THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CROSS REVEALED IN ROMANS.
Wednesday, March 6th, 2024.
7:38 a.m.
41º now… 50º later.
Name 10 Things Christ accomplished on the cross, dear one ???
I have asked this question of “christians” far and wide. And the answers are… shall we say… less than satisfying. Mostly the answers were blank stares. One fellow even said “Christ made sure His mother was taken care of.” (Referencing Jesus’s comment to St. John from the cross.)
Christ’s work on the cross is all we have dear one, apart from than we have mere man-made “religion”.
It’s not surprising that “christians” hardly know anything about Christ’s accomplishments on the cross. They spend most of the time reading Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — the so-called “red letter” edition of the Bible.
“Christianity” holds up “Jesus” as the model… and teaches that we should be “like” Him if we want to be saved. Thus, they make “christianity” a “do-it-yourself” project. Save yourself, by being “like Christ”.
But, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are not the only books in the Bible. Somehow, magically, the letters of Paul showed up there. And boy aren’t we lucky?
Paul pulls the curtain back… and reveals the mind and the purpose of God. All the surface material of the four “gospels” are shown (in Paul’s letters) to be based on a HUGE foundation of God’s “intention” (Romans 9:18), and “purpose” (Romans 9:11)
Romans 9:11 For, not as yet being born, nor putting into practice anything good or bad, that the PURPOSE OF GOD may be remaining as a choice [of God], not out of acts, but of Him Who is calling,
Romans 9:19 You will be protesting to me, then, “Why, then, is He still blaming? for who has withstood His intention?”
The Four Gospels, are all about Jesus’ life and words. And they are all about Jesus’ life and words as relates to the “kingdom” message. That is… the Kingdom as promised to Israel. (See Acts 1:6)
Paul confirms Jesus’ unique ministry to Israel in Romans 15…
ROM 15:8 For I am saying that Christ has become the Servant of the Circumcision, for the sake of the truth of God, to confirm the patriarchal promises.
Imagine that… “Christ, the Servant of the Circumcision”… leave it to Paul to open our eyes to these great matters.
We can confidently say “Israel will get their promised Kingdom.” And Jesus’ words before the cross, were mainly about this great topic.
And we can see that Jesus’ journey to the cross was a shock and surprise to His disciples. They didn’t get it. Judas was caught off guard. Peter was caught off guard. None of them “got it”.
Even after the resurrection… the letters of Peter, James and John, reveal that “the cross” was more or less an embarrassment to them. They never used the phrase “the cross” — and the Messiah is still their hope… “the kingdom message” — they just don’t see that the cross dramatically changed EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYTHING.
Paul sees it. And Paul won’t shut up about the cross and all that it accomplishes. Yes, Paul honors that Jesus was the “Servant of the Circumcision” — but God granted it to Paul to see beyond “the Messiah” and “the kingdom” and see Jesus Christ as “Christ Jesus” — the One who “empties” (Kenosis) Himself, and as a result, is graced with a “Name above all Names.” — (See Philippians 2:5-11).
So, if God can open our eyes to see that the cross is a topic worth considering… and we scour Paul’s letters looking for the topic… we won’t be disappointed.
Concerning Romans:
Chapter one, verse four, is the first hint that the cross of Christ accomplishes great things. Behold:
“…Who is designated Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the DIED-ONES),”
His own personal resurrection is not in reference here. In verse 4 we have a reference to the “resurrection of the DEAD-PLURAL.” This is clever… ground-breaking… insightful… shocking… How far to we take this “dead” plural business ??
If we limit, in any way, “the dead” — aren’t we limited “the power” ??? After all, He is designated Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness BY THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD-PLURAL !!!!!
If we limit, the scope and breath of “dead” (plural) aren’t we also limiting “the spirit of holiness” — the two thoughts are tied together in one sentence !!!
Now that we know that the word “DEAD” is plural… in the Greek of the first century… we can see all kinds of scope and breath in verse 4.
And we can say that His own personal resurrection is just the beginning… the spirit of holiness demands the resurrection of all… the power of the one designated “Son of God” dares not leave any of the “died-ones” out.
