Lesson 442

(Lesson 442)(10-31-12) Romans 14:10-23, "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

This lesson is a continuation of Paul's instructions to those disciples in Rome, promoting the acceptance of minor differences among Christians. Mainly that the Gentiles who were believers should be accepting of the Jewish tradition of abstaining for certain foods, and that the Jews should be accepting of the Gentiles who did not observe that custom.
This lesson clears up a possible message conflict in an earlier lesson in which Paul had seemingly denied the will of God when allowing the Jewish Church elders in Jerusalem to declare that all Gentile converts were to be required to abstain from eating "unclean" things, Acts 21:25, "As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication."

It had been clearly established by God's interaction with Peter, that ALL things in His creation were to be deemed clean and therefore could be used as food. The Jewish elders in Jerusalem, however, decided to drop the circumcision requirement of the Law, but to maintain certain food requirements.
Paul makes it clear, in this lesson, that the two differing opinions should never become a "stumbling block" in the spiritual path of of one seeking the saving grace of God.

He appears to be preaching the will of God as expressed by Peter, correcting his earlier stance of requiring all new converts to observe the customs of the law by now allowing those Jews who believed in the food requirements under the law, to continue their custom, while at the same time, making it clear to all that the custom was not a requirement within the Church.
Paul, careful to give ALL the credit for salvation to God through Jesus Christ, stressed the fact that what a person consumes, or does not consume, has nothing to do with their eternal salvation, which comes, NOT by the actions of our physical bodies, but through total faith in Jesus Christ crucified.~

Lesson 441

(Lesson 441)(10-30-12) Romans 14:1-9, "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living."

In this lesson, Paul explained that early Christians, were to accept those who appeared weak in faith and those who might believe nonessential things slightly differently than they. "Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him."(both).

That acceptance, I believe, does NOT apply to a great number of "isms" today. Although I do believe, as Paul said, "God hath received him.", when obviously referring to those with only cosmetic differences in their beliefs, we are still to be tolerant and accepting.

We should NOT accept clearly distorted versions of the Gospel of Christ as some today attempt to do, most clearly exampled by Catholicism and Mormonism, etc.

We must remember that there was no completed New Testament text in Paul's time, to which those who were teaching the gospel, could refer. Paul was obviously, through this letter, creating it. We today, have a distinct advantage in that regard because we DO have the complete gospel, all together, in total, and in easily accessed book form by which we are able to properly discern the wolves from the sheep.
Over the early centuries there were many Christian congregations that were split apart because one group demanded adherence to one particular tenet, while others refused to adhere to the same. Many times the two opposing groups split apart, causing one group, or the other, to begin a "new" ism, while in doing so further warping the truth of the original gospel and making it that much harder to find. I believe Jesus foresaw this when he said in Matthew 7:14, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

These actions have, over time, caused the true gospel of Christ, in many instances, to be so watered down by the additions and subtractions of truth, so as to have, in the majority of examples, totally robbed the gospel of it's true and original intent.
Paul appears to allow this to happen by what he wrote here. That, however, is NOT the case. We are indeed to be tolerant of those who honestly don't know the truth and to make sure they are properly educated. At the same time, we should be vigilant to keep out those angels of Satan who would deliberately distort the gospel of Christ so as to destroy its divine influence.
In essence, the lesson is to be tolerant of those who are ignorant of God's word, while condemning those who would wrongfully use it. All the while giving thanks and praise to God, through Jesus Christ, for all things.~

Lesson 440

(Lesson 440)(10-29-12) Romans Chapter 13, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

In this lesson Paul further explains how we, as Christian people, are to conduct ourselves and how we must always be straightforward in our dealings, both with our fellow Christians as well as others.
Paul very clearly demonstrates that through the operation of God, we will most assuredly be punished for the evil we do and at the same time be rewarded for the things we do correctly.
Paul also makes a point in this lesson that I believe is very important to today's circumstances. He says, "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." Herein, Paul is tellings us that we are to respect all who occupy positions of authority, also we are to respect the positions of those whose customs may conflict with ours. This simply means that, although we disagree with them, we are to show respect for their right to that belief. He demonstrates this in the list he gave above, "custom to whom custom".
There is no allowance made for us to forcefully correct those who we see as wrong, we may, however, teach the gospel to those who want to listen, maintaining respect for the beliefs of others.
Paul reiterates that if we simply love our neighbors, we have, in essence, fulfilled the law. We are to immerse (baptize) ourselves into that goodness established by Jesus Christ, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."~

Lesson 439

(Lesson 439)(10-28-12) Romans Chapter 12, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

In this lesson, Paul tells us how we, the children of God are to conduct ourselves in our daily lives and in all interactions with our fellow men/women, both friends and enemies.

