Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

Behold

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Romans 2:17-20 Behold, thou are called a Jew, and rest in the law, and make thy boast of God, And know his will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; And are confident that thou thyself are a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which has the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 

‘Thou are called a Jew’ Paul now openly deals with the Jew asserting that his superior knowledge, privileges, and calling only serve to condemn him more than Gentiles who obey the law of nature. ‘Rest in the law’ they trusted in the law for salvation.

‘And know his will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law’ the Jews knew God’s will for them: that they had to represent Him on earth under all the Gentiles in serving Him as the only God and by living in obedience according to His Word while receiving the many blessings and promises that was given to them. Doing so would lead others to repentance just as we today as individual parts of the body of Christ are commanded to do.

‘Are confident that thou thyself are a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness’ as God’s representatives on earth, they were to guide the blind (unsaved) through the light (Word) in the darkness (sinful world). 

‘An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which has the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.’ again, it is stated that the Jews were to instruct and teach the Gentile nations in the things they received from God.

Romans 1-8 proves that God’s grace extends to both Jews and Gentiles who believe. In Romans 9-11 shows why the Jews were rejected and cut off by God and why and how the Gentiles were called and elected to partake of gospel benefits. The fall of the Jews was not in itself the reason for the salvation of the Gentiles. They were to be saved whether the Jews accepted or rejected the gospel (Gen. 12:1-3; Rom. 4:1-25; Gal. 6:8-10).

Do By Nature

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Romans 2:12-16 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

‘For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law’ not only is it stated in Romans 2:7-11 that God will judge on the basis of character and conduct, but here (2:12-16) it is stated that He will judge character and conduct on the basis of light received (knowledge acquired). ‘Also perish without law’ no Mosaic law will be cited against non-Jews.

‘For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified’ not the hearers of the law and of the gospel, but the doers will be justified (2:7-11; 10:8-21; Jas. 1:21-27; 2:14-26; 1Jn. 1:7).

‘Do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves’ Gentiles who are a law unto themselves will not be held accountable to any other law or be judged by any other.

‘Show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another’ their keeping of the law by nature proves they have the law written in their hearts. The conscience bears witness of obedience or condemns for disobedience, proving God has not left people without light (knowledge) sufficient to justify or condemn in the judgment (2:15-16). It does not say here that keeping the law, or doing by nature what the law requires, saves the soul in either case. People have to be born again in addition to this to be saved. ‘According to my gospel’ according to foundations God laid down in His gospel. The Father will judge all people by Jesus Christ. He will be impartial and judge on the basis of deeds, not knowledge (2:7-11); and light (knowledge), not laws that people never possessed (2:12-16).

Righteous Judgment

~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

Romans 2:5-11 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasures up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. 

‘Hardness’ caused by a long course of rebellion (Ps. 81:11-15; 2Cor. 3:14; Heb. 3:8-19). ‘Impenitent heart’ caused by the hardness of heart (Eph. 4:18-19). ‘Treasures up’ [Greek: thesaurizo] increase or store up – here it is storing up things that will call for the wrath of God. The treasure of wrath is varied to the extent one rejects the goodness of God and punishment will be according to its contents (2:6; Matt. 11:22-24; 23:14; Rev. 20:11-15).

‘The day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God’ Paul no doubt refers here to the final judgment when all rebels will receive full retribution for their sins (2:16; Acts 17:31; Rev. 20:11-15). It is called “the wrath to come” (Matt. 3:7; 1Thess. 1:10). All rebels are “children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3; 5:6). Many days of wrath have come upon people locally and in this life because of rebellion (Num. 11:33; 16:46; Deut. 9:7-8; Luke 21:23; 1Thess. 2:16; etc.). One more great day of wrath is coming upon people on earth (Rev. 6:16-17; 14:19; 15:1, 7; 16:1, 19; 18:3; 19:15), but the great day of wrath is that of the final judgment and eternal hell (Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; 21:8).

‘Render to every man according to his deeds’ repay every man reward or punishment.

