Outlines and Summary Charts. For Selected Passages. In Romans

Outlines and Summary Charts For Selected Passages In Romans By, Rev. Eric Alan Greene

An Outline and Interpretation of Paul s Roman Epistle Structural Themes Using Paul s Words and Terminology A The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Promises of Scripture, & Obedience to the Faith 1:1-6 B Greetings to the Saints 1:7 C Paul s Desire to See Them to Impart a Spiritual Gift 1:8-15 D The Revealing of God s Righteousness through Jesus Christ 1:16-11:36 a The Gospel of God s Power & Righteousness 1:16-17 b God's Judgment and Israel s Failure to Bring Salvation to the Nations 1:18-3:20 c God s Righteousness is Revealed; Redemption in Jesus Death: The Father s sacrifice 3:21-26 d The Law of faith is Established and Justifies God s People 3:27-31 e The righteousness of faith : Abraham s Faith, Global Family, God s Promise 4:1-25 f Results of Justification: Peace, Perseverance, Character, Hope 5:1-4 g Jesus Death and Life Shows God s Love: poured out - baptism imagery 5:5-11 justified from wrath v.9 h Grace Reigns Over Adam s Condemnation Through Jesus Righteousness: The Son s work 5:12-21 v. 17 contains the central theme g Jesus Death and Life Identifies the Church: united together - baptism meaning 6:1-11 justified from sin v.7 f' Fruits of Justification: Instruments and Slaves of Righteousness, Holiness, Eternal Life 6:1-23 e' The Sinfulness of the Flesh: Moses Law-Condemnation & God s Rescue from Death 7:1-25 d' The Law of the Spirit of life is Fulfilled and Empowers the Sons of God 8:1-17 c God s Sons will be Revealed; Victory in Our Sufferings: The Spirit s power 8:18-39 b' God's Mercy and Israel s Growth By Engrafting the Nations 9:1-11:32 a' Praise of God s Wisdom & Knowledge 11:33-36 D The Reign of Jesus Justified People 12:1-15:33 a Living Sacrifices & God's Perfect Will 12:1-3 b The One Body of Christ: Gifts of the Holy Spirit 12:4-8 c Same-mindedness To One Another: Be Humble 12:9-21 (see v.16) d Submit to God's Governmental Authority: Live in Peace 13:1-7 e Fulfill the Law: Love Your Neighbor 13:8-10 f Put On The Lord Jesus Christ: God s People Reign in Christ 13:11-14 compare 13:14 with 5:17 e Judge Not Your Brother 14:1-13 d' Submit to One Another's Preference: Pursue Peace 14:14-23 c' Like-mindedness To One Another: Bear Burdens 15:1-6 (see v.5) ends with benediction b' The Jew/Gentile People of Christ: Fruits & Power of the Spirit 15:7-13 (see v.13) ends with benediction a' Gentile Sacrificial Offering & God's Will For Paul's Travel 15:14-33 (see v.16,32) ends with benediction C Paul Sends Phoebe: A Helper of Spiritual Gifts 16:1-2 B Greeting to the Saints & Warning of False Brethren 16:3-24 A The Gospel of Jesus Christ, Promises of Scripture, & Obedience to the Faith 16:25-27 By observing how similar passages reflect comparisons and contrasts, and how themes flow into and out of central points, Romans can be understood to have two emphases: 1) The outworking of God s righteousness through Jesus Christ; 2) The imperative to put on Christ as His royal people.

