This document provides commentary on Romans 1:4 from multiple Bible translations and scholars. It summarizes that:
1) Romans 1:4 declares that Jesus was marked out as the Son of God with power by His resurrection from the dead through the Holy Spirit.
2) Only God has the power to conquer death, and Jesus' resurrection proves beyond doubt His deity as the eternal Son of God.
3) Jesus' resurrection, supported by historical evidence, is the crowning proof that He is the Creator and defeater of death.
This document discusses the role and nature of the Holy Spirit according to Christian theology. It describes how the Holy Spirit works through Jesus, inspires prophets and Scripture, enables faith, and is present in the Church through sacraments, prayer, and charisms. Key points include that the Spirit brings believers into communion with God and empowers the Church's mission.
Jesus was the firstborn from the dead according to Revelation 1:5. The article discusses the theological significance of this title for Jesus. It means that Jesus was both the first to rise from the dead and the one who has supremacy and authority as the inaugurator of the new creation. Jesus' resurrection opened the way for believers to also be resurrected to eternal life. He fulfilled prophecies of being the Messiah and son of God. Other passages also refer to Jesus as the firstborn or first fruits of the resurrection to emphasize his preeminence.
Acts 1, The Person and works of the Holy Spirit, restoring the kingdom to Isr...Valley Bible Fellowship
Acts Chapter 1, Was Luke Jewish?, a carefully investigated, eyewitness account, restoring the kingdom to Israel, His Ascension, prayer, Mary, the mother and brothers of Jesus, Mariolotry, Judas, Peter, Matthias, be a witness
This document discusses the biblical basis for the doctrine of the Trinity. It provides evidence from both the Old and New Testaments for the plurality of persons within the Godhead, including references that point to God existing as three distinct persons - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While the word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, the document argues the concept is supported by clear biblical texts that describe the involvement of all three persons in key events like Jesus' baptism and the apostolic benediction.
This document discusses biblical inerrancy. It begins by defining biblical inerrancy and enumerating reasons for the inerrancy of the Bible. It then quotes Dei Verbum 11 regarding how the books of Scripture teach the truth that God wished to see confided to the Sacred Scriptures for the sake of salvation without error. The rest of the document discusses biblical inerrancy in more depth, stating that it refers to freedom from error regarding the truths of salvation, and exploring factors like the human authors and literary devices used in scripture. It emphasizes that inerrancy means the books teach the salvific truth firmly, faithfully and without error.
The document discusses several "gospels" outside the canonical four gospels of the New Testament. It provides context for why the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were selected for inclusion in the biblical canon while others like the Gospel of Thomas and Gospel of Peter were rejected. Key reasons given include issues with authorship, contradicting core Christian teachings, being written later than the eyewitness accounts, and promoting Gnostic beliefs.
This document discusses the key beliefs about Jesus Christ held by the authors. It states that Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, fully God and fully man, who was born of the virgin Mary. It describes Jesus living a sinless life and performing miracles that demonstrated his divine authority. The document asserts Jesus willingly suffered and died to fulfill God's redemptive plan, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven where he reigns at God's right hand.
The document discusses the witness of the Holy Spirit and Christian witnesses to Jesus Christ. It contains 3 main points:
1. The apostles witnessed to Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension based on their first-hand experiences. The Holy Spirit also testifies to these facts throughout the New Testament.
2. Jesus' exaltation to heaven establishes Him as the ruler and savior of those who obey Him. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus and His work of salvation.
3. Christian witnesses throughout history testify voluntarily to core beliefs like the oneness of God, divine revelation through Jesus, and the necessity of salvation through His atonement. The religion of Christianity can be validated through
This document discusses the role and nature of the Holy Spirit according to Christian theology. It describes how the Holy Spirit works through Jesus, inspires prophets and Scripture, enables faith, and is present in the Church through sacraments, prayer, and charisms. Key points include that the Spirit brings believers into communion with God and empowers the Church's mission.
Jesus was the firstborn from the dead according to Revelation 1:5. The article discusses the theological significance of this title for Jesus. It means that Jesus was both the first to rise from the dead and the one who has supremacy and authority as the inaugurator of the new creation. Jesus' resurrection opened the way for believers to also be resurrected to eternal life. He fulfilled prophecies of being the Messiah and son of God. Other passages also refer to Jesus as the firstborn or first fruits of the resurrection to emphasize his preeminence.
Acts 1, The Person and works of the Holy Spirit, restoring the kingdom to Isr...Valley Bible Fellowship
Acts Chapter 1, Was Luke Jewish?, a carefully investigated, eyewitness account, restoring the kingdom to Israel, His Ascension, prayer, Mary, the mother and brothers of Jesus, Mariolotry, Judas, Peter, Matthias, be a witness
This document discusses the biblical basis for the doctrine of the Trinity. It provides evidence from both the Old and New Testaments for the plurality of persons within the Godhead, including references that point to God existing as three distinct persons - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While the word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, the document argues the concept is supported by clear biblical texts that describe the involvement of all three persons in key events like Jesus' baptism and the apostolic benediction.
This document discusses biblical inerrancy. It begins by defining biblical inerrancy and enumerating reasons for the inerrancy of the Bible. It then quotes Dei Verbum 11 regarding how the books of Scripture teach the truth that God wished to see confided to the Sacred Scriptures for the sake of salvation without error. The rest of the document discusses biblical inerrancy in more depth, stating that it refers to freedom from error regarding the truths of salvation, and exploring factors like the human authors and literary devices used in scripture. It emphasizes that inerrancy means the books teach the salvific truth firmly, faithfully and without error.
The document discusses several "gospels" outside the canonical four gospels of the New Testament. It provides context for why the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were selected for inclusion in the biblical canon while others like the Gospel of Thomas and Gospel of Peter were rejected. Key reasons given include issues with authorship, contradicting core Christian teachings, being written later than the eyewitness accounts, and promoting Gnostic beliefs.
This document discusses the key beliefs about Jesus Christ held by the authors. It states that Jesus is the incarnate Son of God, fully God and fully man, who was born of the virgin Mary. It describes Jesus living a sinless life and performing miracles that demonstrated his divine authority. The document asserts Jesus willingly suffered and died to fulfill God's redemptive plan, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven where he reigns at God's right hand.
The document discusses the witness of the Holy Spirit and Christian witnesses to Jesus Christ. It contains 3 main points:
1. The apostles witnessed to Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension based on their first-hand experiences. The Holy Spirit also testifies to these facts throughout the New Testament.
2. Jesus' exaltation to heaven establishes Him as the ruler and savior of those who obey Him. The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus and His work of salvation.
3. Christian witnesses throughout history testify voluntarily to core beliefs like the oneness of God, divine revelation through Jesus, and the necessity of salvation through His atonement. The religion of Christianity can be validated through
The document provides commentary and reflections on the Sunday readings for Easter Sunday B, including passages from Acts, Colossians, Psalms, and John. It summarizes and analyzes each reading in 1-2 sentences and offers additional reflections. The overall focus is on how the readings highlight God raising Jesus and Christians seeking spiritual values and faith in the resurrection.
The Inerrancy of Scripture The Great WatershedPeter Hammond
This document discusses the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, highlighting quotes from church fathers, reformers, and scripture to support the position that the Bible is without error. It argues that the Bible is the infallible and authoritative word of God based on the nature of God as truth, Jesus and the apostles' teachings on scripture, and biblical examples where Christ and Paul base doctrine on specific words and tenses of the original Hebrew and Greek. It concludes that as God's inspired word, the Bible is inerrant, infallible, and the standard by which all other teaching must be measured.
This document provides an overview and introduction to the Apostles' Creed. It begins with memorization verses related to faith and God. It then discusses symbols for the Trinity and includes prayers addressed to each person. The remainder of the document covers the history of creeds, the Trinity, and an application of doctrine. It aims to teach the basics of who Christians worship as Father, Son and Holy Spirit based on Scripture. Discussion topics include Arius and quotes on doctrine from Rick Warren and Augustine. The intent is to help understand the Apostles' Creed through a topical study of the Lutheran confessions.
Contents of this presentation:
1. What is Christ?
- Direct statements of the Eternity and Deity of the Son of God
- Implications that the Son of God is Eternal
2. The importance of the Issue
3. Some clues to the possibility of the doctrine Myth, Art and Logic
4. Arguments for Christ’s Divinity
The Paschal Mystery refers to Christ's passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. It is central to Christian faith as it relates to God's plan of salvation for humanity. The Paschal Mystery is commemorated in the liturgy and sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist. The key events of Jesus' passion included the Last Supper, agony in the garden, trial, crucifixion and death, followed by his resurrection on the third day and ascension into heaven. The Paschal Mystery reminds Christians that through suffering, death and new life are overcome, and it has implications for how they live daily.
The document discusses the biblical doctrine of resurrection, beginning with a definition and expanding on predictions by Jesus, biblical proof, and implications. It explains that resurrection means the future bodily rising of all persons, with believers rising to eternal life and unbelievers to eternal torment. The resurrection of Christ ensures our justification, regeneration, and receipt of perfect resurrection bodies. It also has practical implications like continued obedience and focusing on our heavenly reward.
The document discusses the Apostles' Creed, including what a creed is, why creeds are used, facts about the origins of the Apostles' Creed, and what it has to do with individuals. It explains that a creed is a statement of faith or beliefs, and was first used as a means of confession. The Apostles' Creed was not actually written by the apostles, but emerged in Rome in the 2nd century AD. It connects individuals to something larger than themselves and helps people discover and articulate what they believe.
The document examines evidence for who Jesus Christ claimed to be based on testimony from various sources. It discusses what people in Jesus' time said about him, including that he taught with authority and some believed him to be the Messiah. It also examines what Jesus himself claimed, including that he could forgive sins, was the Son of God and eternal. The document argues that either Jesus' claims were true, making him the Son of God, or he was a liar based on the eyewitness testimony and fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah.
Jesus was the sender of the holy spiritGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus being the sender of the Holy Spirit. Jesus received the promised Spirit from the Father and then He poured it out on His church at Pentecost. He was the one who sent the Holy Spirt into the world and His church.
The document discusses the three modes of existence of Jesus: 1) His pre-incarnate existence as the second person of the Trinity, 2) His incarnate existence as fully God and fully man, and 3) His ascended incarnate existence after his resurrection. It explains that Jesus became incarnate through the virgin Mary to redeem humanity, was fully divine yet experienced humanity, and offers himself as the perfect sacrifice through his death and resurrection. After ascending, Jesus now reigns until he returns to judge and bring believers into paradise.
This document outlines a seminar on biblical typology. It begins with an introduction to foundational concepts like the rules of interpretation and the four senses of scripture: literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical. It then defines typology as people or events in the Old Testament that foreshadow greater things in the New Testament. The rest of the document provides examples of typology, such as how the temple prefigures Christ and the Christian, and how Jesus revealed himself through typology on the road to Emmaus. It discusses how typology highlights the promise-fulfillment structure of the Bible and how Christ fulfills key figures like Adam, Moses, and David.
