive that they were only temporary and that they passed away with the receding of the Apostolic Age into the historic past. No doubt many of the gifts of the Spirit as set forth in I Cor. 12-14 were given to build up the body of Christ. There was no New Testament–it was in the process of being written at that time. The raw recruits from heathenism and Judaism needed guidance, direction, help and strength for their faith. To meet the need, the Lord chose certain individuals upon whom He bestowed these spiritual gifts for the edification of the saints and the building of the faith.<\/p>\n

„Whether <\/span>there be<\/i><\/span> prophecies, they shall be done away; whether <\/span>there be<\/i><\/span> tongues, they shall cease,“ Paul stated in I Cor. 13:8. From the context, it is apparent that these particular endowed gifts were of a temporary nature and when they served their purpose they would cease. When the perfect revelation of the New Testament was given and confirmed to the Church, it seems that those gifts gradually passed away. While in rare instances, miracles that have been established by unimpeachable evidence may have occurred, the weight of evidence indicates that, with the passing of the Apostolic Age, there was a cessation in general of gifts with a miraculous nature.<\/p>\n

In these last days, we hear much of the revival of such gifts as healing and speaking with tongues. But when checked by competent and sincere investigators, in many instances reports of a negative character have been brought in. I am, however aware of the fact that God does hear and answer prayer; He has healed people in answer to the prayer of faith, and I have known of instances of this.<\/p>\n

Joel 2:28-32 predicts a revival of the prophetic spirit in Israel in the form of visions and miracles in the last days immediately preceding the Great Tribulation. This promise is not made to the Gentiles. Therefore it is illogical to point to this as authority for a claim of being able to perform miracles in this day and time.<\/p>\n

Practical living, as it applies to various relationships in life, is set forth in the remainder of this chapter. It is so very clear that it needs no exposition. My exhortation is that each person ask God to open his mind and incline his heart to accept these verses and conform his life to this teaching:<\/span><\/p>\n

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„Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another; 11 in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer; 13 communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. 19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. 20 But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good“ (Romans 12:9-21).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS The Gospel In Its Fullness By Dr. David L. Cooper, Th.M., Ph.D., Litt.D. Biblical Research Monthly Installment 12 Romans 10:1-21 In the last issue we discussed Israel’s past and saw the principles upon which God has always acted in dealing with His people. He has never changed, but acts upon … <\/p>\n

\u201ePaul’s Letter to the Romans\u201c <\/span>weiterlesen<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-allgemein"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1017","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1017"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1017\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1040,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1017\/revisions\/1040"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}