Romans 1:4 …Who is designated Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the DIED-ONES),
What a fine way to introduce our topic. The cross of Christ accomplishes the resurrection of all who have died and all who will die… and if this is not so, then is He really to be designated “Son of God with power” ??? And if this is not so, what do we really know about the “spirit of holiness” ???
We’re only 4 verses in, and holy smoke… the revelation “is deep in this one” (a Star Wars reference.)
Grace to you.
8:46 a.m.
Ace.
THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CROSS REVEALED IN ROMANS.
Concerning Romans 3:21-31
March 7th, 2024.
7:41 a.m.
36º now (9:17 a.m). 42º later.
We started looking at the references to the accomplishments of the cross… at Romans 1:4, dear one…
There we learned that the resurrection of Christ is wildly connected to “the spirit of holiness” and the designation of Christ as “the Son of God with power.”
But even more than Christ’s own personal resurrection… but the resurrection of ALL THE DEAD will play a part in our realization of these great matters.
COLOSSIANS 1:16
…for in Him is [the] all created, that in the heavens and that on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones, or lordships, or sovereignties, or authorities, [the] all is created through Him and for Him,
17 and He is before all, and [the] all has its cohesion in Him.
18 And He is the Head of the body, the ecclesia, Who is Sovereign, Firstborn from among the dead, that in all He may be becoming first,
19 for in Him the entire complement delights to dwell,
20 and through Him to reconcile [the] all [GK: TA-PANTA] to Him (making peace through the blood of His cross), through Him, whether those on the earth or those in the heavens.
Romans 3:21 Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets),
22 yet a righteousness of God through Jesus Christ’s faith for all, and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction,
23 for all sinned and [ALL] are wanting of the glory of God…
24 [and ALL are] Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus
25 (Whom God purposed for a Propitiatory shelter, through [God’s] faith in His [Son’s] blood, for a display of His righteousness because of the passing over of the penalties of sins which occurred before in the forbearance of God),
26 toward the display of His righteousness in the current era, for Him to be just and a Justifier of the one who is of the faith of Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is debarred! Through what law?
28 Of works? No! But through faith’s law. For we are reckoning a man to be justified by [the] faith [of Christ] apart from [the] works of law.
29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not of the nations also?
30 Yes, of the nations also, if so be that God is One, Who will be justifying the Circumcision out of faith and the Uncircumcision through faith.
31 Are we, then, nullifying law through faith? May it not be coming to that! Nay, we are sustaining law.
March 13th, 2024.
7:29 a.m.
34º now, 40º later.
Snow on the way.
If you’re not familiar with Paul’s writings and Paul’s topics… upon first coming to Romans, you might not see the flat out emphasis on the cross in the early chapters. That is, until you get to the word “blood” in Chapter 3, verse 25.
Then, there’s no denying we’re onto a serious subject… after all, what is more serious than “blood” ????
“But there are those who cry out greatly against making puppets, or mere automatons, out of men. At all hazards, we are told, we must maintain human individuality and the godlike attribute of ‘free will.’
What is the meaning of this? It is nothing less than a revolt of the creature against the Creator, the desire to be as God, even though it is always presented under the guise of religion.
This doctrine of ‘free will’ is found nowhere in the Scriptures, but it is the basis of most interpretations of the Bible. . . In their proud repudiation of the position of puppets, men are acting merely as phonographs, for they repeat a well worn record made by the spirit that is operating in the ‘sons of stubbornness’ before man imagined he had a ‘free will’ in the Garden of Eden, ‘You shall be as God.’ Satan provides the record – and Satan turns the handle – and man speaks! What a wonderful little god he is!”
A.E. Knoch,
From: The Problem of Evil and the Judgments of God
THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CROSS REVEALED IN ROMANS.
Concerning Romans 3:21-31
March 18th, 2024.
10:18 a.m.
48º now, 63º later.
What exactly is “the righteousness of God”, dear friend ??
In our passage of Romans 3:21-31… Paul tells us that the righteousness of God is revealed through the faith of Christ.
As many of us came into this journey of faith through the “christian church”… we know for sure all about our personal “faith IN Christ”… but the faith OF Christ and our faith IN Christ are two different concepts. Prepositions are important things to grasp.
Our faith IN Christ does not reveal the righteousness of God. But Romans 3:21-31 says the righteousness of God really is revealed (manifest) through Christ’s faith.
