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Romans 8- God Be For Us!

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What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Romans 8:31-33

As a Christian, you are in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6) There is an ongoing battle for your soul, Satan wants to destroy you (1 Peter 5:8) while Jesus Christ wants to save you (1 Timothy 1:15) The question is what side of the battle are you on? Are you in The Lord’s army? (Joshua 5:13-15) Or are you another casualty of Satan and his dark Kingdom? Make no mistake, you are in the battle whether you realize it or not, there is only One who can save your soul, thats Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:28)

There is good news, this is what the word gospel means, Christ has already defeated Satan, sin, death, and Hell, we have victory in Jesus! (1 Corinthians 15) As the Apostle Paul states to us, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (v31) All the demonic forces in the world can’t touch your soul, because you have the Spirit of the Living God inside of You, you are washed and protected by the blood of Christ, you are sanctified by the Holy Spirit , there is no demon that can stand against you! We have Victory in Christ!

That’s what really happened at the cross, while Satan thought he killed the Son of God, the Son of God actually crushed the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15) Satan was defeated at the cross, death was defeated at the cross, sin was paid for at the cross , if God is for us, there is nobody who can stand against us in Jesus name! That is the power of the cross, that is what Jesus accomplished when He said “It Is Finished” (John 19:30)

Then of course on the 3rd day, Sunday morning Christ rose from the dead, this is why the resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith! Because Christ Is Risen, we can rise again with him! If you want a sign that death is defeated, Christ Is Risen! If you want assurance of Gods promises, Christ Is Risen! If you want to know why nobody can stand against you, its because Christ Is Risen!

God did not spare His own son, Jesus Christ, God so loved the world, God so loved you, He gave His Only Begotton Son, to die for our sins, to defeat sin, death, and Hell, repent and believe the gospel, repent and give your life to Jesus Christ, because Christ has already given his life for you! 

We are justified by the Father, we are atoned for by the Son, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, All glory to God, Holy, Holy, Holy , Amen!

Romans 8- Will of God

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And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 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. Romans 8:28-30

One thing we have to remember is “God is in complete control” Many people will argue against the existence of God because of the evil in this world, but understand this world is under the curse because of sin (Genesis 3:17) However even though this world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19) God is in control, and “God will work all things for our good” (v28) This is a difficult concept for our minds to comprehend, how can anything good come from this fallen world, but in Christ we have the final victory as Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33)

Let me ask you, are you fulfilling your calling in Christ? As the Apostle Paul reveals here “to them who are called according to His purpose” You might say I don’t see God working in my life or I don’t see spiritual fruit being produced, the question you should be asking yourself are you following Gods will for your life? Or are you trying to enforce your own will on God? As the Apostle James says “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” (James 4:3) You are enforcing your own will instead Gods will for your life, therefor you never grow in The Lord

So what is Gods will for our life? Here is good insight by the Apostle Paul “to be conformed to the image of his Son” The goal in our life should be to be like our Lord Jesus. This is a process call sanctification of the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5) you should be growing in The Lord, The Holy Spirit is working on you every day, to be more like Jesus. The carnally minded person says “I don’t want that”, well then your not Born Again in Christ (John 3:3) 

Then the Apostle Paul gives us some great theology here , first God calls, then justifies, then glorifies. You are first called by Christ to be saved (1 Corinthians 1:9) Yes we need to respond to this calling, but God has called you to come home! But of course we are separated from God because of our sin (Isaiah 59:2) This is what Jesus did for us on the cross, he died for our sins and made us justified before our Father (2 Corinthians 5:21) You might say, but I’m still stuck in this sinful body, one day you will be resurrected into a glorified perfect body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) During this process our souls are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and we are sealed for the day of our redemption (Ephesians 1:13)

This is the will for your life, be more like Jesus, how to be more like Christ? Repent and turn to Jesus , Christ will save and transform your life, Amen!

Romans 7- Freed From The Law

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Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 7:1-4

Jesus said “If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36) But what has Christ set us free from? Many don’t realize they are held in bondage under the law, there are only 2 options in this life, you are under the law or you are under grace. But the person will say “I don’t believe in God’ and “I don’t believe in the law” Regardless of what you believe, the reality is “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)  You are under the law, and will be judged by the law unless you are reconciled through Jesus Christ

Why do you think Jesus died on that cross? The sinless lamb of God didn’t die for himself, Christ became flesh to die for the sins of the world (John 1:29) Christ became sin, so we can be declared righteous before God the Father (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus took your place on that cross, yet most people cure and blaspheme the name of The Lord on a daily basis. As the Apostle Paul states “Do you not know brethren, The Law has dominion over a man as long as he lives”