Aligning the Structure and Content in chapters 1-11 Romans has a doctrinal and ethical section. This study ties together various themes within the doctrinal section. (1:16-11:36) This is based on the structure in the previous page. It aligns the outward corresponding sections side-by-side. As I understand Romans, the themes are funneled toward a central point (5:12-21) and flow out from that center expanding all the way through chapter 11. Through comparisons and contrasts these reflecting sections help to interpret the other. a The Gospel of God s Power & Righteousness 1:16-17 a' Praise of God s Wisdom & Knowledge 11:33-36 These sections enclose the entire doctrinal section. The gospel reveals God s righteousness, and these entire eleven chapters are an explanation of God s gospel and the effects of it. Once Paul has explained all the ways in which the gospel has manifested God s righteousness, he praises God for his wisdom and knowledge. b God's Judgment and Israel s Failure To Bless the Nations (blessings from Jews to Gentiles) 1:18-3:20 b' God's Mercy and Israel s Growth By Engrafting the Nations (inclusion of Jews and Gentiles) 9:1-11:32 The Jewish nation had a priestly calling to be a blessing to the other nations of the world. Their blessings were to flow downhill, like Eden s garden, to the other nations. Sadly the Jewish spring of blessing was contaminated and poisoned by their sin. Thus Jews and Gentiles are both under sin, and Jews under the Law are more guilty. In the New Covenant God s Israel grows and is a blessing to the world, yet by engrafting the nations of the world (believing Jews & Gentiles). c God s Righteousness is Revealed; Redemption in Jesus Death: The Father s sacrifice 3:21-26 c God s Sons will be Revealed; Victory in Our Sufferings: The Spirit s power 8:18-39 God s righteousness is revealed, in regard to sin, when He punished it in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In His death redemption was accomplished. God continues to manifest His righteousness in assuring that His children s sufferings are victorious, just as Christ s sufferings on their behalf were victorious. Union in Jesus victorious death means that our sufferings are also victorious. (8:37) Both passages reveal aspects of God s righteousness in regard to sin and suffering. d The Law of faith is Established and Justifies God s People 3:27-31 d' The Law of the Spirit of life is Fulfilled and Empowers the Sons of God 8:1-17 These passages rename God s Law. Through Christ, God s Law has experienced a death and resurrection. It is now known as the Law of Faith, or the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ. This Law establishes what the old Law anticipated, now rendering the verdict and power of life, instead of death. God s righteousness, in regard to the good intentions the old Law-covenant, is now revealed. e The righteousness of faith : Abraham s Faith, Global Family, God s Promise 4:1-25 e' The Sinfulness of the Flesh: Moses Law-Condemnation & God s Rescue from Death 7:1-25 Before the old Law, God promised Abraham a global family and that that family would inherit the world. These promises are fulfilled in Christ, and received by those who now have faith in Christ, as Abraham had faith in God. The Law of Moses could not accomplish these promises, because of man s sin and the reign of death. Rescue came in Christ. f Results of Justification: Peace, Perseverance, Character, Hope 5:1-4 f' Fruits of Justification: Instruments and Slaves of Righteousness, Holiness, Eternal Life 6:1-23 Justification yields a progressive life of perseverance and character. This hope and holiness is a victorious battle with sin. g Jesus Death and Life Shows God s Love: poured out - baptism imagery (5:5) 5:5-11 g Jesus Death and Life Identifies the Church: united together - baptism meaning (6:5) 6:1-11 Jesus death and resurrected life are explicitly mentioned in these passages. They are tied together with baptismal imagery and meaning. Likewise, the phrases justified by His blood and justified from sin express the means and the effect of justification. His blood effected our justified position, or status. (5:9,6:7 same word for justified ) This declarative position of being in His death and resurrection is now the church s identity, marked out in one s baptism. h Grace Reigns Over Adam s Condemnation Through Jesus Righteousness: The Son s work 5:12-21 The evil reign of Sin and Death, resulting in condemnation, has ceased because of Jesus obedience unto death and His righteous act of resurrection. Grace now reigns over creation, declaring and enabling God s sons to have a kingly reign in life now, and in the life to come. The many ramifications of this good news, reveals the many aspects of God s righteousness.