How does this work? What’s going on here ??
What is “Christ’s faith” ??
What must Christ believe ??
What does His faith accomplish ??
Hebrews Chapter 11:1
“Now faith is an assumption of what is being expected, a conviction concerning matters which are not being observed;”
What was Christ assuming, and when was He assuming it ???
Unless you’ve got something better, I’m guessing we can say that Christ assumed God would give Him life again, should He lay down His life — at the cross.
Going to the cross… for God’s purpose… requires great faith in the outcome of the matter. And this faith that Christ had in God’s doings… is the very thing that reveals “the righteousness of God”.
So, it seems to me, this reference to “the faith OF Christ” is also a reference to Christ’s death and resurrection and all that it accomplishes.
We know, from other passages in Paul’s evangel that Christ, through the cross…
✓ Reconciles all (Col 1:20)…
✓ Justifies all (Rom 5:18)…
✓ Conciliates God’s enemies (Rom 5:10)…
✓ Vivifies all (I COR 15:22)…
✓ Kills the law (Eph 2:15)…
✓ And more, so much more…
But here, in Romans 3:21-22 we’re told that “the righteousness of God” is manifest through the faith of Christ… and the faith of Christ is the expectation that the cross would accomplish all of God’s intention… and accomplish all of God’s purpose.
Romans 3:21 Yet now, apart from law, a righteousness of God is manifest (being attested by the law and the prophets),
22 yet a righteousness of God through Jesus Christ’s faith for all, and on all who are believing, for there is no distinction,
23 for all sinned and [ALL] are wanting of the glory of God…
24 [and ALL are] Being justified gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus
25 (Whom God purposed for a Propitiatory shelter, through [God’s] faith in His [Son’s] blood, for a display of His righteousness because of the passing over of the penalties of sins which occurred before in the forbearance of God),
26 toward the display of His righteousness in the current era, for Him to be just and a Justifier of the one who is of the faith of Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is debarred! Through what law?
28 Of works? No! But through faith’s law. For we are reckoning a man to be justified by [the] faith [of Christ] apart from [the] works of law.
29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not of the nations also?
30 Yes, of the nations also, if so be that God is One, Who will be justifying the Circumcision out of faith and the Uncircumcision through faith.
31 Are we, then, nullifying law through faith? May it not be coming to that! Nay, we are sustaining law.
The cross reveals the righteousness of God.
The cross would have been impossible apart from Christ’s faith in God’s operation.
So, what IS the “righteousness of God” — shall we say this… It was right of God to raise His Son from among the dead ?? Yes it was. It was right of God to raise Christ. This makes God right and it makes God right to raise all in Christ. And we know this is the big idea from I COR 15:1-58.
If God raised Christ, God is going to raise all… see I COR 15:13 and 15.
It is right of God to raise all… and to raise them all in Christ.
The faith of Christ… has everything to do with God blessing all of humanity in Christ. — the instrument of blessing is Christ, and His faith.
It is right of God to save. It is right of God to save from death. It is right of God to save Christ from death. And it is right of God to save all humanity from death.
…a righteousness of God through Jesus Christ’s faith for all (Rom 3:22.)
Christ and Christ’s faith for all… is the instrument of grand blessing of humanity.
These are humbling thoughts.
11:29 a.m.
Grace to you.
Ace.
P.S. Romans 6, I COR 15:22 and other passages reveal that all humanity was INCLUDED in Christ when Christ died, was entombed and was roused from among the dead.
P.P.S. As proof that we are on the right track in suggesting the faith of Christ has to do with the cross of Christ… note the word “BLOOD” in verse 25. Christ shed His blood on the cross.
THE CROSS IN ROMANS 4:17 — GOD IS VIVIFYING ALL WHO DIE. STARTING WITH CHRIST.
ROMANS 4:17 according as it is written that, A father of many nations have I appointed you — facing which, he believes it of the God Who is vivifying the dead and calling what is not as if it were —
I TIM 6: 13 …I am charging you in the sight of God, Who is vivifying all, and of Jesus Christ, Who testifies in the ideal avowal before Pontius Pilate…
Friday, March 22nd, 2024
8:02 a.m.
40º now, 66º later.
Rain on Saturday.
