What is the book of Romans about? An introduction to chapter one-five in Romans book one; the next eight chapters in book two; and chapters nine-sixteen in book three.If you struggle with assurance of salvation or you'd love to dive into the Bibles' doctrines firm foundation; you're in the right place.
Martin Luther says, "This Epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament and the very purest Gospel, and is worthy that every Christian not only should know it word for word by heart but also occupy himself with it every day as the daily nourishment of the soul. It can never be read and pondered too much or too well, and the more it is used, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes."
The first book in this three part book series is based on the foundation of Faith given to seekers into a firm grasp of the Gospel. It's a summary of all that God revealed through the Spirit in the intent for the gospel to man. A summary is given below about Rosenius' Commentaries including:
Revelation of God's will and counsel for our salvation
Most important doctrines in the Word of God
Revelation of God in nature and man's conscience
Resultant necessity and severity of the last judgement
The whole human race's completely corrupted nature and lost condition
God's purpose in the law and how it brings true repentance
Most of all the reason for which God's son was sent to the world and justification through faith in Him
In short, the doctrines of redemption and sanctification of mankind, of salvation and condemnation, and grace and works are covered by Romans.
Add to that the study of election and reporbation proving that mankind's inability to save himself. And how Christians are expected to persevere if they're faithful.
Assurance of salvation is a decreasing of self and walking through difficulties and temptations. How this walk brings benefits and presses one to overcome amid trials gaining wonderful consolation in the Lord.
Furthermore, living in true godliness in life and duty to God, ourselves, and our neighbor bringing strong Christian motivation stemming from the free grace of the Lord.
Divide this Epistle into two main parts. The first part contains the true doctrine of salvation concerning Christ and the righteousness of faith in chapters one through eleven.
The latter part, contains exhortations for the Christian life building upon the gold, silver, and precious stones of Christian fruitfulness.
But the former must be laid first and speaks of holiness and heaven. It's indeed the only way of salvation and grace through faith and this not at all of works. The arguments stem from the necessity of both tearing down self-righteousness and hopes that the Jews had of salvation based on works; and man's wisdom held by the Gentiles.
It also was an encouragement for the gentiles that they could be partakers of Jesus Christ too. This leads us to look directly into the Commentaries chapter by chapter to see what they contain.
Volume one of Rosenius three book series is based on verses one-five. Pietan Publications has the book for sale in the bookstore. Here's what volume one entails:
First, two ways of salvation are oftentimes thought to lead to God. One as prescribed by the law and getting to heaven by keeping the law; or two by the grace of God as the gospel proclaims.
The apostle speaks of the former being closed forever to man. "By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight" (3:20). For those that want to be saved, there remains only the latter way: by Faith in Christ, as the Lord says, "I am the way...no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
Rosenius goes on to explain that there's no distinction to salvation of the Jews or of the gentiles. In a sense the law that was written on man's heart regarding any distinction was abolished because of man's inability to perform the least but if it. Apostle Paul speaks of both being equally under judgement, guilty and condemned unto death before God.
Chapter one through three speaks of "the gospel of Christ...the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes...for therein is the righteousness of God revealed."
Man is utterly incapable of any righteousness of his own; captives of the power of sin. They trample the law that God has written on their hearts.
Despite the fact that they received enough knowledge of His power and divinity from the visible creation to be bound to responsibility, they've sinned against that knowledge.
This strikes deeply to the core and separates man from God and any hopes of salvation other than by Christ Jesus. Thereby this inability for holiness through weakness of man must be obtained purely by grace for God's glory. This establishes the law that we were supposed to do.
Chapters four and five deal with the faith by which righteousness is received and possessed as a free gift. Not even the patriarch Abraham was able to obtain it.
Then he shows how God's gracious plan and gift to the World was granted through Jesus Christ alone. The law was given to show us the immensity and power of sin. Thereby glorifying Grace through redemption and the righteousness of faith.
BOOK TWO: The second book that is on the press right now, is based on chapters six-eight.
But, man has turned around even this truth by abusing it into self-indulgence and licentiousness—lack of legal and moral restraint—looking for the occasion to sin. So follow this thought in chapter six and part of chapter seven.