Outline of the 5 Sections in Romans 1:18 11:33 A Sinfulness of God s Israel & The Nations 1:18 3:20 a Sinful World Deserving of Death 1:18-32 b God s Judgment: Justifying & Condemning 2:1-16 c Israel Failed to Bring Salvation to the Nations 2:17-23 d Failure of Israel & Blasphemy of Nations 2:24 c Gentiles Saved Though Israel Failed 2:25-29 b God s Vindication: Faithful & Just 3:1-8 a Sinful World Guilty Before God 3:9-20 B God s Fulfillment of His Promises to Abraham 3:21 4:25 a God s Righteousness Manifested in Christ 3:21-26 b God s Jew/Gentile Family is Justified in Christ 3:27-31 c The Righteousness of Faith by which Abraham is Our Father 4:1-8 b God s Justified Family Includes the Uncircumcised 4:9-12 a God s Promises Fulfilled in Christ 4:13-25 C God s Victory Through Jesus Christ 5:1 6:23 a Results of Justification: Peace, Perseverance, Character, Hope 5:1-4 b Jesus Death and Life Demonstrates God s Love 5:5-11 c Grace Reigns Over Adam s Condemnation Through Jesus Righteousness 5:12-21 b Jesus Death and Life Identifies the Church 6:1-11 a Fruits of Justification: Instruments and Slaves of Righteousness, Holiness, Eternal Life 6:1-23 B God s Fulfillment of His Old Covenant Law 7:1 8:39 a Death through Jesus Body; Married to Jesus Resurrected Body 7:1-4 b Work of the Good Old Law: To Arouse Sin & To Kill 7:5-12 c Body of Death that Died in Christ 7:13-25 d The Righteousness of the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ 8:1-8 c Bodies of Mortality that Live in the Spirit 8:9-17 b Work of the Spirit: To Produce Groans of Hope & To Help 8:18-30 a Death and Sufferings Can Not Divorce Us From Christ 8:31-39 A The Renewal of God s Israel & The Covenant 9:1 11:33 a God s Gifts upon Israel 9:1-5 b Electing of Israel (The Root Was Planted) 9:6-13 c Jew/Gentile People Included in the New Covenant 9:14-29 d Israel s Failure to Attain the Law s Righteousness 9:30-33 e The New Covenant & New People in Christ 10:1-13 d Israel s Failure to Obey the Gospel 10:14-21 c Jew/Gentile People Included in the New Covenant 11:1-16a b Engrafting upon Israel (The Branches Are Engrafted) 11:16b-29 a God s Mercy Grows His Israel 11:30-33

Highlights of the 5 sections from 1:18 11:33 I. Beginnings and Endings Bracket the Main Themes 1:18 3:20 begin: wrath of God theme: all were under sin end: judgment of God 3:21 4:25 begin: death of Christ theme: the righteousness of Faith end: resurrection of Christ 5:1 6:23 begin: results of justification theme: Christ reigns in righteousness end: fruits of justification 7:1 8:39 begin: married to Jesus theme: the Law of the Spirit of Life end: no separation from Jesus 9:1 11:33 begin: God s generosity upon historical Israel theme: the New Covenant end: God s mercy grows Israel in Christ growth of Israel II. Historical Flow of the Main Themes 1:18 3:20 Before Christ: all under sin and death 3:21 4:25 Father s work through Christ 5:1 6:23 Son s righteous lordship over creation 7:1 8:39 Spirit s work in church and creation 9:1 11:33 After Christ: God s Israel continues to grow III. Chapters 9 11 reflects the history and rehearses some points within previous sections a.9:1-5 God's gifts to Israel a.1:18 3:20 Israel's sinful history b.9:6-13 Roots of Israel b.3:21 4:8 Abe's Faith, Son's work c.9:14-29 Jews/Gentiles included c.4:9 4:25 Abe's Faith-family d.9:30-33 Israel stumbles d.5:1 5:11 Jesus' death e.10:1-13 New Covenant e.5:12 6:23 Jesus & Us reign d'10:14-21 Israel disobeys d' 7:1 7:25 Old Law brought death c'11:1-16a Jews/Gentiles included c' 8:1 8:17 New Law brings life b'11:16b-29 Branches of Israel b' 8:18 8:30 Spirit's work in us a'11:30-33 God's mercy grows Israel a' 8:31 8:39 God's love for us

