A Study of Romans (9)

Boasting

Here Paul share that man has no credit when it comes to his justification;

No because of that there should be no boasting or claims to how we played apart in our justification;

Fact: Paul uses the “excluded” meaning “shut out” in this context, all the work, all the heavy lifting was done by Christ;

Reason: Paul is trying to get across that the “law” an “principle or basis” did not provide a way to justification - if so then through the traditions of the Jewish legal observances man would have a reason to take credit or salvation;

Faith

Faith in Jesus Christ is the way to salvation;

Now salvation is given to believers, yes in the middle of their mess, it is award to us not based on our “good works”;

So once again we cannot take credit is our justification;

Let’s get something clear - justification while in your mess does not give you the rights to stay in your mess (Romans 3:8)

How you live matters, work actions - “works” are important - they jut did not play apart in your salvation;

The fact that you presently enjoy a standing of guiltlessness before God is not the result of your works, but is yours because you have faith in Christ’s cross as the sacrifice for your sins.

Picirilli, R. E. (1975). The Book of Romans (p. 63). Nashville, TN: Randall House Publications.

Works

So where does works fit into all of this - it is a way to show the evidence of change “regeneration”;

Why is it so important that we have works, because it is the intent behind our creation (Ephesians 2:10);

The Book of Romans Excluding Human Honor (Verse 27)

But good works are the clear result of salvation, and the one whose life is not changed from practicing sin to practicing righteousness has no grounds to claim he had been justified by works.

The Plan

First and foremost faith is what leads to justification, without faith you will not be justified;

The work of Christ - His crucifixion - is what allows for our righteousness and and justification, not anything we do before or after;

Paul again is reiterating that “the deeds of the law” cannot lead to justification;

These truths should be etched on your heart and mind, these last verse should be at the front of our minds;

The People

Remember in v. 22 the reference to “all” again meaning every living person has access to the same righteousness of Christ;

The Book of Romans A Conclusion about People (Verses 29, 30)

This conclusion logically follows his teaching on the basic concepts of justification as seen above and the insistence of the first two chapters that both Jew and Gentile are alike guilty and condemned.

Paul here continues show there is only one God and His Son died for all that would have faith and believe.

The Purpose

First Paul recounts that the law was never intended to lead to justification, therefore there cannot be a contradiction;

Remember the law made sin known which allowed for a sense of guilt which should lead to calling out to Christ.

The Book of Romans A Conclusion about Purpose (Verse 31)

Thus, when men are brought to Christ for justification by faith, the very purpose of the Law is being fulfilled.