The Apostle Paul , under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, then uses the example of the covenant of marriage with The Law. As long as a husband or wife is alive, they are legally bound under God to their spouse. Remember what Jesus said “Two become one flesh, let no man separate” (Matthew 19:6) Its the same the unsaved person is bound to The Law. The sinner can deny God all they want, but they are bound to The Law, and when they die they will be judged by The Law, which The Law equals death (Romans 8:2)

So here is the good news (the gospel) as the Apostle Paul states “you have become dead to The Law through the body of Christ” When Jesus said on the cross “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) This is the Greek word “Tetelestai” which mean the debt is paid, paid in full, meaning Jesus paid the penalty of your sins on the cross, it is finished, its a done deal. 

Jesus Christ is the only One who can pay that penalty, this is why Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) Repent of your sins, put your faith and trust in The Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, be filled with the Holy Spirit,  and you are free indeed! Amen!

Romans 6- Wages of Sin Is Death

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For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:20-23

Why did Jesus die on the cross? At first glance, it doesn’t seem to make sense, the sinless Son of God needs to become flesh and be nailed to a tree. Why would God do this? Well to understand this question, we need to understand our depravity as humans. Jesus willingly became human to be the Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world (John 1:29) Jesus came to save us, because we are unable to save ourselves

As the Apostle Paul states “The wages of sin is death” Go back to the beginning of humanity, Adam and Eve in paradise, God warned them not to partake of the forbidden tree of good and evil, or they will die. (Genesis 2:17) But what was Satan’s response, who has been a liar since the beginning (John 8:44), “You surely won’t die” (Genesis 3:4) The lie that Adam and Eve believed, and is still deceiving the world today. But as God said “The wages of sin is death”

People ask “Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world today”? Well the reason is because of our sin, your sin, my sin, (Romans 5:12) We are living in a fallen world because of the consequences of our sin, not only has sin destroyed our souls but it has destroyed the entire world. “From dust you are, and dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19)

You need to understand the severity of sin and its consequences, the whole world and humanity is under the curse of sin and death. As Jesus said “He who doesn’t believe (In Christ) is condemned already” (John 3:18) Many people like to quote John 3:16, but go a few verses and understand the world needs Jesus, our only hope is in Christ and what He accomplished at the cross

So now that you know the bad news, what is the good news? The rest of the verse “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” In order to understand why Jesus is good news (gospel) we have to understand the bad news. As going back to the garden, God already prepared the way, “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed;He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”(Genesis 3:15) 

Jesus said “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15) Christ gave his life for you, will you live for him today? Amen!

Romans 6- Died With Christ?

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Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:8-11

What does it mean to be a Christian? Many people confess to be Christians, but do they live for Christ? Has their conversion to Christianity produced any noticeable change in their life? Does their neighbors , co-workers, or even family members, do they even know they are a Christian? This is why practices like infant baptism and “the sinners prayer” concern me, are we just producing false converts that have had no real transformation at all?

The Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says “Now if we are dead in Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him”  Have you died with Christ? You might ask what does that mean? Have you truly repented of your sins? (Mark 1:15, Luke 13:3) Have you turned away from your ways and turned to Jesus? Has your old self been crucified with Christ on the cross? Do you carry your cross daily? (Luke 9:23) And since our old self died with Christ, our new self has been risen with Christ! (2 Timothy 2:11) Is Jesus really your Lord? Or are you still a slave to sin?

We have been set free from sin and death by Christ (John 8) As Paul states here “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, dies no more, death has no more dominion over him” This is why In Christ we have victory! But we must have truly died and been raised by Him! Many people like the idea of eternal life, who wouldn’t, but most people don’t like the idea of dying to self, turning away from sin, serving The Lord. As Paul also states “Being Conformed To Him (Christ) In His Death (Philippians 3:10)

The Life He (Christ) Lives, He lives to God (v10) Do you live for God? Who is the Master of your life? As Jesus said “Nobody can serve Two Masters” (Matthew 6:24) The false convert says “Well I like Jesus and this and that” but The Lord said Nobody can have two masters, so who is your Master? Who do you serve? Where do you spend most of your time and money? You say “Well I go to Church on Sundays” that’s good, what about the other 6 days? Do you live for Christ?

The Apostle Paul states “Reckon yourself dead to sin, but alive to God through Christ Jesus our Lord” Your only life source is Jesus Christ, otherwise your already dead. Doesn’t this create any reverance in your heart? Doesn’t this reveal anything to you? So I’ll end with the same question, do you die with Christ? If so, are you living for Christ? Amen!