Correcting Our Assumptions For Romans #1: False Assumption About God s Character: God would still be righteous even if He was not gracious or did not give us the gospel of Jesus Christ. Correction: Since God promised to give the gospel, He would not be righteous if He did not give it, or was not gracious. Some assume that Paul is simply trying to explain how God can be both just and merciful at the same time in Romans 3:21-26. They assume God did not have to provide redemption, therefore the gospel simply explains how God can now be gracious since justice is satisfied. Sometimes the impression is given that the cross allowed God, or gave God, some type of permission to be redemptive when He never had to be in the first place. But the cross was not a divine permission-slip. It was necessary God to sacrifice Christ because He promised to bring redemption all along. the gospel of God which He promised through His prophets 1:1-2 Without the redeeming sacrifice of Christ, God s character, promises, and especially His righteousness would be called into question. Through promises God obligated Himself to act on behalf of His people and creation as a whole. Therefore, considering God s character and intentions as Creator, and His promises that saturate the Old Testament, we can safely say that God would not be righteous if He did not send the gospel. For this reason Paul is not ashamed of this gospel which reveals God s righteous character. (1:16) This assumption helps us see that the gospel primarily vindicates God, not that He is allowed to be redemptive, but as being redemptive He has done what is right. (Gen.18:25) #2: False Assumption About God s People: The only people saved during the Old Testament were the Jews. Now God chooses to save Gentiles as well. Correction: Throughout the Old Testament God saved Jews and Gentiles. The difference is back then God worked through His covenant people to bring salvation to the Gentiles outside like Jonah preaching to the Ninevites whereas now all saved people are within God s covenant community. This is critical for understanding Romans 2 and 9-11. In chapter 2 Paul writes about those inside and outside the Old Covenant community; especially about the saved Gentiles outside those covenant boundaries. Though the Jewish fountain of saving grace was poisoned with their sin, nevertheless God still saved Gentiles. Though God s covenant people failed to bless the nations with salvation, there were many Jews and Gentiles who lived by faith in the true God and will be acknowledged on the Day of Judgment. Now in the New Covenant any person who lives by faith in the true God is regarded as a member of God s covenant family, who now brings Christ s salvation to the world. God still works through His covenant people to bless the world, yet that covenant boundary is remade and enlarged to include both Jew and Gentile. And through Christ not only do we have the justified life that the old covenant people merely anticipated, but even in death the new covenant people truly bless and conquer the world which old Israel failed to do. (8:21-37) #3: False Assumption About God s Law The Law of Moses, or the works of the Law was a system of works-righteousness and legalism through which God taught people how they could not be saved. Therefore, now days we are saved by faith. Correction: The Law of Moses, or the works of the Law was never given to promote self-righteousness. It always taught people to live by faith in God. The works of the Law, or the righteousness of the Law, was good for its time period because it merely anticipated the new covenant work of Jesus: i.e. the righteousness of faith. The Law-covenant that entered with Moses, being fulfilled in Christ, was an era of gracious anticipation. It was designed to look forward to Christ. This is why Paul quotes from the Law in chapter 10:6-8. In the sense of it being a covenant, we are now under the Law s new identity as the Law of the Spirit of life. (8:2) In the sense of moral duties of godly behavior we are still called to live by those standards taught in the old covenant, and applied in the new. (13:8-10) In Christ, we are not anti-law. Rather in Him, we have the fulfillment of that old Law, the life it promised yet could not deliver, and we live under the Law s renewal as the Law of the Spirit, or Law of faith, which reckons us as having the righteousness of faith. Through Christ, God is faithful to His promises, His people, and His Law s anticipation.