This is how the law slays us. Instead of making us righteous its prohibition provokes and aroused all sorts of evil, condemning all under its jurisdiction.
However, in Christ Jesus believers are free from the law. In this state of grace they produce love and fruit that pleases God. A sense of both live within the believer and this causes an exercise for faith to be fought through the Holy Spirit.
Chapter eight—the last chapter in book two—explains describes believers' complete freedom from condemnation and their consequent holy minds and lives. These benefits come from the liberation of the law. No longer is the carnal mind, which is against God, working unrighteousness. This is because the relationship between God and man changed through Jesus Christ's fulfilling the law on our behalf.
Indeed, the Spirit's indwelling in spiritually minded person is a wonderful privilege possessed by God's children. In three ways the foundation of faith is helping believers—it rests on the hope of eternal life, the spirit aids in their infirmities, and God's endless and boundless love is steadfast.
Book three is written based on chapters nine-sixteen. This is the final book of the series. It's still being created. Follow us for updates upon it's arrival.
The unspeakable blessings of which believers partake of was in danger of being tragically lost through unbelief. It's apparent that despite the blessings and privileges for many their faith wasn't of a saving nature.
He goes on to explain that though one's faith is weak it was possible to obtain salvation through the promises of the covenant. This is impossible for unbelievers. He points out then that the Father hasn't based our salvation by our human choice but by His own self.
This separation of frail humans demanding God's will must be acted upon according to our merit is stripped away. "It is not of him that willet, nor of him that runneth, but of God that shows mercy. V(v. 16). Though such notions of man is ingrained in all humans he deftly puts it into the safe hands of Almighty God.
Chapter ten explains that man's grounds for election or reporbation—having a zeal of God—but not obtaining because they stumbled at the plan if salvation being in Christ Jesus. It continues the theme of chapter nine and it firmly restates the fact that there's two paths thought to lead to salvation; works of righteousness or by Faith in Jesus Christ.
The blame for man's righteousness being charged to man and his unbelief rather than to God. In chapter eleven he explained that a "remnant" (v. 5), apostle Paul used himself as an example. God allowed those that were of the church fall away as an example of the way being opened up to the Gentiles.
Then apostle Paul went on to explain that to keep the Gentiles from boasting we look to faith being a gift of mercy. This faith is purely by grace and no merit whatsoever in either of them. Otherwise they took might be condemned for unbelief. Only God's own divine honor is glorified in salvation.
We continue to the second part of the Epistle, how all this grace is of God works within man and manifests in his entire being—his thoughts, words, and deeds.
The remaining chapters contain exhortations and instructions concerning true godliness. Paul directs his message "to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints" (1:7); now he urges them "by the mercies of God" (12:1), to give themselves wholeheartedly to this good God as living, holy, and acceptable sacrifices.
Because God chose us out of the world onto salvation we're compelled to give of ourselves as a reasonable service. All that we give is just since we no longer own ourselves. This, the new life of a believer and all it's duties are summarized, and in the twelfth chapter teaches that all grand illusions or based lusts are given up.
Since we owe God everything we must follow our calling. To serve work, exhort, preach, govern, suffer, and give as part of being given over to God.
In chapter thirteen he teaches us how to submit to authority and all our duties must fall under the heading of love. We live sober and vigilant lives.
Chapter fourteen we're taught how to treat our weaker brother and the ignorant, so that our liberty doesn't wound their consciences.
The fifteenth chapter he presents Christ as our example of love and self-denial. All of these exhortations are intertwined with love and faith. They appeal to our sence that God wants these to flow out of a willing spirit. Our faith and works are inseparable—an out flow of words and deeds.
The source of godliness stems from God and produces fruit. How wonderful the world would be if such fruits ruled the world. Instead of a battleground of pride, evil, lovelessness there'd be a paradise that man could enjoy.
Finally, as a benediction to God, greetings and love from the Apostle to the people of God. This burning love is revealed in His people.
I hope you enjoy the book series. I believe that millions of God's people will be blessed, edified, reminded of true faith. I'm praying God will send His spirit upon you and the work won't be in vain.
Just email us at pietanpublications1965@gmail.com or look into the website bookstore for book one. ( Please be patient as the website is under construction.)
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