THE CROSS IS: CHRIST’S ACQUAINTANCE WITH HUMANITY. HIS ACQUAINTANCE WITH SIN, CONDEMNATION AND DEATH
The cross is one helluva story to present , dear one,
And as believers… recipients of grace… in this dispensation of grace… it’s all we got. The cross is our only message, our only rational, our puzzling expectation for mankind.
God (according to Romans 4:17) is the God who is vivifying the dead. Not just some of the dead… but all of the dead — as the word “dead” in verse 17 is plural in the Greek of the N.T.
And of course, one of our friendly, neighborhood doubters, just yesterday, objected to this idea that God is vivifying all the dead. He said something like “Just because the word DEAD is plural in verse 17, what gives you the right to suggest that ALL must then be vivified?”
I think the doubter was Peter W, or it might have been Josh C… no matter… the answer is — anything less than the vivification of all… would make a disaster out of the story of God and His Christ.
Christ died “for all”. He was vivified in His resurrection. He is the first of a grand movement of God. He is “the Firstfruit of them that are reposing.” (I COR 15:20).
The vivifying of all, is one of the grandest results of Christ’s work on the cross.
Not only do we see the grandness of the vivifying THE DEAD – PLURAL… in Romans 4:17, but in I Timothy 6:13 we have no doubt as to the scope of Christ’s accomplishment in dying for all, and vivifying all.
Random notes on Romans 4:17:
- How strange to introduce the vivification of the dead-plural… with the topic of making a 100-year old man (and his equally old wife) the “father” of many nations.
- It’s not hard to believe a young man fathers children, and maybe “many” children… but for a old geezer to be “the father of many nations” is pushing the story line.
- But with God, it’s a piece of cake, to enliven the dead matrix of this 100-year old couple.
And as long as God is showing off His powers of giving life… even to old folks… check it out, He gives life to the dead Christ. Can you top that?
- So, Abraham hears this promise… made by God to him personally… and Abraham BELIEVES IT !!! How’s that for a Christmas miracle ??? Abraham, old enough to be a “grumpy old man”… a man who’s been around the block a time or two… a fella with every reason to DOUBT such an outrageous promise — BELIEVES it of the God Who is vivifying the dead… and calling what is not, as if… IT WERE !!!
- This story is crazy.
And the more you think about it, the crazier it is.
And yet, here we are… with the story of the cross before us. And the results of the accomplishment of the cross presented as the “why of course”… for, it is God who is vivifying the dead, who is the one who is presenting this story.
God was in Christ… (2 Corinthians 5:18-21) conciliating the world to Himself, NOT reckoning their offenses to them.
Let this mind be IN YOU, which was also in Christ Jesus — who — emptied Himself and took on the likeness of humanity… and became obedient unto the death of the cross — (Philippians 2:5-11).
Christ became “acquainted” with humanity. And this, is not good. It was a HUGE disaster. Christ shows up and we put him on the cross. Not good.
Of all the crimes of humanity — this one could be classified as irredeemable. Unpardonable. “How dare they ???”
They put the Son of God on a pole.
Is that the welcoming committee we want to brag on?
Death is a thing dear one.
Death is the lot of humanity.
Sin, condemnation and death… it’s what we’re known for.
And when Christ “became” a human, He was asking for it. Good and hard.
He became sin, condemnation and death — for us and with us and we were in Him when it all happened.
God is vivifying the dead (plural) and calling what is not as if it were.
The impossible ?? Like an old man, very old, becoming the “father of many nations” — so God, the Creator of all, the Father of all, Who is over all, and through all, and in all (Ephesians 4:6) is on about something that we cannot fathom — a new humanity… in which “this mortal puts on immortality.” And death loses it’s sting altogether. (See I COR 15).
The cross is the most amazing story.
It is our objective story-line.
Yes, “we” believe, but belief does not make the death and resurrection of Him real. And non-belief does not subtract in any way from its absolute scope and efficacy. For, it is God Who is vivifying the dead (plural), as our verse Romans 4:17 reveals… and it is God Who is vivifying all as our companion verse, I TIM 6:13 reveals.
The dead cannot raise themselves from the dead. They are dead. They need a Saviour.