‘Patient continuance in well doing’ a must for all (John 6:27; 10:28; 1Tim. 6:12, 19). We are commanded to “do good” to those who hate us (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27; Gal. 6:10; Heb. 13:16).

‘Seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life’ four things to seek: Glory (2:7, 10; 8:18; 2Pet. 1:3); honour (2:7, 10; John 12:26; 1Thess. 4:4); immortality (1Pet. 3:4), and eternal life (John 6:27; 10:28).

These are given on conditions of seeking them (2:7) and by “continuance in well doing” and “working good” (2:7, 10). Acts of obedience do not merit such blessings, which are already provided for by grace, but they demonstrate acceptance of them by man and proof to God of conformity to His will (Php. 2:12; Jas. 1:21-27).

‘Indignation and wrath’ note the contrasted destinies of two classes – good and evil (2:7-11). They care clearly described in Matthew 7:13; 25:46; John 5:28-29; Galatians 6:7-8. Up to physical death, destruction can be cancelled by repentance (Luke 13:1-5; John 3:16-20; Acts 3:19; 1Jn. 1:9) and life can be cancelled by sin (Gen. 2:17; Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 8:12-13).

‘No respect of persons with God’ God cannot be anything but infinitely impartial in His dealings with all men. He cannot prefer one above another nor bless one above another when all meet the same terms and love Him with all the heart. The seeming preference of God between two men is based upon the attitude and disposition of the men toward God and conformity to His plan. Naturally, God cannot bless two men the same when one is in obedience and the other in rebellion. God will bless the ones more who conform more fully to His holiness.

According to Truth

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Romans 2:1-4 Therefore thou are inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou are that judges: for wherein thou judge another, thou condemn thyself; for thou that judge does the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And think thou this, O man, that judges them which do such things, and does the same, that thou shall escape the judgment of God? Or despises thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance? 

‘Thou are inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou are that judge: for wherein thou judge another, thou condemn thyself; for thou that judge does the same things’ Paul here addresses the Jews without naming them. He accurately describes them by their well-known disposition to justify themselves and condemn others (Luke 18:19). They are guilty of some of the same things God condemns in Romans 1:21-32, so they are liable to God’s just judgment on sin as much as Gentiles.

‘And think thou this, O man, that judge them which do such things, and does the same, that thou shall escape the judgment of God? Or despise thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance?’ No one who sins – saved or not – will escape God’s judgment (Isa. 26:9-10). God will punish the righteous when they sin (Gal. 6:7-8), He will surely punish the ungodly. If the ones who are righteous are scarcely saved, there is no possible hope of sinners being saved (1Pet. 4:17).

‘Think’ [Greek: logizomai] to reckon or reason. First of 19 times in Romans (2:3, 26; 3:28; 4:3-24; 6:11; 8:18, 36; 9:8; 14:14).

‘Or despise thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance?’ The question to the Jews were if they despised the good dealings of God and the superior advantages they have had, not knowing that those were designed to lead them to repentance.

‘Leads thee to repentance’ three things lead to repentance: (1) Goodness [Greek: chrestotes] the virtue and beneficence of God whereby He leads sinners to repentance (2:4; cp. 5:6-8). (2) Forbearance [Greek: anoche] the self-restraint of God whereby He tolerates sinners and permits them to live to be saved (2:4; 3:25; cp. Neh. 9:30). (3) Longsuffering [Greek: makrothumia] the leniency and patience of God whereby God’s mercy and goodness are extended to people to bring them to eternal reconciliation to Himself (2:4; 1Pet. 3:20; 2Pet. 3:15).

‘Repentance’ [Greek: metanoeo] to change one’s mind for the better. Not merely to forsake sin, but to change one’s attitude toward it and his love for it. Hence, it is demanded by God as a condition of forgiveness and grace (Matt. 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5; 15:7; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30). Repentance is one of the main themes of the Bible, being found 110 times from Genesis 6:6 to Revelation 16:11.