This is essentially the same instructions that Jesus gave to His Apostles (the early Church). When asked what is the greatest commandment, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

This simple second commandment can be awfully hard to live up to at times but if we follow through, and, in faith, do always the right thing, we are assured a reward for our efforts, Rev. 22:12, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

It is our charge and challenge, as redeemed children of God, to live a life that will serve as an example to, and stir a desire in the hearts of the lost, hopefully causing them to want for the love and comfort of having the Son of God steadfastly and forever on our side. ~

Lesson 438

(Lesson 438)(10-27-12) Romans 11:20-36, "For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

This lesson very much speaks to the same issues that have been covered in our last few lessons. Paul reiterates that through the fall of the Jews, the Gentiles have been given salvation, and further, through those Gentiles whom have obeyed God and accepted His grace, the Jews have another chance to regain their "God's chosen" status alongside the Gentile believers.
In the final portion of this lesson, Paul makes it very clear that neither the Jews of his day, nor people of today, have the right to challenge the mind, or reasoning of God.
We must all always remember that God's will is just that, its His will! God cannot be doubted or questioned. I don't understand why He chose to cause the Jews to fall just so the Gentiles could inherit eternal salvation, but He did and I will ALWAYS be thankful for it, and will NEVER question WHY He did it. ~

Lesson 437

(Lesson 437)(10-26-12) Romans 11:15-19, "For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in."

This lesson tells the Gentiles that even though the Jews were cut off so that the Church could be given to the them, they should be humble, not bragging about it, but demonstrating appreciation that they too, are now counted as "God's chosen".
Without the covenant between God and Abraham, salvation would not have been promised to Israel, and without that same covenant, salvation would never have come to the Gentiles.
I thank God for that covenant, Israel's inheritance and God's eternal grace through Jesus Christ our Lord.~

Lesson 436

(Lesson 436)(10-25-12) Romans 11:6-14, "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them: Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them."

In today's lesson, Paul carefully, and again, explains the differences between the power of "faith" and "works" as they concern eternal salvation. He explains that through the law of works, that was given to Israel, and because of their failure to obey it, the law of grace through faith, was passed to the Gentiles. He, in essence, says that without the law and their disobedience, Israel would not have fallen, and without the fall of Israel, the Gentiles would not have received the gift of eternal salvation by grace through faith.

Thank God that through the faith of those few Jews, who remained loyal to God, the new law of grace through faith in the "works" of Jesus Christ, was given to the Gentiles.

In the final portion of this lesson Paul tells the Gentiles that through the Jews jealousy of them he is trying to provoke his own people (the Jews) to be saved.~

Lesson 435

(Lesson 435)(10-24-12) Romans 11:1-5, "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace."

This lesson tells us that even though Israel, as identified by those who still attempt to adhere to the law, has been used as a means by which God could give the Church to the Gentiles, He still allowed for those Jews who would accept Jesus Christ to be saved, "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.".
I don't understand why so many struggle to accept what is said here. There are still many in the lineage of Abraham (Jews) who are among God's "chosen". However, they are ONLY among God's chosen because they abandoned the law of "works" and accepted the new law of faith.
Because the vast majority of the Hebrew people were disobedient to the intent of the Law of Moses, and still are, they were given, as a people, over to their own pleasures. The Gentiles therefore, through their experience, inherited the Church, (chosen status).
Those Jews that now inhabit Israel, (the nation) are no longer to be considered "God's chosen", that status has been delegated to those of us who have accepted the grace of God through Jesus Christ to eternal salvation.~

Lesson 434

(Lesson 434)(10-23-12) Romans 10:12-21, "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people."

In this lesson Paul further demonstrates how the exclusive title of "chosen" is now given to both Jews and Gentiles, "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him."

There are many today who earnestly believe that we Christians are supposed to stand up for the Jews as a nation, no matter what they do. I believe that Paul makes it very clear in this lesson that the Jews are no better than the Gentiles in the sight of God. Therefore, if the Jewish nation does something adverse to the teachings of Christianity, we should not stand with them, but should instead pray for deliverance and their eventual salvation.