Growing up to be like Christ requires that we understand the concept of unity. This lesson considers unity by asking three questions: 1) How am I united with God; 2) What are the principles of unity; and 3) What is my role in this unity.
The document summarizes Jesus being baptized by John and hearing a voice from heaven say he is God's beloved son. It then discusses how after baptism, people who are nourished by God's word and keep watchful in prayer have their names taken to be remembered. Later passages discuss how bearing testimony through the Holy Ghost leads to forgiveness of sins, and how administering to the sick can lead to physical and spiritual healing. Further passages talk about how the Holy Ghost cleanses and purifies people, and how its influence has a more powerful effect than any other experience.
The document is a collection of passages discussing concepts related to belief, faith, epistemology, and the relationship between reason and faith. It explores various philosophical approaches to belief formation, such as rationalism, empiricism, subjectivism, and pragmatism. It examines different views on faith from philosophers like Nietzsche, Kant, and the Bible. It also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in belief and how revelatory, general, and ontological revelation provide a foundation for Christian beliefs according to a reconciliatory view of reason and faith.
This document discusses Catholic teachings around death, the afterlife, and resurrection. Some key points:
- At death, the soul is separated from the body and awaits reunion with the glorified body. For those not fully purified, there is purgatory to undergo further purification.
- Jesus conquered death through his own death and resurrection. For Christians, physical death completes the "dying" to sin and incorporation with Christ for those who die in his grace.
- There will be a universal resurrection of the dead and the last judgment, where souls will receive eternal life in heaven or eternal damnation in hell based on their works.
- The resurrected body will be
The Trinity refers to the one God in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Old Testament hints at personal distinctions in God, while the New Testament openly reveals the three persons through Jesus Christ. The persons are distinct yet united in their divine essence. The Trinity is central to Christian faith and expressed in the Apostles' Creed.
The Apostles' Creed is divided into 12 sections or articles that outline key beliefs of Christianity. The first article states belief in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Subsequent articles address beliefs about Jesus Christ, his suffering and resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. The Creed summarizes the fundamental tenets of Christian faith.
The holy spirit proclaims freedom for the captivesGLENN PEASE
This document discusses the concept of proclaiming freedom for captives as mentioned in Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:18. It provides several summaries and analyses of Bible passages that discuss how Jesus and the Holy Spirit work to free people from spiritual captivity and darkness. Examples are given of individuals throughout history who found spiritual freedom, even while imprisoned, through faith in Jesus Christ. The overall message is that Jesus came to set captives free from the bondage of sin and proclaim spiritual liberation to those who trust in him.
The document discusses how Satan hindered Paul from visiting the church in Thessalonica as he desired. It says Satan will try to hinder the work of the church in various ways, such as through criticism, distraction, temptation, and discouraging enthusiasm. The purpose is to prevent Christians from glorifying God and accomplishing their spiritual goals and ministry. Paul wanted to evaluate the spiritual condition of the Thessalonian church personally but was unable to due to Satanic hindrance.
The document outlines a strategic ministry plan for Rivers of Joy Baptist Church for 2009-2013. It includes objectives to improve worship, better equip church leadership through training, expand local and global outreach missions, and improve Christian education ministries. The goals are to exalt Christ, develop disciples, reach out to the community, train leaders, and provide adequate church facilities. The plan calls for annual evaluation and revision to faithfully follow God's leading in growing the church spiritually and numerically.
The document provides commentary and reflections on the Sunday readings for Easter Sunday B, including passages from Acts, Colossians, Psalms, and John. It summarizes and analyzes each reading in 1-2 sentences and offers additional reflections. The overall focus is on how the readings highlight God raising Jesus and Christians seeking spiritual values and faith in the resurrection.
The Inerrancy of Scripture The Great WatershedPeter Hammond
This document discusses the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, highlighting quotes from church fathers, reformers, and scripture to support the position that the Bible is without error. It argues that the Bible is the infallible and authoritative word of God based on the nature of God as truth, Jesus and the apostles' teachings on scripture, and biblical examples where Christ and Paul base doctrine on specific words and tenses of the original Hebrew and Greek. It concludes that as God's inspired word, the Bible is inerrant, infallible, and the standard by which all other teaching must be measured.
This document provides an overview and introduction to the Apostles' Creed. It begins with memorization verses related to faith and God. It then discusses symbols for the Trinity and includes prayers addressed to each person. The remainder of the document covers the history of creeds, the Trinity, and an application of doctrine. It aims to teach the basics of who Christians worship as Father, Son and Holy Spirit based on Scripture. Discussion topics include Arius and quotes on doctrine from Rick Warren and Augustine. The intent is to help understand the Apostles' Creed through a topical study of the Lutheran confessions.
Contents of this presentation:
1. What is Christ?
- Direct statements of the Eternity and Deity of the Son of God
- Implications that the Son of God is Eternal
2. The importance of the Issue
3. Some clues to the possibility of the doctrine Myth, Art and Logic
4. Arguments for Christ’s Divinity
The Paschal Mystery refers to Christ's passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. It is central to Christian faith as it relates to God's plan of salvation for humanity. The Paschal Mystery is commemorated in the liturgy and sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist. The key events of Jesus' passion included the Last Supper, agony in the garden, trial, crucifixion and death, followed by his resurrection on the third day and ascension into heaven. The Paschal Mystery reminds Christians that through suffering, death and new life are overcome, and it has implications for how they live daily.
The document discusses the biblical doctrine of resurrection, beginning with a definition and expanding on predictions by Jesus, biblical proof, and implications. It explains that resurrection means the future bodily rising of all persons, with believers rising to eternal life and unbelievers to eternal torment. The resurrection of Christ ensures our justification, regeneration, and receipt of perfect resurrection bodies. It also has practical implications like continued obedience and focusing on our heavenly reward.
The document discusses the Apostles' Creed, including what a creed is, why creeds are used, facts about the origins of the Apostles' Creed, and what it has to do with individuals. It explains that a creed is a statement of faith or beliefs, and was first used as a means of confession. The Apostles' Creed was not actually written by the apostles, but emerged in Rome in the 2nd century AD. It connects individuals to something larger than themselves and helps people discover and articulate what they believe.
The document examines evidence for who Jesus Christ claimed to be based on testimony from various sources. It discusses what people in Jesus' time said about him, including that he taught with authority and some believed him to be the Messiah. It also examines what Jesus himself claimed, including that he could forgive sins, was the Son of God and eternal. The document argues that either Jesus' claims were true, making him the Son of God, or he was a liar based on the eyewitness testimony and fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah.
Jesus was the sender of the holy spiritGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus being the sender of the Holy Spirit. Jesus received the promised Spirit from the Father and then He poured it out on His church at Pentecost. He was the one who sent the Holy Spirt into the world and His church.
The document discusses the three modes of existence of Jesus: 1) His pre-incarnate existence as the second person of the Trinity, 2) His incarnate existence as fully God and fully man, and 3) His ascended incarnate existence after his resurrection. It explains that Jesus became incarnate through the virgin Mary to redeem humanity, was fully divine yet experienced humanity, and offers himself as the perfect sacrifice through his death and resurrection. After ascending, Jesus now reigns until he returns to judge and bring believers into paradise.
This document outlines a seminar on biblical typology. It begins with an introduction to foundational concepts like the rules of interpretation and the four senses of scripture: literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical. It then defines typology as people or events in the Old Testament that foreshadow greater things in the New Testament. The rest of the document provides examples of typology, such as how the temple prefigures Christ and the Christian, and how Jesus revealed himself through typology on the road to Emmaus. It discusses how typology highlights the promise-fulfillment structure of the Bible and how Christ fulfills key figures like Adam, Moses, and David.
Growing up to be like Christ requires that we understand the concept of unity. This lesson considers unity by asking three questions: 1) How am I united with God; 2) What are the principles of unity; and 3) What is my role in this unity.
The document summarizes Jesus being baptized by John and hearing a voice from heaven say he is God's beloved son. It then discusses how after baptism, people who are nourished by God's word and keep watchful in prayer have their names taken to be remembered. Later passages discuss how bearing testimony through the Holy Ghost leads to forgiveness of sins, and how administering to the sick can lead to physical and spiritual healing. Further passages talk about how the Holy Ghost cleanses and purifies people, and how its influence has a more powerful effect than any other experience.
The document is a collection of passages discussing concepts related to belief, faith, epistemology, and the relationship between reason and faith. It explores various philosophical approaches to belief formation, such as rationalism, empiricism, subjectivism, and pragmatism. It examines different views on faith from philosophers like Nietzsche, Kant, and the Bible. It also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in belief and how revelatory, general, and ontological revelation provide a foundation for Christian beliefs according to a reconciliatory view of reason and faith.
This document discusses Catholic teachings around death, the afterlife, and resurrection. Some key points:
- At death, the soul is separated from the body and awaits reunion with the glorified body. For those not fully purified, there is purgatory to undergo further purification.
- Jesus conquered death through his own death and resurrection. For Christians, physical death completes the "dying" to sin and incorporation with Christ for those who die in his grace.
- There will be a universal resurrection of the dead and the last judgment, where souls will receive eternal life in heaven or eternal damnation in hell based on their works.
- The resurrected body will be
The Trinity refers to the one God in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Old Testament hints at personal distinctions in God, while the New Testament openly reveals the three persons through Jesus Christ. The persons are distinct yet united in their divine essence. The Trinity is central to Christian faith and expressed in the Apostles' Creed.
The Apostles' Creed is divided into 12 sections or articles that outline key beliefs of Christianity. The first article states belief in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Subsequent articles address beliefs about Jesus Christ, his suffering and resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. The Creed summarizes the fundamental tenets of Christian faith.
The holy spirit proclaims freedom for the captivesGLENN PEASE
This document discusses the concept of proclaiming freedom for captives as mentioned in Isaiah 61:1-2 and Luke 4:18. It provides several summaries and analyses of Bible passages that discuss how Jesus and the Holy Spirit work to free people from spiritual captivity and darkness. Examples are given of individuals throughout history who found spiritual freedom, even while imprisoned, through faith in Jesus Christ. The overall message is that Jesus came to set captives free from the bondage of sin and proclaim spiritual liberation to those who trust in him.
The document discusses how Satan hindered Paul from visiting the church in Thessalonica as he desired. It says Satan will try to hinder the work of the church in various ways, such as through criticism, distraction, temptation, and discouraging enthusiasm. The purpose is to prevent Christians from glorifying God and accomplishing their spiritual goals and ministry. Paul wanted to evaluate the spiritual condition of the Thessalonian church personally but was unable to due to Satanic hindrance.
The document outlines a strategic ministry plan for Rivers of Joy Baptist Church for 2009-2013. It includes objectives to improve worship, better equip church leadership through training, expand local and global outreach missions, and improve Christian education ministries. The goals are to exalt Christ, develop disciples, reach out to the community, train leaders, and provide adequate church facilities. The plan calls for annual evaluation and revision to faithfully follow God's leading in growing the church spiritually and numerically.