Seven original words for “repent” is used in Scripture: (1) Hebrew: nacham, to sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry (Gen. 6:6; Ex. 13:17; Job 42:6; Jon. 3:10); (2) Hebrew: shuwb, to turn back (1Kin. 8:47; Ezek. 14:6); (3) Hebrew: nocham, regret (Hos. 13:14); (4) Hebrew: nichuwm, compassion (Hos. 11:8); (5) Greek: metanoeo, to change the mind for the better morally, to change the attitude toward sin (Luke 13:3); (6) Greek: metamellomai, to regret consequences of sin, not the cause (Matt. 27:3; 2Cor. 7:8); (7) Greek: metanoia, a real change of mind and attitude toward sin and its cause, not merely the consequences of it (Matt. 3:8, 11; 9:13; Luke 24:47).

Knowing the Judgment of God Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Romans 1:29-32 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

‘Backbiters’ [Greek: katalalos] evil speakers; false accusers; slanderers of absent people. ‘Haters of God’ [Greek: theostuges] hateful to God; atheists; condemners of sacred things; despisers of providence; scorners of good. ‘Despiteful’ [Greek: hubristes] insolent; stormy; boisterous; abusing the characters and persons of those under them; scornful; hateful. ‘Proud’ [Greek: huperephanos] to indulge in pride or self-gratulation; be exalted; elated; glory in self; display or strut self before others; an undue sense of superiority; unnatural self-esteem; arrogance; wishing all people to receive their sayings as oracles. ‘Boasters’ [Greek: alazon] self-exalted, vain, and arrogant braggarts. ‘Inventors of evil things’ [Greek: epheuretes] originators of wicked, immoral, and sinful customs, rites, and fashions; inventors of the abominable religious orgies of Bacchus, and every other form of entertainment rooted in horror, cruelty and base immorality. ‘Disobedient to parents’ rebellious against parents; indifferent to rule and order; irreverent.

‘Without understanding’ ignorant and destitute of capacity for spiritual things; stubborn. ‘Covenant-breakers’ [Greek: asunthetos] not morally bound to any agreement; not dependable; treacherous to covenants; faithless to promises; false to trusts. ‘Without natural affection’ destitute of natural affection; that is, filled with desire for unnatural affection experiences and other sexual deviation sins of Romans 1:24-28.

‘Implacable’ [Greek: aspondos] without libation (which accompanied a treaty). Greeks used it to appease the angry gods and reconcile them to the contracting parties. A person who would not pour libation was at deadly enmity with the other one and showed the highest pitch of an unforgiving spirit. He could not be placated, appeased, or pacified by God. ‘Unmerciful’ [Greek: aneleemon] pitiless; destitute of all benevolence to the needy; cruel; merciless; irreconcilable; severe; unappeasable; unforgiving; unyielding.

‘Not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them’ giving approval and or acceptance to the noted sins of Romans 1:24-28 in the lives of others make one just as guilty as the partakers thereof. Even though it’s not our duty to reprove others of their sin, but the Holy Spirit’s (John 16:8), we are to withdraw from those who sin, lest we fall into the same temptation (Ps. 1:1; 1Cor. 5:9-13; 2Cor. 6:17 – 7:1; 2Jn. 1:10-11).

Knowing the Judgment of God

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Romans 1:29-32 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

‘Being filled with all unrighteousness …’ twenty stages of world apostasy: They did not glorify God, they became unthankful, they were vain in their imaginations and became dark in their hearts (1:21). They professed to be wise but they became fools (1:22). They changed God’s glory (1:23) and dishonoured their bodies (1:24). They changed the truth to a lie and worshipped creation as their god, serving creatures, not God (1:25). They submitted to vile passions: women with women (1:26) and men with men (1:27). They rejected the knowledge of God, became reprobate in mind and were completely perverted sexually (1:28). They were filled with iniquities (1:29-31). They despised the coming judgment and they gloried in wickedness (1:32).