Romans 1:18 32 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, (unthankful) nor were thankful, (foolish) but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, (idolatry) 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. (immorality) 1 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, (idolatry) 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (immorality) 2 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, 3 God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; (debase mind) 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; (degrading actions) full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Structural Overview of Chapter 2 A. Sinful World Deserving of Death 1:18-32 B. God s Judgment: Justifying & Condemning 2:1-16 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to each one according to his deeds : 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. C. Israel Failed to Bring Salvation to the Nations 2:17-23 17 Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, Do not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? D Failure of Israel & Blasphemy of Nations 2:24 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, as it is written. C Gentiles Saved Though Israel Failed 2:25-29 25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. B God s Vindication: Faithful & Just 3:1-8 A Sinful World Guilty Before God 3:9-20

Outlined Details of Chapter 2 - (NJKV, yet in BOLD print is an alternate translation. capitalization of Law, and comma in verse 14 after nature ) Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to each one according to his deeds : 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without Law will also perish without Law, and as many as have sinned in the Law will be judged by the Law 13 (for not the hearers of the Law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the Law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the Law by nature, do the things in the Law, these, although not having the Law, are a Law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel. 17 Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the Law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the Law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the Law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, Do not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the Law, do you dishonor God through breaking the Law? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you, as it is written. 25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the Law; but if you are a breaker of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the Law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the Law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

God s Vindication: Faithful & Just Romans 3: 1 20 (NKJV except of the bold underline in v.3,19,20) 1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Themes: 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. God s oracles 3 For what if some were not faithful? ( *Similar word for committed /entrusted, believe, Will their unfaithfulness make unbelief, and faithfulness in NKJV) the faithfulness of God without effect? God s faithfulness 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: God s truth That You may be justified in Your words, God s justification And may overcome when You are judged. (Psalm 51:4) 5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? God s righteousness Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world? God s judgment 7 For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? God s truth 8 And why not say, Let us do evil that good may come? as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. God s glory Their condemnation is just. Sinful World Guilty Before God 9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; (Eccl. 7:20) 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one. (Ps.14:1-3) 13 Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit ; (Ps.5:9) The poison of asps is under their lips ; (Ps.140:3) 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. (Ps.10:7) 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood; (Pr.1:16) 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; (Is.59:7) 17 And the way of peace they have not known. 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. (Ps.36:1) 19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:21 4:25 (NKJV, but alternate translation in Bold print: Law is capitalized, and faithfulness of Jesus Christ, etc.) A. God s Righteousness Manifested in Christ 3:21-26 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the Law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation, through this faithfulness (Faith) in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to this demonstration of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. B. God s Jew/Gentile Family is Justified in Christ 3:27-31 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what Law? Of works? No, but by the Law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the Law. 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the Law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the Law. C. The Righteousness of Faith by which Abraham is Our Father 4:1-8 1 What then shall we say? Have we found Abraham to be our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin. B God s Justified Family Includes the Uncircumcised 4:9-12 9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. A God s Promises Fulfilled in Christ 4:13-25 13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the Law brings about wrath; for where there is no Law there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, I have made you a father of many nations ) in the presence of Him whom he believed God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, So shall your descendants be. 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore it was accounted to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

(21) But now, When has the good news come? apart from the Law, What did God not use? An Attempt to Ask the Right Questions for Romans 3:21-31 God s righteousness is manifested, What has God shown and vindicated about Himself? being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, Though God did not use the Law and Prophets, what was their purpose? (22) even God s righteousness, To clarify, what did the Law and Prophets anticipate that God would do? through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, How and through whom did God work to manifest His righteousness to the world? to all who believe. Who benefits from Jesus faithful obedience unto death? For there is no difference; Why are Jews not the only beneficiaries? (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, What have Jews and Gentiles done? (24) being justified freely by His grace What benefit does Jew and Gentile receive now when they trust in Jesus Christ? through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, How did Jesus accomplished this new covenant acceptance for believers? (25 )whom God set forth as a propitiation What did God do to the Messiah to accomplish this new legal standing? through this faithfulness (faith) in His blood, Again, what did God commission His Servant to do for His people? to demonstrate His righteousness What did the Messiah s death do for God as He was set forth as a propitiation, to redeem us, so that we would be justified in Him? because the tolerance of transgressions previously committed (26) in the forbearance of God, What is a past reason for God s new work through Jesus? to this demonstration of His righteousness, Again, what was God s purpose for sending Jesus to shed His blood? in the present time, Now that Christ has come, when has God demonstrated His covenant righteousness/faithfulness, and through whom? so that He is righteous What has God vindicated about Himself and made known to us? and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. What does God do to believers in Jesus? (27) Therefore, where is boasting? It is excluded! Can Jews now boast in their Law-identity and possession of it? ( 2:17) Through what Law? Law of works? What Law has now excluded boasting? No, but through the Law of faith. How is the Law of works now fulfilled? Law of faith is explained in 2:25-29, 7:4, 8:2, 9:30-31, 10:4-6 (28) For we reckon that a man is justified by faith How do we now recognize God s new covenant people? apart from works of the Law. Since God did not use the Old Law (3:21) in bringing justification, do we still use it to recognize His covenant? (29) Or is He the God of Jews only? And not also of the Gentiles? Yes! He is God of also Gentiles, Is the God of creation, redemption, and judgment, only for the Jews? (30) since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith Since there is only one God, (Dt.6:4), how will God now accept and justify the Jew? and the uncircumcised through this faith. Also, how will God now accept the pagan Gentile into this new covenant? (31) Therefore, do we negate the Law through this faith? Does this new Law of faith, which will be explained later, negate the goodness of the old Mosaic Law? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the Law. Does the old covenant Jew now establish the Law without trusting in Jesus Christ? * The faithfulness of Jesus Christ translations are barrowed from the New English Translation. See KJV s faith of Jesus in verse 22. The Greek word for faith is the same for faithfulness. Scholars debate whether this phrase means Jesus faithfulness to the cross, or simply our faith in Him. The advantage of understanding it as Jesus faithfulness for us, is that it certainly implies our faith in Him. Also it is more consistent with the theme of how God demonstrated His righteousness in fulfilling His promises of redemption.