1) Satan actively works to obstruct and distract people from the Christian faith through various schemes. He hindered Paul from visiting the Thessalonians again despite Paul's strong desire.
2) Paul recognized Satan as the real enemy behind all opposition to spreading the gospel. Satan's purpose is to hinder God's work and stop the advancement of the Church.
3) Paul took hope and joy in the Thessalonians and the return of Christ. He viewed the Thessalonians as his crown and source of rejoicing at Christ's coming.
The Sunday morning bible study group met on September 20, 2009 to discuss scripture and their faith. Approximately 15 people attended the casual gathering held in the church basement to read from the book of Matthew and share their thoughts. The study focused on Jesus' teachings about faith and service to others as told in the selected passages.
1) The document discusses four motives for seeking unity based on Paul's letter to the Philippians: encouragement in Christ, comfort of love, fellowship with the Holy Spirit, and affection and mercy.
2) It examines what each of these motives mean, citing examples from scripture. The encouragement of Christ provides incentive to obey. God's love constrains believers to love one another. Fellowship with the Spirit brings conformity to Christ.
3) Paul's approach to unity was to appeal to the goodness of God and the bond of relationship with Christ rather than threaten or command unity. The loving Holy Spirit desires unity among believers.
The document provides advice for preaching effectively. It recommends that preachers take preaching seriously and avoid being entertaining. Preachers should study the text in depth through repeated readings, meditation, and prayer. They should also pray for God's blessing on the message and ask others to pray as well. Preachers are advised to find silence before preaching and avoid distractions during the sermon.
Satan seeks to hinder believers and the progress of the church in several ways:
1. By suggesting doubts
2. By magnifying difficulties
3. Through distractions
4. By frustrating our purposes
5. By tempting us to do the opposite of what God calls us to do
6. By falsely accusing us
Paul recognized Satan as the real enemy behind any opposition to the gospel. Satan's goal is to stop the spread of the gospel and the forward progress of the church. Though Satan hindered Paul from visiting the Thessalonians, this resulted in Paul writing them a letter that provided comfort, warning, and direction. Paul found his hope and joy in being reunited with believers at
The Gospel is not just an introductory message but the central message of Christianity about salvation through Jesus Christ. It is meant to be handed down from generation to generation without change. Preaching the Gospel with power means preaching it as the foolishness of the cross rather than adapting it to different cultures. True reception of the Gospel involves complete trust in Christ alone for salvation, submitting one's life to His lordship, and standing firm on the truths of the Gospel. The Gospel's promise of eternal salvation through Christ's atoning death and resurrection should be a primary motivation for Christians.
God created man and woman with four key features:
1) In God's image - as eternal beings with personhood and the ability to have moral behavior and a relationship with God.
2) As rulers over creation - with responsibility to care for and classify the world.
3) With the command to multiply - as God created male and female for marriage and procreation.
4) For God's enjoyment - to bless humanity with various abilities and a relationship with their creator.
The document discusses the origins and beliefs of different religious groups in the Middle East, including:
1) It describes the American Black Muslim Movement started by Elijah Muhammad as a hybrid belief system combining teachings from Wallace Fard, the Watchtower Society, and some elements of Islam.
2) It outlines some core Islamic beliefs, including the view that the world is divided between the "House of Peace" (where Allah rules) and the "House of War" (where infidels live), and that defeating Israel would please Allah.
3) It briefly summarizes the history of Christianity in Armenia and the Armenian Genocide by Ottoman Turks in the early 20th century that killed over 1 million Armenians.
The document discusses the question of whether Christians can continue living in sin after becoming believers. It analyzes Romans 6:1-14, noting that Paul answers the question by asking how those who have died to sin can continue living in it. The passage indicates that believers have been united with Christ and freed from sin's power and bondage. It argues that true salvation produces sanctification and a holy life, not a license to sin. A Christian cannot live outside of being united with Christ and influenced by the Holy Spirit's power to live according to God's will rather than sin's dominion.
The document discusses Daniel and the importance of studying the book of Daniel. It provides context on Daniel being taken captive to Babylon as a young man along with his friends. In Babylon, Daniel and his friends resolved not to eat the king's food or wine in order to remain faithful to God. God blessed them with knowledge and understanding. The document emphasizes that God prepares and uses people who are committed to him, even in difficult circumstances.
This document provides a summary of blog posts by Charles E. Whisnant from September 2009 through December 2009. It includes over 100 posts on topics like preaching, theology, church events, family updates, and reflections. The posts were made to share Whisnant's ministry work, insights, and life experiences with bloggers everywhere.
1) The document discusses Philippians 2:10-11 which talks about every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord.
2) It explains that as a result of Jesus's exaltation and new name as Lord, all beings both living and dead will acknowledge him as sovereign ruler.
3) The ultimate purpose of Jesus being confessed as Lord by all is for the glory of God the Father.
This document outlines 8 rules for biblical interpretation:
1. The rule of definition - define terms and stick to those definitions.
2. The rule of usage - understand words in their original historical and cultural context.
3. The rule of context - interpret words in light of the surrounding text.
4. The rule of historical background - understand the times and society during which the text was written.
5. The rule of logic - interpretations must make logical sense.
6. The rule of precedent - do not violate known word usages or invent new meanings.
7. The rule of unity - interpretations must be consistent with the overall message of Scripture.
8. The rule of inference -
Paul calls himself a "bond-slave of Jesus Christ" and an apostle "set apart" for preaching the gospel of God. He felt called by God to this role before his conversion, and afterward dedicated himself fully to serving God and spreading the message of the gospel. Paul saw preaching as both an honorable duty given to him by God, and a humble form of service. His mission was to faithfully deliver the message he was commissioned to share.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 012: "Jesus is LORD!"BibleAlive
Jesus is understood as Lord in three sentences:
The early disciples came to understand Jesus' transcendent Lordship after encountering the risen Jesus, acknowledging his divinity and that he possesses absolute divine power and majesty as well as the right to unconditional human allegiance. As Lord, Jesus rules over all creation and history, and his Lordship is most clearly experienced in the Eucharist, where Christians participate in his body and blood and pray "Come, Lord!" for his return.
This is a study of Jesus as the one to keep our eyes on. Make Him the focus of our minds and be thinking of Him often and not just rarely as in church.
This document provides commentary on Hebrews 3:1. It discusses Jesus being acknowledged as the apostle and high priest of Christians. It compares Jesus to Moses and Aaron, saying Jesus is a greater apostle than Moses and a greater high priest than Aaron. It encourages Christians to constantly consider Jesus in these roles as the ultimate safeguard against discouragement or apostasy. Fixing one's thoughts on Jesus in times of weakness, darkness, sin, or sorrow will bring strength, light, forgiveness, and comfort.
This document provides biblical evidence that Jesus Christ is God based on passages from the Old and New Testaments. It asserts that Isaiah 9:6 refers to the Messiah as the "mighty God" and "everlasting Father". Several other Old Testament passages referenced, including Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2, also identify attributes of the Messiah that align with Jesus being God. The New Testament further establishes Jesus's deity, with passages like John 20:28 where Thomas calls Jesus "Lord and God", and Colossians 2:9 which says all the fullness of God resides in Jesus. Overall, the document argues that Jesus is the manifestation of God in human form to reconcile humanity and reveal God to people.
This is a study of Jesus as God in all His attributes. If you see how Jesus has all the attributes of the Father, then you know He is God just as His Father is God.
Jesus is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible shows that God is one being that exists in three capacities - as the Creator (Father), the Word (Son), and the Holy Spirit. Jesus embodied all three capacities through his dual divine and human natures. As a man, Jesus prayed to God the Father, but as God he was not praying to another being but rather distinguishing between his human and divine aspects as the one God.
This document contains a summary of key points from the selected Bible passages and Ellen White quote:
1) The passages describe Jesus introducing himself as the Messiah and Son of God to the people in Nazareth, but they doubted and rejected him. John the Baptist also struggled with doubts in prison and sent disciples to ask Jesus if he was the coming one.
2) At Jesus' baptism and transfiguration, God the Father affirmed Jesus as his beloved Son. Peter later acknowledged Jesus as the Christ or Messiah.
3) The final quote emphasizes that true faith is shown through obedience to God's commandments, not just believing doctrines or making professions of faith. One must let Christ be revealed
English inductive bible study on Romans 1:1-6Chin-Lee Chan
Teaching about the enhanced Inductive Bible Study Method through studying the Epistle to the Romans -- from Observation, Interpretation, and Application to Urge, Observe, Interpret, Empathize, and Apply.
The document discusses the meaning of Jesus being declared the Son of God at his resurrection according to Romans 1:4. It explains that Jesus was eternally God but took on human form, becoming fully subordinate to God the Father's will. His divine sonship was demonstrated powerfully by his resurrection from the dead by the Holy Spirit. The document emphasizes that Jesus is the divine Savior, Christ, and Lord of all through whom believers receive eternal spiritual riches.
This document provides extracts from the Bible addressing inherent life and salvation. It begins with Genesis 1 discussing how God created the heavens and earth, as well as man in His own image. It then discusses how Jesus Christ is the light that overcomes darkness. Several passages such as John 1:1-14 and Hebrews 1:1-3 are analyzed to explain how Christ is the expression of God and regulates the universe. The document ends discussing how Adam was made a living soul but Christ was made a quickening spirit who can give eternal life.
The document discusses several key aspects of Jesus Christ's identity according to Christian theology. It states that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and Lord, fulfilling the messianic hope of Israel. It explains that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, with a divine and human nature united in one divine person. The document also summarizes several early Christological heresies, such as Arianism and Nestorianism, and the Church councils that upheld the orthodox view of Christ's dual nature.
Peter answers that Jesus is the Christ of God. While Jesus could be considered a great teacher or leader, the most important question is determining who He is. It is a question that has eternal consequences. Jesus performed miracles that proved His identity, like raising a boy from the dead, but some like John the Baptist still struggled with doubt. True knowledge of Jesus comes from a personal relationship with Him and surrendering one's life fully to Him as Lord.
This is a study of Jesus pouring out the Holy Spirit. God gave Jesus the power to pour out the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He baptized His church with the Holy Spirit on that day.
This is a collection of articles, sermons, and poems explaining the reason for the Holy Spirit being represented by the dove. Plus some dealing with the dove and romantic love.
The document provides an overview of the meaning and key elements of the gospel message. It can be summarized as:
1) The gospel refers to the "good news" that Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected, so that through faith in Him we can be saved.
2) Key terms related to the gospel mean "good news" and refer specifically to the message of salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection.
3) Paul's letters outline the core message as Christ's death for sins, burial, and resurrection on the third day according to scripture - the heart of the gospel.
This document discusses the doctrine of Christology, focusing on the deity of Jesus Christ. It covers several key points:
1. It outlines the BCP Statement of Faith regarding the deity of Jesus, including his virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, resurrection, and future return.
2. It argues that Jesus' pre-existence, role in creation, and divine titles like "Word" and "Son of God" indicate his deity as the eternal second person of the Trinity.