‘Filled’ [Greek: pleroo] to fill up, complete. ‘Unrighteousness’ [Greek: adikia] every vice contrary to justice and righteousness. ‘Fornication’ [Greek: porneia] unlawful sexual sins of single and married people. ‘Wickedness’ [Greek: poneria] depravity; iniquity; wicked acting of the evil nature; criminal. ‘Covetousness’ [Greek: pleonexia] intense lust for gain. ‘Maliciousness’ [Greek: kakia] the vicious disposition and desires, rather than their exercise. ‘Envy’ [Greek: phthonos] to pine away; the pain felt and malignity conceived at the sight of the blessing of another. ‘Murder’ [Greek: phonos] murder (Matt. 15:19; Mark 7:21; 15:7; Gal. 5:21); slaughter (Acts 9:1) and also hating another (1Jn. 3:15).

‘Debate’ [Greek: eris] strife (13:13; 1Cor. 3:3); contention (1Cor. 1:11; Tit. 3:9); debate (1:29; 2Cor. 12:20); and variance (Gal. 5:20). It means to cause strife and discord. It is not the same as disputing for truth as in Acts 9:29; 15:2, 7; 17:17; 19:8-9. ‘Deceit’ [Greek: dolos] lying, falsity. From delo, to take with a bait. Translated “guile” (John 1:47; 2Cor. 12:16; 1Thess. 2:3; 1Pet. 2:1, 22; 3:10; Rev. 14:5); “deceit” (1:29; Mark 7:22;); craft (Mark 14:1); and “subtilty” (Matt. 26:4; Acts 13:10). ‘Malignity’ [Greek: kakoetheia]  a disposition producing evil habits. It means malignity of the mind, which leads its victim to put the worst construction on every action; ascribing to the best deeds the worst motives. ‘Whisperers’ [Greek: psithuristes] slanderers; those who pretend secrecy, and carry out accusations against people, whether true or false; blasting their reputation by clandestine gossip.

‘Backbiters’ [Greek: katalalos] evil speakers; false accusers; slanderers of absent people. ‘Haters of God’ [Greek: theostuges] hateful to God; atheists; condemners of sacred things; despisers of providence; scorners of good. ‘Despiteful’ [Greek: hubristes] insolent; stormy; boisterous; abusing the characters and persons of those under them; scornful; hateful. ‘Proud’ [Greek: huperephanos] to indulge in pride or self-gratulation; be exalted; elated; glory in self; display or strut self before others; an undue sense of superiority; unnatural self-esteem; arrogance; wishing all people to receive their sayings as oracles. ‘Boasters’ [Greek: alazon] self-exalted, vain, and arrogant braggarts. ‘Inventors of evil things’ [Greek: epheuretes] originators of wicked, immoral, and sinful customs, rites, and fashions; inventors of the abominable religious orgies of Bacchus, and every other form of entertainment rooted in horror, cruelty and base immorality. ‘Disobedient to parents’ rebellious against parents; indifferent to rule and order; irreverent.

‘Without understanding’ ignorant and destitute of capacity for spiritual things; stubborn. ‘Covenant-breakers’ [Greek: asunthetos] not morally bound to any agreement; not dependable; treacherous to covenants; faithless to promises; false to trusts. ‘Without natural affection’ destitute of natural affection; that is, filled with desire for unnatural affection experiences and other sexual deviation sins of Romans 1:24-28.

‘Implacable’ [Greek: aspondos] without libation (which accompanied a treaty). Greeks used it to appease the angry gods and reconcile them to the contracting parties. A person who would not pour libation was at deadly enmity with the other one and showed the highest pitch of an unforgiving spirit. He could not be placated, appeased, or pacified by God. ‘Unmerciful’ [Greek: aneleemon] pitiless; destitute of all benevolence to the needy; cruel; merciless; irreconcilable; severe; unappeasable; unforgiving; unyielding.

‘Not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them’ giving approval and or acceptance to the noted sins of Romans 1:24-28 in the lives of others make one just as guilty as the partakers thereof. Even though it’s not our duty to reprove others of their sin, but the Holy Spirit’s (John 16:8), we are to withdraw from those who sin, lest we fall into the same temptation (Ps. 1:1; 1Cor. 5:9-13; 2Cor. 6:17 – 7:1; 2Jn. 1:10-11).

