Posts from 2020 (Page 10)

“When a man drives down a road full of potholes in the dark and never hits a single one, you know that he knows where the holes are.” So said Alan Highers at the Freed-Hardeman Lectures a number of years ago, speaking about baptism in John 3 and how deftly denominational teachers managed to avoid it. In like fashion, no one who promotes the teaching known as “the Roman Road to Salvation” manages to travel through chapter 6. They can…

In the margin of his Bible next to Romans 1:17, Martin Luther drew a line from the phrase “the just shall live by faith” and wrote the word “sola,” a Latin word meaning one, only, or alone. It was his conclusion that man was saved by faith alone without any response to God on man’s part. In his own translation of Romans, Luther added the word “alone” to the text, (though it is nowhere to be found), making the text…

Abraham is known as “the Father of Faith.” His fidelity to God is legendary among Bible believers. Today’s text contains a statement that is often misused concerning Abraham and his righteousness before God, specifically verse 3, “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” To many, this is the “sugar stick” verse to teach salvation by faith only without any response of obedience by man. However, to use this verse in…

Romans 1 was a blanket indictment of the sins of the Gentiles provoked and unrestrained by their reprobate minds (vv 18-32). Romans 2 showed the Jews’ manifold moral failures and hypocrisy “hidden” under the cloak of the Law. Anticipating an objection from the Jews regarding Paul’s perceived disrespect for the Law, the apostle reassures them of their place in God’s plan, for unto them was committed the oracles of God (vv 1-2). But from there Paul goes on to note…

Romans 1:18-32 is a summary judgment against the Gentiles. In legal terms, a summary judgment may be issued when it is obvious there is no need to go to trial. Either the evidence is totally lacking and the case without merit, or the evidence proves a case on its face. In Romans 1, the unrighteousness and vile conduct of the Gentiles was evident to all so as not to warrant a defense. In Romans 2, Paul turns his attention to…

As we enter a reading of Romans, I am first reminded of the propensity of many to read this epistle as if it is the centerpiece of all biblical literature. This is a serious error. There is nothing more to Romans than any other inspired literature. Also, many read and “interpret” Romans as if Jesus never said or taught anything. Much of what is written of Romans in common theology contradicts many of the clear teachings of Jesus. While some…