3. It examines theories of Jesus' sonship and argues the biblical view is his eternal generation by the Father.
4. It asserts Jesus possessed the attributes of God both pre-incarnation
This document discusses Charles Whisnant's method of studying the Bible since 1982. It lists various books and tools he has used for Bible study, including commentaries, concordances, and study Bibles. It provides examples of how to use cross-references when studying a passage, such as looking at related concepts and words in other parts of the Bible. The document emphasizes allowing Scripture to interpret itself using cross-references and considering the context of the passage and book.
Jesus returns to Galilee and his fame spreads throughout the region. On the Sabbath, Jesus goes to the synagogue in Nazareth where he was brought up and reads from the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming that the Scripture has been fulfilled. However, the people reject him and drive him out of the city wanting to throw him off a cliff. Jesus then goes to Capernaum to teach.
The document provides background information on Luke 4:14-30, which describes Jesus preaching in the synagogue in Nazareth. It summarizes Jesus' ministry in Galilee prior to this event, which had grown popular through his preaching and miracles. At the synagogue, Jesus reads from Isaiah and claims the prophecy is fulfilled in him, but the people reject this due to misconceptions. Jesus corrects their thinking that a prophet is never accepted at home. The document analyzes each section of the scripture passage and provides historical context.
1. Jesus returns to Nazareth where he was brought up, following his time in the desert. As was his custom, he attends the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stands up to read from scripture.
2. The passage describes Jesus now being led fully by the Holy Spirit after emerging from the desert, rather than being at his own disposal. Though in a familiar place among those he knew, he was empowered to proclaim the scripture in a new way under the Spirit's guidance.
3. Jesus faced the challenge of proclaiming a higher calling in a familiar community, but having fully submitted to the Spirit's leading, he was able to see Nazareth and its people in
This document provides commentary on Luke 4, which describes Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness for 40 days after his baptism. It discusses various interpretations of the temptation and provides analysis on key aspects, including:
1) Jesus was tempted as a human being to undergo moral probation, though without sin.
2) The wilderness location emphasized his solitude and desolation as he faced this spiritual conflict at the start of his ministry.
3) The temptation confronted Jesus on the nature of his messianic role and how he would fulfill God's purpose, testing his identity and use of power.
4) Even the holiest are still subject to temptation, though the form changes based on one's
The document provides commentary on 1 Peter 1:18-19, discussing the concept of redemption. It summarizes that believers should know they were not redeemed by perishable things like silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Christ. It explores the biblical concept of redemption, citing passages that discuss God redeeming his people from bondage through payment of a price. The commentary notes that in the New Testament, redemption requires the payment of a moral debt through Christ's atoning death, liberating humanity from sin.
1) The document provides five commands for believers: have hope in God, keep holiness, always revere God, learn to love one another, and crave the Word of God.
2) It explains how to crave the Word of God by remembering it is our life source, getting rid of sin like malice and deceit, and admitting our need for nourishment like newborn babies need milk.
3) Believers are encouraged to pursue growth through regularly reading and studying the Bible, and to be thankful for God's grace by reflecting on the blessings of their salvation.
1) Believers are urged to abstain from sinful desires and conduct themselves honorably among non-believers.
2) Christians should live excellent and upright lives so that non-believers have no reason to slander them as evildoers.
3) Through observing Christians' good works, non-believers may come to glorify God when he judges at the final day.
Francis Schaeffer argues that evangelicals must take truth seriously and preach and practice biblical truth, even when it is costly. He makes three main points:
1. Evangelicals must accept and preach propositional biblical truth rather than viewing religious truth as only psychological. They must take a stand for truth and against what contradicts God's word.
2. Evangelicals must carefully consider the purity of the visible church and what church discipline and living according to doctrine means.
3. If evangelicals practice "latitudinarianism" or compromise central truths, they will lose credibility with a skeptical world that does not believe truth is possible. They must practice what they preach about truth.
The document provides guidance on properly understanding and interpreting the Bible. It discusses that the Bible should be read with faith in order to truly understand God's message and purpose. While it does not contain a complete knowledge of God, it can develop understanding and trust through the Holy Spirit. It also cautions that experiences should be tested against what is found in Scripture and discusses several methods and attitudes for properly studying and applying the Bible.
1) To understand the Bible, one must first become a believer in Jesus Christ through salvation.
2) Read the Bible starting with the Gospels of Mark and John to understand Christ. Read the rest of the New Testament then move to the Old Testament.
3) The Bible was written by human authors but was directed by God. It is not just a book but gives the message of Jesus Christ and salvation from sin.
The document discusses the importance of preaching Christ and focusing sermons on the gospel message. It provides numerous quotes from Charles Spurgeon emphasizing that sermons must have Christ at the center and that leaving Him out is unacceptable. The document also discusses the benefits of the lectio continua method of preaching, where the preacher works verse-by-verse through entire books of the Bible. Finally, it addresses what it means to preach the whole counsel of God, which involves proclaiming the message of the gospel of the kingdom and balancing all aspects of Scripture.
This document discusses the pastor's perspective on altar calls and invitations to salvation given at the end of church services. The pastor does not believe altar calls are an effective or wise approach to evangelism for several reasons. First, it can lead people to falsely believe they are saved based on a brief moment of prayer, without sufficient time to test the credibility of their profession of faith. Second, the church service is primarily for believers, not evangelism of non-believers. The pastor believes the best approach is for believers to have gospel conversations with non-believers outside of the church service and allow the Holy Spirit to bring them to salvation.
This document provides summaries of and commentary on several theological topics. It discusses the doctrine of divine impassibility, or the idea that God does not experience emotions or change in the way humans do. It presents the view that while Scripture describes God with human emotions, these should be understood metaphorically rather than literally, to preserve God's immutability. It also summarizes critiques of this view and alternatives proposed by open theists, who believe God experiences emotions and can change in response to creatures.
This document summarizes and critiques John Calvin's arguments against the use of icons in Christian worship. It outlines Calvin's view that any depiction of God is forbidden as it distorts our understanding of God's transcendence. The document argues that Calvin overstates his case and ignores evidence from Scripture and history that supports a limited use of religious images. It examines Calvin's failure to adequately address the decisions of the Seventh Ecumenical Council that affirmed icons, and his flawed assumptions about the aniconic nature of early Jewish and Christian worship.
God's plan of salvation is meant to produce holiness in believers. Salvation rescues people from sin, its guilt, power, and eventual presence. While salvation provides forgiveness, it also places believers in union with Christ to be transformed into his moral likeness through the Holy Spirit. The purpose of salvation is because of human sin, which is any lack of conformity to God's law and rebellion against him. God saves people so they can be increasingly conformed to Christ's righteousness, love, humility, and other virtues. Ultimately, God is in the business of holiness - he disciplines believers so they can grow into full Christ-likeness.
The document discusses the importance of expository preaching, providing 4 reasons why failing to do exposition is problematic.
1. It usurps the authority of God over the mind and soul by not explaining God's word. God's truth and word should reign over people's lives, not the preacher's insights.
2. It usurps the lordship of Christ over the church. Christ can only exercise his authority as head of the church by being the one who speaks to the church through preaching.
3. It hinders the work of the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit only uses the word of God as the means of salvation, sanctification, instruction, and comfort. Where script
The document outlines the theological beliefs and positions of Charles E. Whisnant. It begins by stating that Whisnant identifies as a Calvinist, Reformed, and Reformed Baptist, but does not fully agree with certain views within those traditions. Whisnant affirms that he is a Baptist and has closely followed the teachings of John MacArthur, Charles Spurgeon, and George L. Norris for decades. The document then lists Whisnant's core beliefs, including the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone, a future for Israel, a rapture of believers, a seven-year tribulation, and a literal 1,000 year kingdom of God. It concludes by outlining 17 specific beliefs around
The document summarizes key aspects of orality and linguistic description and prescription. It defines orality as thought and verbal expression in societies where writing and print are unfamiliar to most of the population. It describes linguistic description as the objective analysis and description of how a language is spoken by a group. Linguistic prescription seeks to define standard language forms and give advice on effective language use, drawing on descriptive research and subjective aesthetics. Prescriptivism is the practice of championing one variety of a language over others, implying some forms are incorrect or improper.
This document provides an overview of spiritual gifts as described in the Bible. It discusses the seven motivational gifts mentioned in Romans 12: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, organizing, and mercy. For each gift, it provides a biblical example, guidelines from Romans 12, and a life principle to apply. It also discusses how spiritual gifts work through the Holy Spirit's empowerment and should be used to demonstrate God's love. Spiritual gifts come in three categories: motivational gifts which shape perspective, ministry gifts which involve serving the church, and manifestation gifts which demonstrate God's power. All gifts are valued as each member is important to the body of Christ functioning according to God's will.
More from Rivers of Joy Baptist Church, Pastor/Teacher Charles e Whisnant (20)
1. 1 Charles E. Whisnant
Romans 1:4 Who was declared (APP) the Son of God with power by the resurrection from
the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, (NASB: Lockman)
Greek: tou horisthentos (APP) Huiou theou en dunamei kata pneuma hagiosunes ex anastaseos nekron, Iesou
Christou tou kuriou hemon,
Amplified: And [as to His divine nature] according to the Spirit of holiness was openly designated the Son of God
in power [in a striking, triumphant and miraculous manner] by His resurrection from the dead, even Jesus Christ
our Lord (the Messiah, the Anointed One). (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
NLT: And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead
by means of the Holy Spirit. (New Living Translation - Tyndale House)
Phillips: and patently marked out as the Son of God by the power of that Spirit of holiness which raised him to life
again from the dead. He is our Lord, Jesus Christ (New Testament in Modern English)
Wuest: who was demonstrated in the sphere of power as Son of God so far as His divine essence was
concerned by the resurrection of the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord
Young's Literal: who is marked out Son of God in power, according to the Spirit of sanctification, by the rising
again from the dead,) Jesus Christ our Lord; (Eerdmans)
http://www.preceptaustin.org/new_page_54.htm
WHO WAS DECLARED THE SON OF GOD WITH POWER BY THE RESURRECTION
FROM THE DEAD: tou horisthentos (APP) Huiou theou en dunamei kata pneuma
hagiosunes ex anastaseos nekron: (Jn 2:18, 19, 20, 21; Ac 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10, 11, 12;
5:30, 31, 32; 13:33, 34, 35; 17:31; 2Co 13:4; Ep 1:19, 20, 21, 22, 23; Heb 5:5, 5:6; Rev 1:18)
Who was declared - Literally who was "marked out Son in power".
As Newell says...The gospel is all about Christ. Apart from Him, there is no news from heaven but that
of coming woe! — Romans Verse-by-Verse
Ryrie adds Better, designated; i.e., Jesus was designated or proved to be the Son of God by His own
resurrection from the dead. (The Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Translation: 1995. Moody
Publishers)
The Son of God - Morris writes...
2. 2 Charles E. Whisnant
While Jesus was fully man--in fact, perfect man, man as God had intended man to be--He was also
fully God. This fact was perfectly demonstrated by His bodily resurrection. The power to defeat
death and rise again is beyond all human ability. Only the Creator of life, the God who imposed
death as the penalty for sin, could defeat death. Christ's bodily resurrection, supported historically
as it is by "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3) is the crowning proof that He is, indeed, the eternal
and unique Son of God.