Upon their being given LIFE… beyond the reach of death… gratitude cannot but fill their hearts and minds. Thus, every knee will bow. And every tongue will acclaim: Jesus Christ is Lord. For HE will have the name above every name… as HE emptied Himself and became obedient unto death.
The cross is our story: it’s our only story.
Human works, human ethics, human morality, is not our story. Works, ethics and morality are our failings. We need a Saviour Who can save. For the dead, cannot save themselves.
And if “One died for the sake of all, all died” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
Grace to you.
8:59 a.m.
Ace Theo…
P.S. ROMANS 4:17 according as it is written that, A father of many nations have I appointed you — facing which, he believes it of the God Who is vivifying the dead and calling what is not as if it were —
I TIM 6: 13 …I am charging you in the sight of God, Who is vivifying all, and of Jesus Christ, Who testifies in the ideal avowal before Pontius Pilate,
The Cross and its
Accomplishments in Romans
The end of chapter four:
Sunday, March 24th, 2024
8:18 a.m.
35º now, 47º later.
Snow and ice this morning.
If you know to look for the cross in Paul’s writings, you can find the cross and its accomplishments almost everywhere dear friend…
- Paul begins Romans by telling us that the resurrection of the dead (plural) has everything to do with “power” and “holiness” and even calls the whole thing “the evangel of God” (See Romans 1:1-4).
- Later, (Romans 1:17 and 3:21-31) Paul tells us the cross is the revelation of God’s righteousness.
Don’t be confused about 1:17 and 3:21-31 — the “faith of Christ” is the main focus of these two passages, but the “faith of Christ” has everything to do with the faith that took Christ to the cross, and His faith that God would raise Him from among the dead.
- And then, in Romans 4:17 we can see the cross and its achievements lauded in the revelation that “God is vivifying the dead (plural), and calling what is not as if it were.”
- And now we arrive at chapter 4, verses 18-25. Here we see that “What God has promised, His is able to do…” And He has clearly “promised” the resurrection and the vivification of the dead-plural.
Romans 4:18: …who, being beyond expectation, believes, in expectation, for him to become the father of many nations, according to that which has been declared, “Thus shall be your seed.”
19 And, not being infirm in faith, he considers his body, already deadened (being inherently somewhere about a hundred years) and the deadening of the matrix of Sarah,
20 yet the promise of God was not doubted in unbelief, but he was invigorated by faith, giving glory to God,
21 being fully assured also, that, what He has promised, He is able to do also.
22 Wherefore, also, it is reckoned to him for righteousness.
23 Now it was not written because of him only, that it is reckoned to him,
24 but because of us also, to whom it is about to be reckoned, who are believing on Him Who rouses Jesus our Lord from among the dead.
25 Who was given up because of our offenses, and was roused because of our justifying.
We know that faith took Christ to the cross, but can we say that faith came out of the cross as well? If we can, that might explain Paul’s language about faith being reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
According to Romans 3:21-31 the righteousness of God is “manifest” through the faith of Christ — a grand and glorious “faith”. But here in chapter 4 we have the faith of Abraham being “reckoned” (counted) as righteousness.
God’s righteousness is MANIFEST through Christ’s faith… but Abraham’s faith is reckoned to him for righteousness.
Christ’s faith MANIFESTS, Abraham’s faith RECKONS. The glory and power rests in Christ’s faith. Abraham’s faith is merely a mirror of the absolute reality. But — onward…
Abraham’s little display of faith (compared to Christ’s faith, which took Him to the cross) is written for us, about us, because of us — see verse 23-24.
22 Wherefore, also, it is reckoned to him [Abraham] for righteousness.
23 Now it was not written because of him [Abraham] only, that it is reckoned to him,
24 but because of us also, to whom it is about to be reckoned, who are believing on Him Who rouses Jesus our Lord from among the dead.
Our faith is nothing compare to Christ’s faith. Our faith, like Abraham’s faith reckons us for righteousness… but Christ’s faith MANIFESTS the righteousness of God. Holy smoke.
You see, we who believe… believe on Him (God) who rouses Jesus from among the dead-plural—see verse 24.
This is just the beginning of the operations of God. This is just a down-payment of what we expect from the death and resurrection of Christ —(See Eph 1:14) — that it was a resurrection from among the dead-plural. This, brothers and sisters, is amazing. We are changed somehow by Christ’s work on the cross. We are brought into a promise.