Romans 5 6 A. Results of Justification: Peace, Perseverance, Character, Hope 5:1-4 1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. B. Jesus Death and Life Demonstrates God s Love 5:5-11 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. C. Grace Reigns Over Adam s Condemnation Through Jesus Righteousness 5:12-21 12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore, as through one man s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man s obedience many will be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. B Jesus Death and Life Identifies the Church 6:1-11 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. A Fruits of Justification: Instruments and Slaves of Righteousness, Holiness, Eternal Life 6:1-23 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In Adam: The reign of Sin and Death gave condemnation 5: 12 20a The Old Law entered, only increasing the strength of sin and the sting of death. The Old Law could not give justification, nor life to Israel or creation. (Acts 13:39, Rm.3:20) The Law entered that the offense might abound - Adam s offense led to the many offenses (5:16) throughout Israel s history. - Their sin abounded in the killing of Christ. (5:20) - Christ suffered the full tyranny of Sin and Death s condemnation. Christ s Righteousness Reigns Over Adam s Condemnation 5:12 8: 39 In Christ: The reign of Grace gives justification of life 5: 17 21 Grace Abounding & Renewing 6:1 8:11 Though sin abounded in the death of Christ, grace abounded much more. (5:20) Chapter 6: New Exodus and New Baptism - We re baptized into Christ, not Moses. (I Cor.10) - We are justified from the reign of Sin s power (v.7) - No longer under Law-Covenant (contra. 3:9-18) - Justification declares a sanctified status (v.1-11), which is a positional union in Jesus death and resurrection. This position initiates and authorizes our personal and progressive conquest of sin, i.e. sanctification. (v.12-23) We reign like kings over Sin, through Jesus, under grace. (v.5:17) Chapter 7: The old Sinai Law has died in Christ. - Though the Old Law promised life, it only brought death. - Oldness of the letter died with Jesus. (7:6) - The old Israel, I, died to the Law that the renewed Israel would be married to Christ. (7:7-25 explains 7:4) Chapter 8: A new Law of life, is raised in Christ. - Now, no condemnation for those in Christ. - In Christ s death and resurrection the new Law of the Spirit of life frees believers from the old Law of sin and death. (8:4) - The Law s righteous verdict of life is now fulfilled in us. (8:4 is contrary to Rom.1:32) - By the Holy Spirit we submit to the Law of God. Paul s earlier comments about the Old Covenant people doing, keeping, and fulfilling the Law in the Spirit (2:29) are now applicable to the New Covenant people because of the same Spirit s dwelling. Grace s Conquest & Consummation 8:12 39 1. Our Adoption: (v.12 17) - The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are sons of God. - We are heirs of God with Christ. 2. Creation s Hope: (v.18 22) - Creation has an earnest expectation for the revealing of the sons of God. (v.19) - Creation will have an exodus from its bondage to corruption. (v.21) 3. Our Hope: (v. 23 27) - We look for the resurrection (v.23) - The Spirit intercedes for us. (v.26) 4. Our Glorification: (v.28 30) - We are & will be glorified like Christ. (v.17,18,30) - The glory that God has predestined for us will come to pass. 5. God s Salvation: (v.31 34) - None shall have a charge against us. - None shall condemn us. 6. God s Love: (v.35 39) - Nothing separates us from God s love in Christ (v. 35,37,39) 7. God s People Conquer: (v.37) - In all our sufferings we conquer the world, through Christ (v.37) Key Observation: Chapters 6-8 are simply the full blossom and details of what 5:20-21 contain in seed-form: God in His righteousness conquers, as God so that grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Chapters 6-8 explain promised, and as the gospel reveals. the manifold and cosmic application of the justification that Jesus accomplished. Justification frees us from the reign of sin and death. (ch.5-6) Justification frees us from the era of Moses Law, which merely magnified Adam s condemnation (ch.7) The full effect of Jesus righteousness will be applied at the final resurrection, when all creation will be delivered from the bondage of corruption (8:21) Romans 5 8 explains the outworking of God s victory that He accomplished in the righteous lordship of Christ, rendering justification to His people, and renewal of His creation.