Declared (3724) (horizo from horos = limit; English "horizon" which is "the apparent line that divides
the earth and the sky" which leads to the thought that Jesus is the "line" that divides all time into
BC/AD!)
Horizo means to mark out, to bound ("horizon") and figuratively to appoint, decree or specify. It means
to be marked out definitely.
In this context horizo signifies that Jesus has been conclusively, irrefutably "marked out" as the "Son of
God" by the resurrection. By Jesus' supreme demonstration of His ability to conquer death, a power
belonging only to God, He established beyond "all reasonable doubt" (to use a term common in the legal
vernacular) that He was indeed God, the Son.
Horizo, is used 8 times in the NT - hover pointer over references (Lk 22:22; Acts 2:23; 10:42; 11:29;
17:26, 31; Ro 1:4; Heb. 4:7)
The story is told that a certain M. Lepeau complained to Talleyrand that a new religion of his—one he
considered a great improvement over Christianity—had failed to catch on with the people. He asked
Talleyrand for some suggestions. Talleyrand dryly said,
M. Lepeau, to insure success for your new religion, all you need do is have yourself crucified and
then rise from the dead on the third day!
Son of God
With power - Clearly the power capable of raising one from the dead.
Power (1411) (dunamis [word study] from dunamai = to be able, to have power) power especially
achieving power. It refers to intrinsic power or inherent ability, the power or ability to carry out some
function, the potential for functioning in some way (power, might, strength, ability, capability), the
power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. Dunamis is the implied ability or capacity to perform. It
conveys the idea of effective, productive energy, rather than that which is raw and unbridled. Dunamis
is the word generally used by Paul of divine energy.
Peter associates Jesus' resurrection with our living hope...
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has
caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
3. 3 Charles E. Whisnant
Spurgeon adds this pithy practical comment...
Our baptism, solemn as it was, was a great acted falsehood, a living pretense, unless we are dead to
our former way of living, and have come to live unto God in a new life altogether, by virtue of the
resurrection of Christ from the dead.
Resurrection (386) (anastasis from anístemi = stand up which in turn is from ana = again + histemi
= stand) (word study on anastasis) literally means a standing again. Anastasis as used in Scripture
describes one who has come back to life after having died. The undeniable demonstration that Jesus is
the Son of God is His resurrection from the dead.
Jesus when asked by the deceptive scribes and Pharisees for a "sign" declared
no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet for just as JONAH WAS THREE
DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so shall the Son of
Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Mt 12:39, 40)
Christ's resurrection was the great sign intended to bring conviction and those who would not be
convinced by this sign would not be convinced by anything. And so we note the emphasis on the
resurrection in the apostle's messages in Acts (Acts 2:32, 3:15, 4:10, 5:30, 31, 32, 10:39, 40, 41,
13:30,31).
The resurrection is in a sense God's "exclamation point" to the good news of resurrection life
available in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
The resurrection furnishes the most conclusive and irrefutable evidence of Jesus‘ divine Sonship. By
the demonstration of His ability to conquer death, a power belonging only to God Himself (the Giver of
life), Jesus established beyond all doubt that He was indeed God, the Son.
During the years following the French Revolution, there was a great turning away from the Christian
religion. A certain man named La Revilliere concocted a new religion which he thought was far superior
to Christianity, but had trouble convincing others to follow him. Seeking help, he went to the great
diplomat Charles de Talleyrand for advice. His advice was simple.
"To ensure success for your new religion, all you need to do is have yourself crucified and then rise
from the dead on the third day."
He‘s right, of course for it is the resurrection which demonstrates forever that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God from heaven.
Paul's parting words to the "Epicurean and Stoic philosophers" was to declare that God had "fixed a day
in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man Whom He has appointed, having
furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." Now when they heard of the resurrection of
the dead, some began to sneer... (Acts 17:31, 32)
Alexander Maclaren has the following sermon on the Resurrection... note the notes charles
4. 4 Charles E. Whisnant
ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS: kata pneuma hagiosunes: (1Pe 1:11; 2Pe
1:21; 2Sa 23:2, Rev 19:10)
A number of commentators feel the phrase spirit of holiness indicates a spirit or disposition of holiness
which characterized Christ spiritually" but John MacArthur (whose interpretation I favor) states that
It was the Holy Spirit working in Christ Who accomplished Jesus‘ resurrection and every other
miracle performed by Him or associated with Him. In the incarnation, Jesus Christ was conceived
by the power of the Holy Spirit and was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Ibid)
Ryrie
Some understand according to the Spirit of holiness to refer to the Holy Spirit, whereas others consider
it a reference to Christ's own holy being. Thus the verse may be understood this way: the resurrection of
Jesus is the mighty proof of His deity, and this is declared by the Holy Spirit. (The Ryrie Study Bible:
New American Standard Translation: 1995. Moody Publishers)
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD: Iesou Christou tou kuriou hemon:
What a great name -- Jesus Christ our Lord (Acts 4:12). Newell adds that...
Ten times in Romans Paul uses this title, or, ―Our Lord Jesus Christ,‖ that full name beloved by
the apostles and all instructed saints from Pentecost onward: for ―God hath made Him both Lord
and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified‖ (Acts 2:36). Romans Verse-by-Verse
Spurgeon writes...
What a glorious Lord we serve! He is God's Son: "Jesus Christ our Lord." In his human nature,
he is a Man of royal race: "of the seed of David." He was a man, therefore he died: but he rose
again, for he was more than man: "declared to be the Son of God with power."
He is as much the Son of God as he was the Son of man. The humanity is as true as the divinity, the
divinity as true as the humanity.
Jesus is the Hebrew name Yehoshua, (contracted to Joshua or Yeshua = he will save =
Yahweh (I Am) + yasha = saves) which means "Jehovah saves".
His full name, The Lord Jesus Christ, is used some 61 times in the NT (click for these verses)
Christ (Christos from the verb chrío meaning to anoint, rub with oil or consecrate to an office) is
literally "the anointed" and corresponds to the Hebrew Old Testament term "Messiah" or the Anointed
One.
5. 5 Charles E. Whisnant
He is Jesus because He saves His people from their sin (Mt 1:21). He is Christ because He has been
anointed by God as King and Priest (Rev 19:16, Heb 7:26). He is the Lord because He is God and is the
sovereign ruler of the universe (Da 7:27)
Lord (2962) (kurios from kúros = might, power in turn from kuróo = give authority, confirm)
describes One who has absolute ownership and uncontrolled power. signifies sovereign power and
authority. In the NT, Jesus is referred to some ten times as Savior and some 700 times as Lord. When
the two titles are mentioned together, Lord always precedes Savior. Jesus is "kurios which describes
Him as the supreme in authority, the Owner, the Sovereign Ruler and Master. Paul adds "our". Is He
"your" Lord? Specifically, could someone tell that the Lord Jesus Christ "owns" you by watching the
way you live? By observing... the choices you make? ...the language you use? ...the way you love your
wife and children? ...the way you treat your employees or co-workers? ...the way you drive on the
freeway? ...etc, etc?
In classical Greek, kurios was used of gods and was found on inscriptions applied to different gods such
as Hermes, Zeus, etc. Secular Greek also used kurios to describe the head of the family, the one who is
"lord" of wife and children (although that does not give him the right to "lord" it over them!).
Kurios was used by Philippian jailer when he said to Paul and Silas after a great earthquake rocked the
prison, opening the doors to their prison cell...“Sirs, (kurios) what must I do to be saved?‖ (Acts
16:30)
Jesus used kurios in teaching that
No one can serve two masters; (kurios) for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will
hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (see note Matthew 6:24)
Kurios was used in secular Greek as a title of honor addressed by subordinates to their
superiors, or as a courteous name in the case of persons closely related. In a petition to a high Roman
authority we have, ―I became very weak, my lord‖ and in another example ―I entreat you, sir, to hasten
to me.‖ Sarah used it as a wifely courtesy to her husband, as a recognition of her willing submission to
Abraham's authority over her.
Moses records Sarah's reaction to the prophecy that she would bear a son...
And Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord
(kurios in the LXX referring in this context to her husband Abraham) being old also?" (Ge 18:12)
In a similar used of kurios Ruth addressed Boaz saying..."I have found favor in your sight, my lord
(kurios in the LXX), for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant,
though I am not like one of your maidservants." (see note Ruth 2:13
6. 6 Charles E. Whisnant
Charles E. Whisnant, Pastor/Teacher
2009
Romans 1:4 “AND DECLARED TO BE THE SON OF GOD WITH POWER, ACCORDING
TO THE SPIRIT OF HOLIESS, BY THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD.” Kjv
It was at the time that He became a human being, Paul says, that Jesus was declared the Son of God.
Though the plan was eternal, the title Son is reserved as an incarnational term, applied to Jesus in its
fullness only after He put on the robe of humanity.
Last week we talked about this matter of God the Son or / and Son of God. We could spend a few
weeks on this topic. Here is where theology comes in to view. ―Theology is
To take God as source and end of all that exists and happens, and to hold
such a view immersed with warmth of genuine devotion, stands not only related
to theology as the fruit stands to the tree: it is by reason of its essence a
genuine theological tree of life."(The Pauline Eschatology, p. 61) Geerhardus Vos 1862-1949
WHAT IS THEOLOGY?
Biblical theology thinks about the revelation of God in Scripture as it unfolds or develops
through history. Revelation possesses a genetic linkage as it progresses through history.
Perhaps a few illustrations will help.
o The first revelation of the new order of salvation for fallen man is contained in Genesis
3:15 (the so-called protevangelium or "first gospel"). Adam and Eve are told that a
human being will bring about a reversal of Satan‘s apparent victory over fallen man.
o As the Scriptures unfold from Genesis to the Gospels, we learn that this man-child will be
a Hebrew (from the seed of Abraham), a Judahite (of the tribe of Judah) and a Davidide
(son of David).
o Thus the unfolding picture of the coming deliverer becomes more specific as we
approach the incarnation.
Our preaching is
Theocentric because what we read in Scripture is God disclosing himself. We must remind our
people that they meet God in the preaching moment. God himself has broken into the fallen
world and in Scripture he initiates revelation of his very own being, his very own character, his
very own transcendent arena. If our preaching is dominated by "self-help" and "how-to" and
endless anecdotes, it is because we have forgotten the theocentric character of the Word of God.
Preaching which does any less is bankrupt. For anything less than an exaltation of God in his
glory, or the Son of God in his mercy, or the Spirit of God in his heavenly motions–anything less
is the promotion of the earthly agenda of the preacher.
Well, anyway, Paul is giving us a glance at the gospel that was foretold from Genesis 3:15 onward.
What we are learning in these first verses of Romans, This Gospel of God is the good news that
Jesus Christ is Lord that Paul is speaking about has seven fundamentals that are part of his
statement here in Romans 1:1-7.