Romans 6- Baptized in Christ Part 2

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What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4

Today we are going to continue in Pauls teaching about the meaning of Baptism, if you missed the first part here is the link. Now we are going to dive into why baptism is important and what does it mean for us as Christians. First we went over, baptism is a command by Christ (Matthew 28:19) and Christ was baptized for our example (Matthew 3:13-17) So if Jesus is our Lord (Master) then we are to obey him and get baptized in the Church

So what does Baptism mean? Well lets see what the Apostle Paul teaches us, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “Many of us were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death” So first is the acknowledgement that you are a sinner and Christ died for your sins. As the Apostle Peter states “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38) Repentance is a part of baptism. So the symbol of you being lowered into the water, is a symbol of your old self dying and being buried with Christ 

As the Apostle Paul states “having been buried with Him in baptism” (Colossians 2:12) When you are in Christ, your old self died with Christ. Jesus paid it all for your sins on the cross (Colossians 2:13-14) This is a public profession of your faith, that you have died with Christ and are a New Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

And then you are raised with Christ, as Paul states “just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father” So the symbol of you being raised out of the water during baptism, is symbolic of your new self being raised with Christ from death. As Paul also states “You were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God” (Colossians 2:12)

This is essentially the gospel message being performed , the death, burial , and resurrection of Christ for your salvation. But there is also one last part, as Paul states here “we should also walk in the newness of life” What is this newness of life, its becoming Born Again in Christ (John 3:3) As the Apostle Peter stated “You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) Now some argue when does this happen? This is known as Baptismal Regeneration. 

I’ll just end with the words of the Apostle Paul “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27) Amen!

Romans 5- Peace of God

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Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:1-5

How can we have peace in this chaotic world today?Many people look for inner peace through many mediums, however nobody ever seems to find it, why? Because most people don’t realize they are at war with God. The main reason most people can’t find peace in their soul, is because they are an enemy of God. (James 4:4)

Jesus Christ, who is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) is the only way (John 14:6) and the only one who can give you true peace within your soul. Why? Lets consider what the Apostle Paul says here “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” We are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and our sin not only separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) but our sin also makes us an enemy of God (James 4:4)

This is why Jesus Christ became flesh and died on the cross for our sins (John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 15:3-5) so we can be justified before God the Father. Christ took our place on the cross, Jesus paid our debt of our sins, so we can be reconciled back to the Father (2 Corinthians 5:18) Because we have been brought back into relationship with God, our soul now has peace beyond all human understanding (Philippians 4:7)

We have access to God by faith into this grace, the Apostle Paul talked alot about faith in the first several chapters of Romans, its by grace through faith you have been saved (Ephesians 2:8) It’s Christ who gives you this peace, because Christ is the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5) Not only do we have peace, but through Christ we now also have hope. As the Apostle Paul says here “Rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God”

Now does this mean your life will be perfect, does this mean you won’t have any problems or issues as a Christian? No, but as Paul says here “We glory in tribulations or sufferings , knowing that our  tribulations or sufferings  produces patience, And patience or perseverance , character or experience, and character or experience produces hope” This is the sanctification process as a Born Again Christian. The Holy Spirit is working in us to grow and conform us more like Christ.

Lets end with the words of the Apostle Paul here “The love of God has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit given to us” The Holy Spirit has been poured upon you as a true disciple of Christ. God has transformed your heart and mind, has given you the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding, repent and put your faith in The Lord of Glory and Peace, Amen!

Romans 4- Seed of Abraham

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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. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Romans 4:13-15

So what is the promise and how do we obtain it? The Apostle Paul spends alot of time speaking about Abraham and how this relates to our salvation. The Promise was initially spoken to Abrham as scripture says “The promises were spoken to Abraham and His seed” (Galatians 3:16) and “I (God) will make You (Abraham) a great nation and I will bless you (Abraham) (Genesis 12:1-3) 

The promise made to Abraham that through His seed (Christ), God will make a great nation, multiply it as numerous as the stars and the grains of sand (Genesis 22:17-18) The Promise that all the nations (the entire world) would be blessed through Abraham seed (Genesis 12:3) And as the Apostle Paul says here “the heir of the world” not just Israel. 