And finally, verse 25 reveals something about the accomplishments of the cross that “christians,” with their solipsistic religion cannot believe nor understand: that our justification has already happened. “Past tense” !!! It happened on the cross. And because it happened there on the cross — THAT’S WHY God raised Him from among the dead-plural. You see — “He was roused because of our justifying!!!”
Our justification is a settled matter. He was roused BECAUSE it is a settled matter. And we who believe were justified long before we believed. We were justified by His work on the cross. In fact, all who sinned, all who had “offenses” took Christ to the cross, whether they know it or not — according to Romans 4:25. And all who took Him to the cross, were justified by His work there, on the cross. And this is amazing
This is humbling.
The God who creates all, justifies all, through the faith of Christ, that took Him to the cross… and God was satisfied with that great achievement there… on Calvary’s hill. Oh my.
Romans 4:18: …who, being beyond expectation, believes, in expectation, for him to become the father of many nations, according to that which has been declared, “Thus shall be your seed.”
19 And, not being infirm in faith, he considers his body, already deadened (being inherently somewhere about a hundred years) and the deadening of the matrix of Sarah,
20 yet the promise of God was not doubted in unbelief, but he was invigorated by faith, giving glory to God,
21 being fully assured also, that, what He has promised, He is able to do also.
22 Wherefore, also, it is reckoned to him for righteousness.
23 Now it was not written because of him only, that it is reckoned to him,
24 but because of us also, to whom it is about to be reckoned, who are believing on Him Who rouses Jesus our Lord from among the dead.
25 Who was given up because of our offenses, and was roused because of our justifying.
9:34 a.m.
Coffee refill time:
Grace to you.
Ace.
The Cross and Its Accomplishments Revealed in Romans 5 Might Be Considered The Grand “Watering Hole” — Why? Because Romans 5 Is Rich And Deep With What The Cross Achieves !!!
Sunday, April 7th, 2024
6:59 a.m.
31º now, 47º later.
No rain.
You know Romans 5 is a powerful revelation of God, when “christian” preachers everywhere ignore and avoid verses 18 and 19, dear friend….
“Christians” claim to love “God’s word” and they say “the Bible is the word of God.” But it’s amazing how much of the Bible they ignore and marginalize.
Plus… It’s amazing how much of the Bible just flat out goes over the “christian’s” head. I have concluded that, for the most part, the Bible is UNDERSTANDABLE… and the reason we don’t understand much of the Bible is because we have a lousy translation, and/or we have lousy assumptions about the message, and/or we have a modern-day mind filled with plenty of preconceived ideas about God, His word, and the “christian” religion altogether.
Back to my story about Romans 5 — I was in a church in Santa Barbara, California back in the 1980’s. I think it was a Calvary Chapel church, it might have been a Vineyard church. It was a Sunday morning sermon. And the pastor was to speak on Romans 5. He dutifully read the chapter… and I was so excited because he was soon to read verses 18 and 19.
Imagine my surprise and shock, when he hopped OVER those two verses and continued to the end of the chapter.
I raised my hand to call his attention to the fact that he missed reading verses 18 and 19… as if he didn’t know.
And what-do-you-know… The church bouncer (a so-called “usher”) came over to me and said…
— interruptions —
2:30 p.m.
Back to work…
…so this church bouncer comes over to my pew, and tells me to put my hand down, or get out. — Such “christian” love.
Romans 5 is pregnant with revelations of what Christ achieves on the cross.
And since my ole preacher friend from the 1980’s skipped over verses 18 and 19… let’s begin there:
ROMANS 5:18 Consequently, then, as it was through one offense for all mankind for condemnation, thus also it is through one just award for all mankind for life’s justifying.
ROMANS 5:19 For even as, through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners, thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just.
In verse 18 the cross is revealed in this phrase: “one just award.”
In verse 19, the phrase is “the obedience of the One”.
The cross is many things. The cross is “one just award” AND the cross is “the obedience of the One.”
I can scarcely imagine discussing anything deeper and more beautiful than the one just award, and the obedience of the One.