7. 7 Charles E. Whisnant
The Preacher, is Paul. Paul is used by God as the human means to transport the Gospel. The
Promise we see in the O.T. of the goodness of God . The Person who will bring salvation is
Jesus Christ the Lord. The Provision that comes with the good news is Christ‘s riches. And we
see the result of those who love the Son. Then the Proclamation, if you love the Son, you will
tell others about the Son. And we will see three Privilege believers have as a result of the good
news and the Purpose of the Good News of salvation
But today I want to look in to Romans 1:4. Let us look at this verse again.
“Who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to
the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord”
Those who receive the message set forth in these verses, those who will love the Lord Jesus with all
their heart, soul, spirit, and mind will receive the riches of God. We who love the Lord will inherit all
the riches of the Father . The wealth of God‘s riches to the believers are beyond imagination.
HERE ARE BUT A FEW THINGS WE WILL RECEIVE NOW IN THIS LIFE:
1. A faithfulness that will not be removed.
2. A life that will never end.
3. A spring of water that will continue to bubble up within us
4. A gift that will never be lost.
5. A hand out of which the resource will never end.
6. A chain that will never be broken.
7. A love which we can never be separated.
8. A calling that will never be provoked.
9. A foundation that will never be destroyed.
10. An inheritance that will never fade away.
(Note the outline for today - give the meaning of the phrases. Charles you can do this.
Vs 3 “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David, according
to the flesh, vs 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power.
While there are two views on this matter of the Son of God or God‘s Son, I will give you my view.
While I believe in eternity past, God the Son has always been, here is what I believe. (I think.)
He was the Son of God in the sense of oneness of essence and in the role of devoted, loving
submission to the Father in His self-emptying incarnation.
There is, of course, no question that He is eternally God and eternally the second Person of the
God-head.
8. 8 Charles E. Whisnant
But Paul says He was declared God's Son when He was supernaturally conceived in Mary and
was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh.
Thus could say, then, that Christ was the Son of God from eternity in expectation and was
declared God's Son in fulfillment at the incarnation and forever.
Horizo (declared) carries the basic idea of marking off boundaries. From that term comes our
English horizon, which refers to the demarcation line between the earth and the sky. In an infinitely
greater way, the divine Sonship of Jesus Christ was marked off with absolute clarity in His incarnation.
Quoting Psalms 2:7, the writer of Hebrews explains that in that text God was declaring to Christ, the
Messiah, ―Thou art My Son, today I have begotten Thee.‖
In the succeeding passage from 2 Samuel 7:14, the Father goes on to say of Christ, ―I will be a Father to
Him, and He shall be a Son to Me‖ (Hebrews 1:5). Both verbs in the last quotation are future tense,
indicating that, sometime after the psalmist's time, Christ one day would assume a title and role He had
not had before. In the sense of the role He was going to take as Saviour.
Psalms 2:7 is also quoted by the apostle Paul in Acts 13:33. This passage points to the resurrection as
the announcement of that Sonship. This is not a contradiction. From God's viewpoint He was begotten
as Son when He came into the world. The reality of that oneness with God and the perfection of His
service to God was publicly declared to the world by the fact that God raised Him from the dead!
Christ was given and took upon Himself the fullness of the title of Son of God when He took away
some of the status or power of Himself of the independent use of His divine priviledge or rights and the
full expression of His majesty, graciously humbling Himself and becoming fully subservient to the will
and plan of the Father.
Now to what roll the Son has in eternity either way, back or forward is where some have other thoughts.
In this message its not necessary to fully understand the mystery.
In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul explains that, ―Christ Jesus,…although He existed in the form
of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of
a bond-servant,…being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He
humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:5-8).
In His high priestly prayer Jesus said to the Father, ―Glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee,‖
and a few moments later implored, ―Glorify Thou Me together with Thyself, Father, with the glory
which I had with thee before the world was‖ (John 17:1, 5).
Christ has existed from all eternity. ―He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being by
Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being‖ (John 1:2-3).
But in accord with the divine plan of redemption, which He Himself planned with the Father and the
Holy Spirit, Christ ―became flesh, and dwelt among us‖. He still possessed some of His divine glory, the
9. 9 Charles E. Whisnant
―glory as of the only begotten from the Father‖, but the glory He retained was a glory veiled in
human flesh that could not be observed with human eyes.
As Paul goes on to explain, the most conclusive and irrefutable evidence of Jesus' divine sonship was
given with power by the resurrection from the dead (cf. Acts 13:29-33).
By that supreme demonstration of His ability to conquer death, a power belonging only to God
Himself (the Giver of life), He established beyond all doubt that He was indeed God, the Son.
According to the spirit of holiness is another way of saying ―according to the nature and work of the
Holy Spirit.‖
It was the Holy Spirit working in Christ who accomplished Jesus' resurrection and every other
miracle performed by Him or associated with Him. In the incarnation, Jesus Christ was
conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and was raised from the dead by the power of the
Holy Spirit, the spirit of holiness.
John Piper says:
o But why does Paul use this unusual expression, "Spirit of holiness" (found nowhere else
in the New Testament)?
o Here's my suggestion. Dealing with the dead was dirty business. When King Saul wanted
to commune with the dead he went to the Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7ff), and it was a
secretive and illicit business. Mediums and diviners and sorcerers were an abomination in
Israel. When the dead are dead, you leave them alone and don't have dealings with them.
Seances were and are unlawful for believers. Dealing with the dead has been a kind of
black magic, not a beautiful, clean, holy thing. Anything but. Talk of an executed dead
man being raised from the dead must have sounded to many ears absolutely horrible and
gross and dirty and unclean, like dark sorcery and black magic.
o Over against this Paul lays stress on the exact opposite: Christ was raised from the dead
in accord with the Spirit of holiness, not a dark spirit or an evil spirit or a defiled spirit,
but the very Spirit of God himself who is marked above all by holiness. He was not
defiled in raising Jesus. It was a holy thing to do. It was right and good and clean and
beautiful and God- honoring, not God-belittling. It was holy.
What do you think of that?
Right away after Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, ―the heavens were opened, and he [John the
Baptist] saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, and behold, a voice out of
the heavens, saying, ‗This is My beloved son, in whom I am well-pleased‘‖ (Matthew 3:16-17).
All members of the Trinity were eternally equal in every way, but as mentioned above, in the
incarnation the Second Person of the Trinity willingly separate from Himself of the expression of the
fullness of divine glory and the privilege of deity.
During His humanity on earth He willingly submitted to the will of the Father (cf John 5:30) and to the
power of the Spirit. The fall of the Holy Spirit upon Him at His baptism was Jesus' initiation into
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ministry a ministry totally controlled and empowered by the Spirit, so much so that Jesus characterized
willful rejection of Him as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:24-32).
At this juncture, then, is the Person of the good news.
He is fully man (a descendant of David) and fully God (declared to be the Son of God).
All the way through His ministry, both Jesus' humanness and His divinity were portrayed.
o When asked to pay taxes, Jesus complied. He explained to Peter that, as God's Son and
the rightful ruler of the universe, including the Roman Empire, He was rightfully exempt
from taxation. ―But lest we give them [the tax collectors] offense,‖ He went on to say,
―go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you
open its mouth, you will find a COIN. Take that and give it to them for you and Me‖
(Matthew 17:37).
o In His humanness He willingly paid taxes, but in His divinity He provided the
payment supernaturally.
As He hung on the cross, Jesus was bleeding and in severe agony because of His humanness. Yet
at the same time, in His divinity He was able to grant eternal life to the repentant thief who hung
nearby (Luke 23:42-43).
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD
Charles note your outline
This Son of God and Son of Man who was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit
was Jesus Christ our Lord, Paul declares. Jesus means Savior, Christ means Anointed One,
and Lord means sovereign ruler. He is Jesus because He saves His people from their sin. He
is Christ because He has been anointed by God as King and Priest. He is Lord because He is
God and is the sovereign ruler of the universe.
That touching story illustrates God's provision for fallen mankind. Anyone who loves and receives His
Son, Jesus Christ, will inherit the heavenly Father's estate, as it were. The good news of God is that
everyone who receives His Son by faith is blessed ―with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places
in Christ‖ (Eph 1:3). That is why Paul could exult, ―You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become
rich‖ (2 Corin 8:9). Quoting Isaiah, the apostle declared that the Christian's riches include ―things which
eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has
prepared for those who love Him‖ (1 Corin 2:9 cf Isa 64:4, 65:17).
In Christ, the believer has riches beyond any imagination. The Christian has life that will never end
(John 3:16), a spring of spiritual water that will never dry up (John 4:14), a gift that will never be lost
(John 6:37,39), a love from which he can never be separated (Rom 8:39), a calling that will never be
revoked (Romans 11:29), a foundation that will never be destroyed (2 Tim), and an inheritance that will
never diminish (1 Peter 1:4-5).
In Romans 1:5–7 Paul continues to summarize that good news, describing its provision (v. 5a), its proclamation and purpose
(vv. 5b-6), and its privileges (v. 7).
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God's Good News Concerning His Son
By John Piper May 3, 1998
"...Was Declared the Son of God with Power by the Resurrection from the Dead, According
to the Spirit of Holiness..."
But there is one more thing Paul says about "the gospel of God." Not only was it planned and promised
before it happened; and not only is it concerning his divine, pre-existent Son; and not only is it the news
that this Son has been born as the human son of David to fulfill the Old Testament hopes and dreams of
righteousness and peace and joy in the kingdom of God; but, in verse 4, Paul says something that was
both devastating and exhilarating. He says that God's Son "was declared the Son of God with power by
the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness."
Why do I say this was devastating? Most of the Jewish people in Paul's day expected that the Messiah
would come with power and political sway, and would defeat the oppressive rulers of the world, the
Romans, and establish an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem and live forever triumphant with his people. But
what Paul says in verse 4 implies that between verses 3 and 4 the Son of David died. He died! Those
who thought he was the Messiah were devastated. Messiahs don't die. They live and conquer and rule.
They don't get arrested and beat up and mocked and crucified and leave their people destitute. This was
absolutely devastating. (Luke 24:21, "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem
Israel").
Paul will come back to the death of Christ in chapters 3 and 5 and 8. But for now he goes immediately to
the exhilarating note of triumph in the gospel of God. This dead Messiah, Paul says in verse 4, was
raised from the dead. This is at the heart of the gospel of God. And Paul says two things about this
resurrection:
1) This resurrection from the dead was "according to the Spirit of holiness."
What does this mean? I take this to mean at least two things.
a. God's Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead.
I take my cue from Romans 8:11 where Paul says, "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead
dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through
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His Spirit who dwells in you." This teaches that we will be raised by the Spirit of God who dwells in us,
in the way that Christ was raised. So the Spirit was involved in raising Jesus from the dead.
b. But why does Paul use this unusual expression, "Spirit of holiness" (found nowhere else in the New
Testament)?