Israel s History: In Adam - Church s Story: In Christ Moreover the Law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, Romans 5:20 1 2 3 4 In Adam Moses Israel s History Israel s Sinful Climax: The Murder of Christ - disobedience - the Law entered Rm.5:20 - that the offense might abound Rm.5:20 - But where sin abounded, Rm. 5:20 - death - Exodus event / Mt. Sinai - The Law could not give the life it promised. - Israel was the location of the most heinous crime. - condemnation - Baptized into Moses (ICor. 10:2) - Without Christ, it s a Law of sin and death - Adam s offense - Israel s many offenses initiated the condemnation climaxed in the death of Christ. throughout Israel s history. This may be what Paul meant that justification came from many offenses (Rm.5:16) 5 ch. 6 ch. 7 ch. 8 In Christ The Church s New Identity The Church s New Law The Church s Inheritance -...grace abounded - Baptized into Christ (Rm.6:3-5) - Old Law only brought death (Rm.7:10) - spiritual life in this age (Rm.8:10) much more. Rm.5:20 - United to His death & resurrection - Old Law magnified sin (Rm. 7:25) - resurrection life later (Rm.8:23) - obedience - A greater exodus than Moses - Old Law s power died in Christ s death (Rm7:4,6) - glorification like Jesus (8:17,30) - life - Old Law is renewed in Christ s resurrection. It is now - Creation will have an exodus (8:21) - justification the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus freeing Jewish believers from the Law of sin and death (Rom.8:2) - The new Law of the Spirit of life gives the church life, which is now fulfilled in us (Rm.8:4). Thus we submit to God s Law (Rm.8:7), which is the Law of Christ (Gal.6:2), and of this Law we are doers and keepers. (Rm.2:13,26) Since Christ is the Law s goal (Rm.10:4); we establish the Law. (Rm.3:31) - Christ s obedience to death, and resurrection - In Christ, the church will inherit glorification, initiated the justification that the church resurrected bodies, and the redemption of all creation. now experiences under His reign, thus ending - The church conquers (8:37) the world; in contrast Adam s reign of condemnation upon the church. to Old Israel who could not fully conquer their land. (see Rom.8:1 now no condemnation )

God s Elect Remnant & God s Fulfillment of the Old Covenant Law Romans 9 10:13 Chapter 9 Chapter 10:1-13 A. The History and Continuation of God s Remnant People v.1-29 History of Israel s blessings and Paul s sorrow (1-5) History of God s covenantal election within Israel (6-13) - God was free to choose His covenant people from inside Abraham s seed. - Isaac, not Ishmael (Gen.21:12,18:10,14); Jacob, not Esau (Gen25:23,Mal.1:2,3) God is righteous in hardening & having mercy (14-24) - God is free, even now, to choose His New Covenant people from inside or outside Israel s race. (Ex.33:19, 9:16) Prophets foretold of God calling Gentiles into the New Covenant and preserving a remnant of Jews. - Hosea 2:23,1:10 prophesied that Gentiles would be included. (25-26) - Isaiah 10:22,23; 1:9 prophesied that a Jewish remnant would be preserved. (27-29) B. Ironic Results: Called Gentiles now attain to, or arrived at, the Law of righteousness through the righteousness of Faith v.30-33 Called Gentiles now have righteousness, which is identified as the righteousness of Faith (30) Israel pursued the Law of righteousness, yet did not reach, or arrive at, the Law.