The fact that Paul slings these two phrases at us without going into them deeper than he did… seems to indicate that he fully expected his audience to see the meaning and import of these words.
But alas the “christian” mind has been polluted with man-made theology and a religious dogma that boils down to a message of ethics and morality.
Paul’s message goes beyond mere ethics and morality… and takes us to the very heart and mind and achievements of God in the cross of Christ, apart from human effort and will.
The tragedy of mankind, is summed up in the first half of verse 18… “as it was through one offense for all mankind for condemnation”.
Adam’s “offense” sealed our fate. The fate of all, all mankind, was seal by his one offensive act.
Our fate: condemnation !!!
The redemption to this terrible situation… blessedly… is found right after the comma and the “thus also.” —
The comma and the “thus also” just begs us to keep reading. Why? Because Jesus Christ’s work on the cross results in “one just award”. And this one just award is for all mankind. And this one just award is for life’s justifying.
If Paul says nothing else ever, about the cross and its achievements… here we can be satisfied… and trust the work of God in this grand problem, given to us by Adam, and this more-than-grand solution brought about by the Son of God.
…it is through one just award for all mankind for life’s justifying.
Finally, if we can stand more revelation… we get to verse 19. And here Paul does not disappoint… he continues with this grand problem and its more-than-grand solution… the problem given by Adam, and the more-than-grand solution given to us all by our Lord, on the cross.
ROMANS 5:19 For even as, through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners, thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just.
In verse 18, Adam’s act was called an “offense.” Here in verse 19 it’s called “the disobedience of the one man.”
In verse 18 the achievement of Adam was “condemnation for all mankind.” — In verse 19 the riff goes on to say “the many” were “constituted sinners”.
Summed up — the offense is the disobedience. And the condemnation of the offense is what constitutes us all “sinners.” No exceptions. The situation is dire. More than dire, indeed.
But the cross — which is the real subject of verses 18 and 19… brings about “life’s justifying” and the wonderful status of humanity being constituted “just”.
How lovely.
ROMANS 5:18 Consequently, then, as it was through one offense for all mankind for condemnation, thus also it is through one just award for all mankind for life’s justifying.
ROMANS 5:19 For even as, through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted sinners, thus also, through the obedience of the One, the many shall be constituted just.
With our next visit, we’ll back up to Chapter 5 verse one… and explore the cross in verses we missed.
I wanted to race through verses 18 and 19 because they seem to be hated by the “christian” word… as was demonstrated to me by that silly “christian” preacher who hopped over those two verses in reading chapter 5 to his “sheep” way back in the 1980’s.
Grace to you.
Till then, I am yours,
Ace Theo
3:39 p.m. Sunday.
LIFE ITSELF WAS CREATED FOR THE CROSS, AND THE CROSS WAS CREATED FOR LIFE.
(NOTES FROM ROMANS 5)
Monday, April 8th 2024
9:45 a.m.
36º out there now, 50º later.
No rain.
It wouldn’t be fair to explore the cross in Romans 5… without tagging on to the last verse of Romans 4… (Romans 4:25) —
24 …who are believing on Him Who rouses Jesus our Lord from among the dead.
25 Who was given up because of our offenses, and was roused because of our justifying.
Do you see the little phrase “given up because of our offenses…”?? — that is a reference to the cross. He was given up to the cross. How’s that for a fine metaphor ?? Christ was “given” to the cross. Christ was a gift to the cross. A gift to death.
“Given up…” is a thing.
Most of the “christian” blather about things, suggest that Christ was “given to us” or at least “offered to us”. But here in verse 25 it says Christ was “given up” to the cross. Given up to — death. What do you make of that ??
As if “death” needed one more sacrifice. As if “death” is an entity. As if death is a personality. As if “death” is hungry for one more soul.
All that aside — what I’m really interested in today, is the later part of verse 25. “Christ was roused” from the dead “because of our justifying”.
You see, we are already JUSTIFIED, and THAT is why God was able to rouse Him from the dead. Christ was given up because of our offenses, and was roused because of our justifying. — ain’t that somethin’??
Our justification is a settled matter. Nothing else is required. It is a settled matter. Not even “belief” can help — for it is a settled matter. Belief cannot help and unbelief cannot hinder. (Romans 3:3).