Here's my suggestion. Dealing with the dead was dirty business. When King Saul wanted to commune
with the dead he went to the Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7ff), and it was a secretive and illicit
business. Mediums and diviners and sorcerers were an abomination in Israel. When the dead are dead,
you leave them alone and don't have dealings with them. Seances were and are unlawful for believers.
Dealing with the dead has been a kind of black magic, not a beautiful, clean, holy thing. Anything but.
Talk of an executed dead man being raised from the dead must have sounded to many ears absolutely
horrible and gross and dirty and unclean, like dark sorcery and black magic.
Over against this Paul lays stress on the exact opposite: Christ was raised from the dead in accord with
the Spirit of holiness, not a dark spirit or an evil spirit or a defiled spirit, but the very Spirit of God
himself who is marked above all by holiness. He was not defiled in raising Jesus. It was a holy thing to
do. It was right and good and clean and beautiful and God- honoring, not God-belittling. It was holy.
2) By this resurrection Christ was "declared [or, appointed] the Son of God with power."
The key phrase here is "with power." I think the NASB and KJV and RSV are right in showing that this
phrase modifies "Son of God." The point is not that Christ was not the Son of God before the
resurrection. The point is that at the resurrection Christ moved from being Son of God in lowliness and
human limitation and weakness to being Son of God with power. The key phrase is "with power."
This is what Jesus meant after the resurrection when he said, "All authority has been given to Me in
heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). It's what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 15:25-26 when he said of
the risen Christ, "He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will
be abolished is death." In other words, Jesus is the Messianic king. He is reigning now over the world.
He is putting all his enemies under his feet. There will come a day when he breaks forth out of his
invisible rule with visible glory and establishes his kingdom openly and gloriously on the earth. That is
what Paul means by "Son of God in power." He is ruling now. He is working his purposes out through
his Spirit and his church. And the day will come when Christ will defeat every enemy, and every knee
will bow and confess that he is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11).
That will be the consummation of the gospel of God. To which we say, "Amen, come Lord Jesus."
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THE PROVISION OF THE GOOD NEWS
through whom we have received grace and apostleship (1:5a)
Paul here mentions two important provisions of the good news of God: conversion, which is by
God's grace, and vocation, which in Paul's case was apostleship.
It is possible that Paul was speaking of the specific grace of apostleship, but it seems more probable
that he was referring to, or at least including, the grace by which every believer comes into a saving
relationship with Jesus Christ.
Grace is unmerited, unearned favor, in which a believer himself does not and cannot contribute
anything of worth. ―For by grace you have been saved through faith,‖ Paul explains in his Ephesian
letter; ―and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast‖
(Eph. 2:8–9). Grace is God's loving mercy, through which He grants salvation as a gift to those who
14. 14 Charles E. Whisnant
trust in His Son. When any person places his trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, God sovereignly
breathes into that person His own divine life. Christians are alive spiritually because they have been
born from above, created anew with the very life of God Himself.
A believer has no cause for self-congratulation, because he contributes nothing at all to his salvation.
Human achievement has no place in the divine working of God's saving grace. We are ―justified as a
gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus‖ (Rom. 3:24), a redemption in which
man's work and man's boasting are totally excluded (vv. 27–28).
Salvation does not come by baptism, by confirmation, by communion, by church membership, by
church attendance, by keeping the Ten Commandments, by trying to live up to the Sermon on the
Mount, by serving other people, or even by serving God. It does not come by being morally upright,
respectable, and self-giving. Nor does it come by simply believing that there is a God or that Jesus
Christ is His Son. Even the demons recognize such truths (see Mark 5:7; James 2:19). It comes only
when a person repenting of sin receives by faith the gracious provision of forgiveness offered by God
through the atoning work of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The great preacher Donald Grey Barnhouse observed, ―Love that gives upward is worship, love that
goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace‖ (Expositions of Bible Doctrines Taking the Epistle
to the Romans as a Point of Departure, vol. 1 [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1952], p. 72). In an
unimaginable divine condescension, God looked down on sinful, fallen mankind and graciously offered
His Son for its redemption (John 3:16–17).
The dying words of one ancient saint were, ―Grace is the only thing that can make us like God. I
might be dragged through heaven, earth, and hell and I would still be the same sinful, polluted wretch
unless God Himself should cleanse me by His grace.‖
Another provision of the good news of God is His calling believers into His service, which is a form
of apostleship. Paul opens the epistle by speaking of himself, and he resumes his personal comments
in verses 8–15. In verses 2–4 he speaks about Jesus Christ. But from the end of verse 4 through verse 7
he is speaking about believers in general and about those in Rome in particular. Paul had already
mentioned his own calling and office as an apostle (v. 1), and it therefore seems reasonable to launch
from this reference to his apostleship to discuss God's divine calling and sending of all believers.
The Greek term apostolos, which normally is simply transliterated as apostle, has the basic meaning
of ―one who is sent‖ (cf. the discussion in chapter 1). God sovereignly chose thirteen men in the early
church to the office of apostle, giving them unique divine authority to proclaim and miraculously
authenticate the gospel. The writer of Hebrews even refers to Jesus Christ as an apostle (Heb. 3:1).
But every person who belongs to God through faith in Christ is an apostle in a more general sense of
being sent by Him into the world as His messenger and witness. In an unofficial sense, anyone who is
sent on a spiritual mission, anyone who represents the Savior and brings His good news of salvation, is
an apostle.
Two otherwise unknown leaders in the early church, Andronicus and Junias, were referred to by Paul
as being ―outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me‖ (Rom. 16:7). Luke refers
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to Barnabas as an apostle (Acts 14:14). The term apostolos is also applied to Epaphroditus
(―messenger,‖ Phil. 2:25) as well as to some unnamed workers in, or known by, the church in Corinth
(―messengers,‖ 2 Cor. 8:23). But those men, godly as they were, did not have the office of apostleship as
did Paul and the Twelve. Andronicus, Junias, Barnabas, and Epaphroditus were apostles only in the
sense that every believer is an apostle, a called and sent ambassador of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes an athletically inept student will be put on a team out of sympathy or to fill a roster, but
the coach will rarely, if ever, put him in a game. God does not work that way. Every person who comes
to Him through His Son is put on the team and sent in to play the game, as it were. Everyone who is
saved by God's sovereign grace is also sovereignly called to apostleship. The Lord never provides
conversion without commission. When by grace we ―have been saved through faith,‖ Paul explains, it is
not ourselves but ―is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.‖ But as he goes
on to explain, when God saves us we thereby become ―His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for
good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them‖ (Eph. 2:8–10). Later in that
same epistle Paul entreats believers ―to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have
been called‖ (4:1).
A victor at an ancient Greek Olympic game is said to have been asked, ―Spartan, what will you gain
by this victory?‖ He replied, ―I, sir, shall have the honor to fight on the front line for my king.‖ That
spirit should typify everyone for whom Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.
After one of D. L. Moody's sermons, a highly educated man came to him and said, ―Excuse me, but
you made eleven mistakes in your grammar tonight.‖ In a gracious rebuke Moody replied, ―I probably
did. My early education was very faulty. But I am using all the grammar that I know in the Master's
service. How about you?‖ On another occasion a man came up to Mr. Moody and said, ―I don't like your
invitation. I don't think it's the right way to do it.‖ ―I appreciate that,‖ Moody responded. ―I've always
been uncomfortable with it, too. I wish I knew a better way. What is your method of inviting people to
Christ?‖ ―I don't have one,‖ the man replied. ―Then I like mine better,‖ the evangelist said. Whatever our
limitations may be, when God calls us by His grace, He also calls us to His service.
In reflecting on his ordination into the Presbyterian ministry, Barnhouse wrote:
The moderator of the Presbytery asked me questions, and I answered them. They told me to
kneel down. Men came toward me, and one man was asked to make the prayer. I felt his hand
come on my head, and then the hands of others, touching my head, and pressing down on his and
the other hands. The ring of men closed in, and one man began to pray. It was a nice little prayer
and had one pat little phrase in it, ―Father, guard him with Thy love, guide him with Thine eye,
and gird him with Thy power.‖ I kept thinking about those three verbs, guard, guide, gird. It
seemed as foolish as performing a marriage ceremony upon two people who had been living
together for a quarter of a century and who had had a family of children together. I knew that I
had been ordained long since, and that the Hands that had been upon my head were Hands that
had been pierced, and nailed to a cross. Years later the man that made the prayer that day signed
a paper saying that he was opposed to the doctrine of the virgin birth, the doctrine of the deity of
Jesus Christ, the doctrine of the substitutionary atonement, the doctrine of the miracles of Christ,
and the doctrine of the inspiration of the Scriptures, as tests for ordination or a man's good
standing in the ministry. When I read his name on the list, I put my hand on the top of my head
and smiled to myself, wondering how many dozen times I had had my hair cut since his unholy
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hands had touched me. And I had the profound consolation of knowing that the hand of the Lord
Jesus Christ, wounded and torn because of my sins, had touched me and given me an apostleship
which was from God and which was more important than any that men could approve by their
little ceremonies. (Man's Ruin: Romans 1:1-32 [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1952], pp. 76–77.
Used by permission.)
Dr. Barnhouse's account reminds me of my own ordination. Before being approved, I was interviewed
by a number of men who asked me all kinds of questions concerning such things as my call, my
knowledge of Scripture, and my personal beliefs and moral standards. At the ordination service those
men gathered around me and placed their hands on my head. Each man then prayed and later signed his
name to the ordination certificate. The first name on the certificate was written considerably larger than
the others. But not long afterward, that man who signed first and largest abandoned the ministry. He
became involved in gross immorality, denied the virtue of the faith, and became a professor of
humanistic psychology at a prominent secular university. Like Dr. Barnhouse, I give thanks to God that
my ministry did not come from men but from Christ Himself.
THE PROCLAMATION AND PURPOSE OF THE GOOD NEWS
to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, for His name's sake, among whom
you also are the called of Jesus Christ; (1:5b-6)
THE PROCLAMATION
to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, (1:5b)
Like Paul, every believer is called not only to salvation and to service but to witness for Christ in
order to bring about the obedience of faith in others. Paul uses the phrase ―obedience of faith‖ again at
the end of the letter, saying that ―the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is
manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God,
has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith‖ (Rom. 16:25–26).
A person who claims faith in Jesus Christ but whose pattern of life is utter disobedience to God's
Word has never been redeemed and is living a lie. Faith that does not manifest itself in obedient living is
spurious and worthless (James 2:14–26). We are not saved in the least part by works, no matter how
seemingly good; but as already noted, we are saved to good works. That is the very purpose of salvation
as far as our earthly life is concerned (Eph. 2:10). The message of the gospel is to call people to the
obedience of faith, which is here used as a synonym for salvation.