The Apostle Paul also makes clear this Promise was not fulfilled through The Law, but through the righteousness of faith. As the Apostle Paul says “The Letter (Law) Kills, but The Spirit brings Life” (2 Corinthians 3:6) Salvation never came through The Law, it actually brings death. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8) The Promise given to Abraham and his seed was by faith and not by any works, otherwise it would void the righteousness of faith

Who is the seed of Abraham? The Apostle Paul interprets this prophecy for us , “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ” (Galatians 3:16) The seed is Christ , who came through Israel, God  incarnate through the virgin, to die for our sins and rise again on the 3rd day. Salvation comes through Christ alone, the promise seed of the entire world

This Promise is only obtained by faith in Christ. As Paul says “If those who are of The Law are heirs, faith has been made void, The Promise made no effect” If salvation was able to be obtained by works or “Keeping The Law”, then faith would be made void and the promise of salvation would be broken. It’s only by the works of Christ on the cross, that salvation made be possible, its only by faith in Christ that you can receive The Promise

Because The Law brings wrath, but as the Apostle Paul also says “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13) Amen!

Romans 4- Saved By Faith

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But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Romans 4:5-8

While faith without works is dead faith, we can’t do anything to save ourselves. The fact that any of us are saved at all is because of God’s grace and mercy. As the Apostle Paul said “He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we have done, but according to His mercy , through the washing of the new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) Any works that we do produce is because of the Holy Spirit living inside of us. As Paul says here “But believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness” Faith in Christ is what saves you, not by any of our own works, its all because of the grace of God

The Apostle Paul used Abraham alot as a great example as being saved by faith, and that obedience being accredited as righteousness. Now he quotes King David as an example also of being saved by faith. David says “Blessed are those whose iniquities/transgressions/lawless deeds are forgiven, who sins are covered” (v7, Psalm 32:1-2) What an amazing thought, that God is willing to forgive our sins, that Jesus Christ became flesh and took our place on the cross. The sacrifice of Christ covered our sins, that we are justified before the Father because of Christ, that Christ has given us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us

King David also says “Blessed is the man who The Lord shall not impute sin or count sin against us or has cleared us of sin” (v8, Psalm 32:2) What have you done to have your sins forgiven, to have your sins erased? Nothing, you have no power to save yourself, its by the grace of God, through faith in Christ, that you are saved (Ephesians 2:8) As the Apostle Paul said “For He made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (Christ) (2 Corinthians 5:21)

This reminds me of the parable Jesus told about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, The Pharisee prayed “Thank God I’m not a sinner like other people, including this tax collector” I do all these works to justify I’m righteous. The tax collector said “God have mercy on me , a sinner”  Who do you think was justified before God? Jesus said it was the tax collector because they were humbled with repentance. (Luke 18:9-14)

King David had committed great sins in his life, however God declared him righteous because of his faith and repentance. Salvation can never be earned, its only by faith in the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, trust in Him and not yourself, don’t be deceived like the Pharisee, have faith like Abraham, like David, like the Tax Collector, Amen!

Romans 4- Abraham justified by faith

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What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. Romans 4:1-4

The Apostle Paul uses Abraham as an example of being saved by grace through faith, and not of our own works. However Abraham is a great reminder, that God didn’t save us with “cheap grace” meaning if we truly have faith in God, then we should also be obedient and listen to God.As The Lord Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)  Paul begins by saying “If Abraham was justified by works, He has something to boast about, but not before God” If Abrahams was saved by his own works, then He can give himself credit for His salvation and not Christ

However as the Apostle Paul says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, “ (Ephesians 2:8) You are saved by grace through faith and not by your own works. Abraham was obedient to God, but it wasn’t His obedience that produced salvation, it was the works of Christ on the cross that has given mankind salvation. (Romans 8:32)

You might ask, when did Abraham know Jesus Christ? Remember before God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham was face to face with The Lord Jesus Christ “Then Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.” (Genesis 18:1) (LSB) God in the flesh appeared to Abraham and prophesied He would receive a son named Isaac (Genesis 18:14) Most Christians probably don’t realize, Abraham probably knew more about Christ than you do, as He met Him face to face

So Abrahams salvation is the same as our salvation, by grace through faith in Christ. As scripture tells us “Then he believed in Yahweh; and He counted it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6) (LSB) The Apostle Paul tells us the same thing “just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Galatians 3:6) Don’t forget the prophecy of Christ was foretold since the fall at the garden of Eden “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15) 

As the Apostle James said “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17) Abraham truly had faith, therefor it produced the works of obedience, if we truly have faith, then we should produce righteous fruits (Matthew 7, Galatians 5) As The Lord Jesus said “You will be known by your fruits” (Matthew 7:16) While Abraham responded in faith, all glory goes to God. Without Christ there is no salvation and there is no possibility of producing fruits. Abraham believed God and its was accounted to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3) Amen