In the mind and view of God… our justification is a settled matter BECAUSE Christ was given up to the cross.
And if we tie Romans 4:25 to Romans 5:18, we have another wonderful plot line revealed in the grand purpose of God (Eph 3:11).
You see, all of life will be justified by Christ’s work on the cross. Yeah, weird huh? But it says so, right in Romans 5:18.
So we can say with confidence that God created all of life (Gen 1:1)… to send Christ to the cross… and God created Christ’s experience on the cross to justify all of life.
This wild and crazy thought, is just the opposite of solipsistic “christianity”.
God’s entire focus is on His Son, and His Son’s experience on the cross (2 Cor 5:18-21).
God’s salvation is a result of this great scheme between the Father and His Son.
A great summation if this plot line is found in Philippians 2:5-11. It’s a passage about the kenosis (the emptying) of Christ. And Christ receiving a Name above all names, as a result.
The suffering of Christ, on the cross, has great meaning for both the Father, the Son and for all creation. In Colossians 1:20 — Paul tells us that all creation, both that in the Heavens and that on the Earth, will be greatly moved to the core, by the blood of His cross.
The cross gives meaning and justification to life itself. And life was jinned up to give the cross meaning and purpose.
And thus, Paul, our apostle, famously said “I have determined to know nothing among you save Christ and Him crucified.” (I Cor 2:2)
[Our Lord Jesus] was given up because of our offenses, and was roused because of our justifying. (Romans 2:25)
Consequently, then, as it was through one offense for all mankind for condemnation, thus also it is through one just award for all mankind for life’s justifying. (Romans 5:18)
So, we come into this so-called “life” broken and confused and headed toward death itself. We are born, not with unending life, but with mortality operating in us from head to toe.
Romans 5:12 says “…death was passed through unto all mankind…”
Lucky us. We’re born mortal. Mortality was passed through to all.
And thanks to mortality, we’ve all got this attitude. The latter part of verse 12 says, “on [the basis of] which, all sinned.”
Apart from sin, there would be no need of the cross of Christ. Thus, no cross. And apart from His cross, there would be no real appreciation of life itself.
So, God in His great planning and orchestration… makes sure Adam sins and is kicked out of the garden.
And God, in His great planning and orchestration… brings man through a handful of seemingly “right” paths… Paths that “seem right to a man” — but all of these paths fail.
Paths like innocence, conscience, human government, law, promise, the incarnation, etc. But these paths fail to produce anything akin to sinlessness. It’s just all sin all the time.
So God shocks the world. And worldly thinking.
God sends His Son to die the death.
And of course, one might ask, “HOW THE HELL WILL THAT SOLVE ANYTHING ??”
At first, “the death” seems to solve nothing at all.
But on second glance… a glance we get from the pen of Paul… this “death” and His subsequent resurrection solves every query of the mind and heart and soul of man… and indeed it solves every puzzling question even of the celestial beings… and causes every knee everywhere to humbly bow in honor and adoration of God’s plan and purpose. Holy smoke.
Life was made for the cross. And the cross was made to give meaning and purpose to life. The idea is right there in Romans 4:25 and 5:18.
And finally, we can look at Romans 5:1.
Romans 5:1 Being, then, justified by faith, we may be having peace toward God, through our Lord, Jesus Christ,
And of course, we are not justified by our own human faith. No. Romans 5:1 is a comment about Christ’s faith. Not ours.
It is because of Christ’s faith, the faith that allowed Him to go to the cross… that we may now have peace towards God.
We can now, look at Christ’s faith, and Christ’s work on the cross, and relax and trust God in these great matters of making sense out of the whole grand scheme.
Christ was given up because of our offenses… and was roused because of our justifying… and now we may be having peace towards God.
Oh my.
What a revelation.
What a bright and happy future.
What a wonderful and happy God.
What a plan.
The cross, and its accomplishments are all we have and all we need.
Let us join our apostle Paul, in proclaiming “I have determined to know nothing among you except Christ and Him crucified.”
What a lovely message.
It doesn’t make any sense at first. But then it makes all the sense in the world.
GRACE TO YOU.
Ace Theo, truster.
11:06 a.m.
44º
P.S. “May the word of the Lord race and be glorified…” (2 Thess 3:1)
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