Although Paul does not use the definite article before faith in this passage, the idea is that of the faith,
referring to the whole teaching of Scripture, especially the New Testament. It is what Jude refers to as
―the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints‖ (v. 3). That faith is the Word of God, which is
the only divinely-constituted authority of Christianity. Affirmation of that faith leads to the practical,
lived-out faithfulness without which a professed faith is nothing more than dead and useless (James
2:17, 20). Genuine faith is obedient faith. To call men to the obedience of faith is to fulfill the Great
Commission, to bring men to Jesus Christ and to the observance of everything He commands in His
Word (Matt
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It is not that faith plus obedience equals salvation but that obedient faith equals salvation. True faith is
verified in obedience. Obedient faith proves itself true, whereas disobedient faith proves itself false. It is
for having true faith, that is, obedient faith, that Paul goes on to commend the Roman believers. ―I thank
my God through Jesus Christ for you all,‖ he says, ―because your faith is being proclaimed throughout
the whole world‖ (Rom. 1:8). He gives a similar commendation at the end of the letter. To his beloved
brothers and sisters in Christ, most of whom he had never met, he says, ―The report of your obedience
has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you‖ (16:19). In the first instance Paul specifically
commends their faith, and in the second he specifically commends their obedience. Together, faith and
obedience manifest the inseparable two sides of the coin of salvation, which Paul here calls the
obedience of faith.
God has many titles and names in Scripture, but in both testaments He is most frequently referred to
as Lord, which speaks of His sovereign right to order and to rule all things and all people, and most
especially His own people. To belong to God in a relationship of obedience is to recognize that
salvation includes being in submission to His lordship. Scripture recognizes no other saving relationship
to Him.
Some years ago, as I was riding with a professor at a well-known evangelical seminary, we happened
to pass an unusually large liquor store. When I made a comment about it, my companion said it was one
of a large chain of liquor stores in the city owned by a man that went to his church and was a regular
attender of an adult Sunday school class. ―As a matter of fact, he is in my discipleship group,‖ my friend
said; ―I meet with him every week.‖ ―Doesn't the kind of business he is in bother you?‖ I asked. ―Oh,
yes,‖ he said. ―We talk about that frequently, but he feels that people who drink are going to buy their
liquor somewhere and that it might as well be in his stores.‖ Taken aback, I asked, ―Is the rest of his life
in order?‖ He replied, ―Well, he left his wife and is living with a young woman.‖ ―And he still comes to
church and discipleship class every week?‖ I asked in amazement. The professor sighed and said, ―Yes,
and you know, sometimes it's hard for me to understand how a Christian can live like that.‖ I said,
―Have you ever considered that he may not be a Christian at all?‖
A theology that refuses to recognize the lordship of Jesus Christ for every believer is a theology that
contradicts the very essence of biblical Christianity. ―If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord,‖
Paul declares, ―and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with
the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in
salvation‖ (Rom. 10:9–10). With equal clarity and unambiguity, Peter declared at Pentecost, ―Let all the
house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ-this Jesus whom you
crucified‖ (Acts 2:36). The heart of Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is that faith without
obedience is not saving faith, but is certain evidence that a person is following the wide and delusive
road of the world that leads to destruction, rather than the narrow road of God that leads to eternal life
(Matt. 7:13–14).
On the other hand, merely calling Jesus Lord, even while doing seemingly important work in His
name, is worthless unless those works are done from faith, are done in accord with His Word, and are
directed and empowered by His Holy Spirit. With sobering intensity, Jesus plainly declared that truth
when He said, ―Many will say to Me on that day, ‗Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in
Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?‘ And then I will declare to
them, ‗I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.‘ ― As He goes on to explain,
18. 18 Charles E. Whisnant
the person who claims Him but lives in continual disobedience of His Word is building a religious house
on sand, which will eventually wash away and leave him without God and without hope (Matt. 7:22–
27). Without sanctification-that is, a life of holiness-‖no one will see the Lord‖ (Heb. 12:14).
Paul's unique calling was to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 22:21; Rom. 11:13; Gal. 1:16). It is likely that he
preached the gospel during his three years in Arabia (Gal. 1:17), but he began his recorded ministry by
preaching to Jews. Even when ministering in the basically Gentile regions of Asia Minor and
Macedonia, he frequently began his work among Jews (see, e.g., Acts 13:14; 14:1; 16:13; 17:1; 18:2).
As with Paul, the calling of every believer is to proclaim Jesus Christ to all men, Jew and Gentile, in the
hope of bringing them to the obedience of faith.
THE PURPOSE
for His name's sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ. (1:5c–6)
Although God gave His own Son to save the world (John 3:16) and does not wish for any person to
perish (2 Pet. 3:9), it must be recognized that the primary purpose of the gospel is not for man's sake but
God's, for His name's sake. Man's salvation is simply a by-product of God's grace; its main focus is to
display God's glory.
The preacher (v. 1), the promise (v. 2), the Person (vv. 3–4), the provision (v. 5a), the proclamation
(vv. 5b–6), and the privileges (v. 7) of the good news of God are all given for the express purpose of
glorifying God. All of redemptive history focuses on the glory of God, and throughout eternity the
accomplishments of His redemption will continue to be a memorial to His majesty, grace, and love.
Because of His gracious love for fallen and helpless mankind, salvation is of importance to God for
man's sake, but because of His own perfection it is infinitely more important to Him for His own sake.
God is ultimately and totally committed to the exaltation of His own glory. That truth has always been
anathema to the natural man, and in our day of rampant self-ism even within the church, it is also a
stumbling block to many Christians. But man's depraved perspective and standards not withstanding, the
main issue of salvation is God's glory, because He is perfectly worthy and it is that perfect worthiness to
which sin is such an affront.
Paul declares that one day, ―at the name of Jesus every knee [will] bow, of those who are in heaven,
and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father‖ (Phil. 2:10–11). Even the divine truths and blessings that are given for His
children's own sake are first of all given ―that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may
cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God‖ (2 Cor. 4:15).
When a person believes in Christ, he is saved; but more important than that, God is glorified, because
the gift of salvation is entirely by His sovereign will and power. For the same reason, God is glorified
when His people love His Son, when they acknowledge His assessment of their sin and their need for
cleansing, when their plans become His plans, and when their thoughts become His thoughts. Believers
live and exist for the glory of God.
The believers in Rome to whom Paul was writing were among those who had been brought to ―the
obedience of faith‖ (v. 5) and therefore were also the called of Jesus Christ. And, as has already been
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emphasized, the called of Jesus Christ, those who are true believers, are called not only to salvation
but to obedience. And to be obedient to Christ includes bringing others to Him in faith and obedience.
THE PRIVILEGES OF THE GOOD NEWS
to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1:7)
Among the countless, gracious privileges of the good news of God are those of our being His beloved,
our being His called ones, and our being His saints.
Paul here addresses all his fellow believers in Rome as the beloved of God. One of the most repeated
and emphasized truths of Scripture is that of God's gracious love for those who belong to Him. David
prayed, ―Remember, O Lord, thy compassion and Thy loving-kindnesses, for they have been from of
old‖ (Ps. 25:6; cf. 26:3) and, ―How precious is Thy loving-kindness, O God!‖ (Ps. 36:7). Isaiah exulted,
―I shall make mention of the loving-kindnesses of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that
the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He has granted them
according to His compassion, and according to the multitude of His loving-kindnesses‖ (Isa. 63:7).
Through Jeremiah, the Lord told His people, ―I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have
drawn you with loving-kindness‖ (Jer. 31:3).
Paul declares that God is ―rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even
when we were dead in our transgressions‖ (Eph. 2:4–5). John writes, ―See how great a love the Father
has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are‖ (1 John 3:1).
Every believer has been made acceptable to God through Christ, ―to the praise of the glory of His
grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved‖ (Eph. 1:6). Every believer is a child of God and
is loved for the sake of God's beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Paul says that ―the love of God has been poured
out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us‖ (Rom. 5:5). Later in the epistle he
assures us that nothing can ―separate us from the love of Christ,‖ not even ―tribulation, or distress, or
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword‖ (8:35).
Second, those who have come to Christ by the obedience of faith are also the called of God. Paul is
not referring to God's general call for mankind to believe. Through Isaiah He made the appeals ―Turn to
Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth‖ (45:22) and ―Seek the Lord while He may be found; call
upon Him while He is near‖ (55:6). Through Ezekiel He warned, ―Turn back, turn back from your evil
ways!‖ (Ezek. 33:11). During His earthly ministry, Jesus said to the sinful multitudes, ―Come to Me, all
who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest‖ (Matt. 11:28) and, ―If any man is thirsty, let
him come to Me and drink‖ (John 7:37). From heaven, through the apostle John, Jesus said, ―The Spirit
and the bride say, ‗Come.‘ And let the one who hears say, ‗Come.‘ And let the one who is thirsty come;
let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost‖ (Rev. 22:17).
But in Romans 1:7 Paul is not speaking of that general calling but of the specific way in which those
who have responded to that invitation have been sovereignly and effectually called by God to Himself in
salvation. Called is here a synonym for the terms ―elect‖ and ―predestined.‖ As the apostle explains
in chapter 8, those ―whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also
justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified‖ (v. 30). From our limited human viewpoint, it
may seem that we first came to God through an act of our will, but we know from His Word that we
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could not have sought Him by faith unless He had already chosen us by the gracious act of His
sovereign will.
The references to being called to salvation are always, in the epistles of the New Testament,
efficacious calls that save, never general invitations. Thus calling is the effecting of the plan of election.
The doctrine of election is clearly taught throughout the New Testament (cf. Matt. 20:15–16; John
15:16; 17:9; Acts 13:48; Romans 9:14–15; 11:5; 1 Cor. 1:9; Eph. 2:8–10; Col. 1:3–5; 1 Thess. 1:4–5; 2
Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 1:9; 2:10; 1 Pet. 1:1–2; Rev. 13:8; 17:8, 14).
Third, believers are God's saints. In the NASB text, as is printed in italics, indicating that the word is
not in the original Greek but is supplied. It seems that a better rendering would be to place a comma in
place of the as, taking ―beloved, ―called,‖ and saints as related but distinct blessings of the believer.
Saints is from hagios, which has the basic meaning of being set apart. In the Old Testament many
things and people were divinely set apart by God for His own purposes. The Tabernacle and Temple and
all their furnishings-supremely the Ark of the Covenant and the holy of holies-were set apart to Him.
The tribe of Levi was set apart for His priesthood, and the entire nation of Israel was set apart as His
people. The tithes and offerings of the people of Israel consisted of money and other gifts specifically set
apart for God (cf. chap. 1).
Frequently in the Old Testament, however, holy refers to a persons being set apart by God from the
world and to Himself, and thereby being made like Him in holiness. To be set apart in that sense is to be
made holy and righteous. Whether under the Old or the New Covenant, saints are ―the holy ones‖ of
God.
Under the New Covenant, however, such holy things as the Temple, priesthood, Ark, and tithes no
longer exist. God's only truly holy things on earth today are His people, those whom He has sovereignly
and graciously set apart for Himself through Jesus Christ. The new temple of God and the new
priesthood of God are His church (1 Cor. 3:16–17; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9).
In a beautiful benediction to his introductory remarks, Paul says, grace to you and peace from God
our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The only people who can receive the marvelous blessings
of grace and peace are those who are the beloved, the called, and the holy ones of God. Only they can
truly call God their Father, because only they have been adopted into His divine family through His
true Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.