Also, Paul again makes clear all one needs to do to achieve eternal salvation, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Paul is obviously referring to, believing in, or having faith, when he speaks of calling on the name of the Lord because he goes on to say, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
In this lesson Paul also extols those who carry God's message, of grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to the world.~

Lesson 433

(Lesson 433)(10-22-12) Romans 10:1-11, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

It is my prayer that every lost soul read the lesson within these few verses. God's plan for the salvation of the lost cannot be made clearer than what Paul demonstrates in these few sentences.

In referencing the Jews of his day, Paul could just as easily have been speaking to the majority of religious "isms" today. Seeing that almost all "faiths" ironically abandon "faith" and set out to earn their salvation through their ability to live within the rules of the "law". In doing so, they try to do enough "good works" so as to be worthy of God's eternal redemption. Just as Paul says here, "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.", Again, just as the Jews of Paul's time, though they sincerely believe that Jesus lived, many today either will not accept, or fail to understand that Jesus, through His supreme sacrifice, became righteousness for us. Jesus did away with all the rules of the law so far as our salvation is concerned, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

We, the saved, are no longer judged by whether or not we break the rules of the old law, we are only judged as to whether or not we believe that Christ was the only begotten Son of God, and that He died the death of sin on our behalf. There are NO other qualifications!~

Lesson 432

(Lesson 432)(10-21-12) Romans 9:25-33, "As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

This lesson demonstrates how God had intended from the beginning that the Jewish people would lose their inheritance to the Gentiles, "But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law."
Because the Jews sought eternal salvation through the law and not by faith, their "chosen" status was taken from them and given to the Gentiles.
This lesson should be of great importance and bring stunning notice to those who continue to rely on their "good works" to achieve salvation, seeing herein that God clearly rejected the Jews because they depended on their own actions, through the law, and did not place their total faith in God for redemption. The law of "works" is the very "stumbling block" that condemned them.

NO man/woman can live a life "good" enough to work out their salvation.~

Lesson 431

(Lesson 431)(10-20-12) Romans 9:14-24, "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?"

This lesson is clearly directed to those who, because they do not understand, challenge the ultimate and omniscient power of God.
We have all heard, many times, people asking the question, "how could a loving God take the life of a loving young mother?" Or, "how could a loving God allow a child to be cruelly crippled or deformed?" Those who ask those questions cannot possibly understand that we, as mortals, the "clay" which God molded, are in NO position to challenge the decisions of God.

There is NO "right" or "wrong" by which we, HIS creation can judge the mind of God. The entirety of the universe and the universes beyond, if there were any, all belong to Him! God is the beginning and the end of all things, He answers to nothing except Himself.

Therefore, just as this lesson tells us, there were certain individuals and peoples whom God, from the beginning had preordained to do His bidding and go on to reap His wrath for doing it, seemingly getting, what we would consider, a bad rap. Consider the example of Pharoah and how God compelled him to disobey His order, through Moses, to let the Hebrew people go Hardening Pharoah's heart so that he would NOT obey and let them go. Pharoah was used by our Father to demonstrate His awesome power and in so doing free His people, Israel.

Another example is Judas. He was obviously preordained to betray Jesus to the Romans so that He could die the spiritual death allowing that salvation could ultimately come to everyone who will accept it. Did Judas get a bad deal??~

Lesson 430

(Lesson 430)(10-19-12) Romans 9:1-13, "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."

The real lesson of these few passages have never before been clear to me, until today. As I read this text, the full meaning of what Paul establishes here came to full bloom.
The tradition throughout history, in almost every custom, has been that the eldest son be the inheritor of the fathers power and wealth. But that is clearly not true concerning how God deals with his own.

Beginning with Cain, the firstborn of Adam and Eve, the sons of the most prominent biblical patriarchs were, in some way, gave up their inheritance. Cain killed Abel and thereby became forever identified as the evil son, ceding the label of the good son to Abel, his younger brother. Ishmael was born of Abraham's second wife Hagar, he too, throught his Egyptian lineage, he too lost his inheritance. Bible history also tells us that Esau, the firstborn of Isaac, because of his mothers preference for Jacob, lost his eldest son inheritance.

This pattern, of the first losing its position to the second, persists throughout the lineage of the Hebrew patriarchs.

