The Final Word
The Final Word
Romans 16:24-27
Introduction: We now come to Paul’s final word. Let us then with reverence examine this Word of Benediction. We have here:
I. The Theology of a True Benediction (Romans 16:24)
No true benediction can be pronounced or experienced without divine grace. Let us observe that:
A. The Theology of Grace is Revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 16:24)
Some twenty-one times Paul has used the term “grace” throughout this epistle. In a very real sense, he is summing up the theology of his gospel when he speaks of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a sovereign, saving and satisfying grace which educates and consecrates men and women.
B. The Theology of Grace is Received in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 16:24)
This benediction is a prayer from Paul’s heart. He has revealed God’s grace in a plan of salvation that is sufficient for all, but only efficient in those who believe and receive. There is no situation in life where the grace of God cannot reach us.
II. The Doxology of a True Benediction (Romans 16:25, 27)
In the verses that conclude this matchless epistle we have a doxology which is rich, deep, and full. By definition, doxology is “the word of praise.” So we have here:
A. The Tribute of Praise to the Power of God (Romans 16: 25)
Paul knew as well as we do that doctrine without dynamic gets us nowhere. If this epistle and all it stands for is to be lived out, then believers had to experience the power of God to establish and to confirm. If we are to live by faith as righteous men and women, we must know the dynamic of the gospel.
B. The Tribute of Praise to the Purpose of God (Romans 16: 25-26)
Paul is ascending in his doxology. From the power of God he now moves higher to the purpose of God. In a sense, this is the whole burden of what he has already written. From the opening sentence to this closing song, he has outlined the purpose of God in grace, as revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.
C. The Tribute of Praise to the Person of God (Romans 16: 27)
Paul now soars to the ultimate crescendo by offering his tribute of praise to the Person of God. Paul was a man of high academic training, but as the light of revelation broke in upon his soul he could see the difference between human philosophy and holy theology. He shows that in Christ Jesus, God has made known to us His wisdom.
Conclusion: With this final ascription Paul leaves us gazing into the endless succession of coming ages and listening to the song which rises with louder and sweeter notes to Him who, before the worlds were formed, saw us in sin and ruin and sent His Son, even our Lord Jesus Christ, to lift us from our lost condition and make us part of His eternal family.