In Romans 3:25, Paul expounds further on the great news of salvation. He uses a fancy word, propitiation. The Greek word for it, hilasterion, occurs in the New Testament only here and in Hebrews 9:5, where it is translated as “mercy-seat.” As used in Romans 3:25 to describe the offer of justification and redemption through Christ, propitiation seems to represent the fulfillment of … Continue reading –>
Keeping in mind what we have studied so far about the law and what the law cannot do, read Romans 3:24. What is Paul saying here? What does it mean that redemption is in Jesus? What is this idea of “justifying,” as found in the text? The Greek word dikaioo, translated “justify,” may mean “make righteous,” “declare righteous,” or … Continue reading –>
The deeds of the law I. Romans 3:28 rings out a clear message that both challenges and energizes us as Christians. What is that message? How did the Protestant Reformation relate to this verse? Has the church based in Rome changed its position on how we are saved? If not, why not? If we are … Continue reading –>
Welcome to Singing with Inspiration for the week commencing Sunday 22 October. What a milestone date this is in Church history. Faith is a wonderful topic with so many beautiful hymns from which to choose, the first two coming to mind being: Hymn 517, “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”, followed closely by Hymn 523, … Continue reading –>
“Now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets” (Rom. 3:21). How are we to understand what this text means? This new righteousness is contrasted with the righteousness of the law, which was the righteousness with which the Jew was familiar. The new righteousness is called “the … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 3:19-20. What is Paul saying here about the law, about what it does, and about what it does not or cannot do? Why is this point so important for all Christians to understand? Paul is using the term law in its broad sense as the Jew in his day understood it. By the term Torah (the Hebrew word … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: We all are sinners and Jesus died to save us all. Lesson 3 for October 21, 2017 [With thanks to Michael Fracker for modeling this format. Michael is planning to submit lesson plans again beginning in November. Have a volunteer read Romans 1:16-17. A. Ask what the main idea is of this passage. B. … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Rom. 3:19-28. Memory Text: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). In this lesson we come to the basic theme of Romans: justification by faith-the great truth that, more than any other truth, brought about the Protestant Reformation. And despite all the … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “Thus the biblical terminology shows that sin is not a calamity fallen upon the human unawares, but the result of an active attitude and choice on the part of the human. Further, sin is not the absence of good, but it is ‘falling short’ of God’s expectations. It is an evil course that the … Continue reading –>
This was false advertisement. They were presenting a lie that had to be exposed for the good of the church. The lie? That as circumcised and keepers of the ceremonial laws, they were righteous. Their point? In order to be righteous like them, they, the Gentile converts, must be circumcised and keep the laws of … Continue reading –>
“Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4). What message is here for us in regard to the whole question of repentance? We should notice that God’s goodness leads, not forces, sinners to repentance. God uses no coercion. He is … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Human Condition” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline from the HopeTV Sabbath School … Continue reading –>