(31) Israel thought the righteousness of the Law was attained, or reached, through the Law s works; wrong! The Stumbling Stone for Jews (Is.8:14,28:16), was the Person through Whom the Law s righteousness was achieved. In Him, Gentile s attain to righteousness. Summary & Transition: Israel s Stumbling Stone was the rightful means of attaining the the Law of righteousness, which will now be identified as the Law s Goal (10:4). The Stumbling Stone, the Law s Goal, has now established the righteousness of Faith, which is how believers attain even to the Law of righteousness. (cf. v.31) Compare Rom.9:30-10:6 with II Cor. 3:7-18. The little glory in Moses Law was the righteousness which is of the Law. As the old glory needed the new and better glory, so also the old righteousness of Law anticipated the righteousness of Faith. The Law s Anticipation and Fulfillment v. 1-13 1. Israel s Ignorance and Insufficiency: (1-3) Israel, by rejecting Christ, is willfully ignorant of God s righteousness manifested in Christ. They do not know how God has fulfilled His covenant promises, having now accomplished the anticipated justification. By seeking to establish their own righteousness in the Law, they ve rejected the Law s anticipated Goal. Thus, their own outdated righteousness is a wicked contrast to God s righteousness which was demonstrated in Christ. 2. The Law s Goal / End is Christ: (v.4) The work of Christ, which revealed God s righteousness, is the Law s goal. Whoever now believes in Christ, God reckons them as righteous, since they have Christ for righteousness. 3. The Law is reached by the righteousness of Faith (5-9) i. The Law s Past Promise and Inability (v.5) Moses rightly wrote about the righteousness which is of the Law (see 9:31) which promised life by doing the Law. The man who does those things shall live by them (Lev.18:5) describes this righteousness of the Law. Though good for that time, it was nevertheless under the condemning era of Death s and Sin s reign. Thus the Law was unable to grant the righteousness and life it promised. (see 7:10; Gal.3:21) ii. The Law is fulfilled in the righteousness of Faith (v.6-9) Christ is and established the righteousness of Faith which the righteousness of Law anticipated. Only in the righteousness of Faith through Christ is the righteousness of the Law attained to, and received by us. (10:5-9 explains 9:30-31) Paul quotes from the Law (Dt.9:4; 30:12,13,14) to show that the Law anticipated this new work of God through Christ. (3:21) iii. The Invitation for this righteousness (v.10-13) Whoever believes in Christ now has this righteousness of Faith which the righteousness of the Law always desired, and needed, to give its intended verdict of life. (10:4-13 explains 8:4) (Is. 28:16 & Joel 2:32 continue their call) The details of going from glory to glory (II Cor.3:7-18), from Moses to Christ, are explained here in Rom.10:5-9. Key Observations: The righteousness of Faith refers both to Christ s work for us (10:5), and our faith in Him (9:30). Through this faith God promised to Abraham and his seed, the world. (4:13) The righteousness which is of the Law (10:5), or the Law of righteousness (9:30-31) refers to the good anticipation of how the Law desired life and righteousness only to be accomplished in Christ. The Law could never give this glory, nor its own promises, not during its time, nor within its power. (3:21) (Phil.3:6,9 is about the Law before Christ.) Our righteousness in Christ (10:4) is the long-anticipated new covenant position that now justifies us, since we are now reckoned (6:11) to be in His death and resurrection. Justification is a new-covenant, legal, and two-fold-eschatological declaration. In retrospect, it fulfills the past Law(10:4). In prospect, it secures the future judgment (2:13 & 5:9). Our present justification produces Spiritual and Lawful fruits, which the future judgment will inspect (2:6) and justify (2:13-16); after the Spirit completes our resurrection (8:23).