A Reprobate Mind

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Romans 1:26-28 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient 

‘For this cause God gave them up’ because of the apostasy of Romans 1:21-25. ‘Vile’ [Greek: atimia] vile (1:26); shame (1Cor. 11:14); reproach (2Cor. 11:21); and dishonour (9:21; 1Cor. 15:43; 2Cor. 6:8; 2Tim. 2:20). ‘Affections’ [Greek: pathos] affections (1:26; Col. 3:5) and lusts (1Thess. 4:5). Vile affections are passions of infamy and shame. ‘Natural use into that which is against nature’ this is lesbianism – unnatural, homosexual relations between women.

‘Leaving the natural use of the woman’ this is sodomy or homosexuality (Gen. 8:21; 19:5; Lev. 20:13; Deut. 23:17; 1Kin. 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; 2Kin. 23:7; Joel 3:3; Eph. 5:4; 2Tim. 3:3, 13; 2Pet. 2:7-22; Jude 1:7-19).

‘Burned in their lust’ [Greek: ekkaiomai] were inflamed. Most people see lust or attraction to another person as love. It is not, it is an attraction of lustful spirits which roam in individuals minds as they succumb to evil thoughts (2Cor. 10:3-6).

‘Unseemly’ [Greek: aschemosune] indecent. ‘Receiving’ [Greek: apolambano] receiving back in full. ‘Recompense’ [Greek: antimisthia] retribution. ‘Error’ [Greek: plane] wandering – the wrong action, wickedness. Both men and women weakened and debilitated their bodies by unnatural prostitution, so that they received in themselves (mostly sickness in mind and body) the penalties of their wickedness.

‘God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient’ three things God gave them up: To dishonour their bodies (1:24); to vile affections in their souls (1:26); to reprobate minds (1:28).

‘Reprobate’ [Greek: adokimos] reprobate (1:28; 2Cor. 13:5-7; 2Tim. 3:8; Tit. 1:16); rejected (Heb. 6:8); and castaway (1Cor. 9:27). Christ is not in reprobates.

Vain in Their Imaginations

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Romans 1:21-25 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 

‘Knew’ [Greek: ginosko] to know by experience (John 1:48; 1Jn. 5:20; Eph. 5:5). ‘They glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations’ they made God a mystery and gave the people images of all kinds (Rom. 1:23). ‘Imaginations’ [Greek: dialogismos] reasonings. Substituted foolish concepts of God, and fooled themselves.

‘Uncorruptible’ [Greek: aphthartos] immortality, meaning “deathlessness” and “immortality.” It is used of God being immortal in body and of the bodies of the saints in the resurrection (1Cor. 15:53-54; 1 Tim. 6:16). Twice this word is used of man’s future immortal body (1Cor. 15:53-54), and once of God being the only immortal one (1Tim. 6:16). This does not mean that He is the only one who has immortality of body, but that He is the Source and Giver of all such life to others. Angels have immortal bodies. Christ and the saints that have been resurrected with Him received immortal bodies (Matt. 27:52-53; 1Cor. 15:20-23; Php. 3:20-21; Rev. 1:18). All men will be raised from the dead to live conscious lives forever, both the righteous and the wicked (John 5:28-29).

‘Corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things’ images of people, birds, cattle, dogs, crocodiles, frogs, and snakes are common among all idolaters. Such idolatry has been the root of all the abominable immoralities of the heathen. The idols have been the patrons of licentiousness (Rom. 1:23-32). When they formed their gods in human shape they endowed them with passions and represented them as slaves to disgraceful sexual perversions and as possessing unlimited powers of sexual gratification.

‘Gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves’ – God permitted them to give themselves over to homosexual sins and similar perversions.

‘Uncleanness’ [Greek: akatharsia] a scriptural term for homosexuality and other sexual perversions of men and women (Rom. 1:24; 2Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1Thess. 4:7; cp. 2Pet. 2:10).

‘Changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator’ established idolatry for the true worship; a lie for the truth; and worshiped creatures more than the Creator. Idols are called “lies” in Isaiah 44:20; Jeremiah 10:14; 13:25.

The Wrath of God

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Romans 1:18-20 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse

‘For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven’ – the wrath of God is also revealed in the gospel as part of God’s righteousness.

‘Wrath of God’ this phrase is found ten times in Scripture (1:18; Ps. 78:31; John 3:36; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6; Rev. 14:10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1).

‘Against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men’ this is what God’s wrath is against. In Romans 1:18-32, Paul proves the utter ungodliness of the Gentile world and its deserving God’s wrath. In Romans 2:1-3:8 he proves that the Jews are also ungodly and deserving of God’s wrath. In Romans 3:9-20 he sums up the case of both Jews and Gentiles, proving the whole world guilty.

‘Ungodliness’ [Greek: asebeia] impiety; no reverence for God or sacred things; irreligious (2Tim. 2:16; Tit. 2:12; Jude 1:18). ‘Unrighteousness’ [Greek: adikia] all wrongdoing; immorality; wickedness of heart and life (1:18, 29; 2:8; 6:13; Luke 18:6). ‘Hold the truth in unrighteousness’ hold down, suppress; imprison or bridle.

‘For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made’ Romans 1:20 explains 1:19. All invisible things, even the eternal power and Godhead, are clearly seen by the visible things of creation. Deuteronomy 29:29 says: “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

‘Eternal’ [Greek: aidios] ever-during (forward and back-ward, or forward only): – eternal, everlasting. ‘Godhead’ [Greek: theiotes] Deity. ‘Without excuse’ no excuse for people to be ignorant of the invisible things.

Salvation

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 

‘Ashamed’ [Greek: epaischunomai] Paul here fulfils Isaiah 28:16: “he that believes shall not make haste” – he that confides and trusts in the sure foundation is secure and will not make haste or be ashamed (Rom. 9:33; 1Pet. 2:6).

‘Gospel of Christ’ another term for “gospel of God” (Rom. 1:1). ‘Power’ [Greek: dunamis] inherent power; the ability to reproduce itself, like a dynamo. The Gospel is God’s power: To produce the new birth (1Pet. 1:23); to give salvation (1:16; Eph. 1:13); to impart grace (Acts 20:24); to establish people in the faith (16:25); to generate faith (10:17); to set free (John 8:31-36); to nourish spiritual life (1Pet. 2:2); to cleanse the church (Eph. 5:26); to search the life (Heb. 4:12); to make partakers of Christ (Eph. 3:6); to impart immortality (2Tim. 15:29).

‘Salvation’ [Greek: soteria] translated “salvation” 40 times; “saved” (Luke 1:71; Rom. 10:1); “deliver” (Acts 7:25); “health” (Acts 27:34); and “saving” (Heb. 11:7). Salvation is the all-inclusive word of the gospel, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes. It is used 119 times in the Old Testament. There are 7 Hebrew and Greek words for “salvation.” They are used 388 times and are translated by 23 English words, some with various endings, which mean salvation, deliverance, save, health, help, welfare, safety, victory, Saviour, defend, avenge, rescue, and preserve.

Salvation is used of: Deliverance from danger (Ex. 14:1-31); victory over enemies (1Sam. 14:1-52); healing of the body (Acts 3:6; 4:12); forgiveness of sin (Luke 19:9; Rom. 10:9-10; Ps. 38:18-22; 51:1-13; 79:9); freedom from prison (Php. 1:19); deliverance from captivity (Ps. 14:1-7); deliverance from wrath (1Thess. 5:9).

Salvation from sin comes through: Confession (Rom. 10:9; 1Jn. 1:9); grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9); sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth (2Thess. 2:13); godly sorrow (2Cor. 7:10); faith in His blood (Rom. 3:25); faith in His name (Acts. 4:12).

‘For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith’ God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel on the ground of faith as the absolute condition of salvation, and is only effective in those who believe.

‘The just shall live by faith’ quoted from Habakkuk 2:4. It means that the just must live by continued faith, and go from faith to faith (grow in trust) as light (knowledge) is received (1Jn. 1:7).