The pattern uncannily coincides with what Jesus said in Luke 13:30, "And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last."

You might be wondering how all this applies to today's lesson. Paul makes that clear in these few verses. Israel was indeed God's chosen (the eldest) in the beginning, but fell to the status of servants when they rejected Jesus, the only begotten son of God. The inheritance (the church) was then given to the Gentiles (the younger brother).

Paul, because of his Jewish heritage, was mourning the fact that his brethren had, through their continuing rejection of Jesus, given up their special standing before God.~

Lesson 429

(Lesson 429)(10-18-12) Romans 8:26-39, "But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

This is one of the most powerful lessons on the "security of the believer" that is to be found anywhere in the entire New Testament.
In the first portion of this lesson, Paul assures the saved that even though there are times when we are down and can't identify exactly why, the Holy Spirit of God intercedes on our behalf for the "groanings which cannot be uttered". What a wonderfully glorious position to be in. God will automatically take care of those things that trouble us even, though we don't understand them.

In the latter portion of this lesson are these wonderful words of assurance to those of us who believe that Jesus paid the price for us. "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
This statement is absolute assurance that once we become the children of God, there is NOTHING that can take us out of His love.

Ephesians 1:13-14 in part, "ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."

The saved are "purchased" by the blood of Christ and "sealed" by the Holy Spirit.~

Lesson 428

(Lesson 428)(10-17-12) Romans 8:15-25, "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

This lesson tells us that we, as "born again" individual Gentiles, have been accepted before God as equal to (brothers with) the Jews as "God's chosen people". Paul said, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

Paul is clearly telling us that we have been adopted by God and that we are bound to Christ by the "spirit" and that through the suffering of Jesus, it is counted to us as to have also suffered and that because of that suffering, we will be "glorified" with Him becoming, like Him, the children of God.~

Lesson 427

(Lesson 427)(10-16-12) Romans 8:1-14, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."

In this lesson, Paul makes it very clear that through the life and death of Jesus, all whom accept His sacrifice are no longer judged by the sinful actions of the flesh. So far as those eternal souls are concerned, they escape the final judgment of God because, "if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."

Paul tells us that those who reject the grace of God through Christ, will continue to be finally judged by their sins in the flesh and those who accept His grace will remain righteous in spirit and be judged by that righteousness before God.

Close attention should be paid to the very last statement in this lesson, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." This statement leaves NO room for misinterpretation, it very clearly separates the spiritual inner man/woman from the carnal man/woman in the flesh, and designates the saved spiritual man/woman as the sons/daughters of God. It says, "they ARE the sons of God" not that they will be if they live perfect lives, they, very clearly, already ARE!

The utter awesomeness of that statement should make goosebumps rise on those of us who have place our souls in the redeeming grace of God and the sin remitting sacrifice of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 426

(Lesson 426)(10-15-12) Romans chapter 7, "Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."

This lesson is to me, another of the most precious lessons in the bible. Paul clearly establishes that even though the sins of our soul, (inner man/woman) have been justified, our souls still reside in our sin laden, carnal, bodies. Therefore the carnal man/woman will continue in sin in the flesh.

Just as Paul said, we do those things that we know are not what we should do. Then again, just as Paul said, we don't do the things we know that we should.

Thank God that Jesus Christ stands as intercessor between those of us who are saved and our heavenly Father and that we will not be condemned before Him.
I urge that all who read these lessons take time to carefully learn and absorb what Paul has written here. He vividly describes the dilemma of some "Christians" who like the Jews, or for whatever reason, have come to believe that they must take it upon themselves to live a perfect life in order to obtain and maintain their salvation. Sadly, those who put their faith in themselves do not place the required faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. One CANNOT have faith in both themselves and Jesus Christ, one must override the other. In order to be saved, those who are lost MUST turn the responsibility for how they live their lives totally over to Jesus and let Him be perfect for them, realizing, that in their carnal bodies, they are unable.

Just as Paul so eloquently makes clear in this lesson, there are NO perfect human beings, except those saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, and only then because Jesus absorbs the sins we continue to commit.

Once the sinner has placed his/her faith in Christ, NEVER again are they accountable for their personal lives before the Father. However, as I have said before, and as will be established as these lessons progress. We, the saved, are accountable to Jesus for our daily sins and if we don't ask forgiveness for those sins, we WILL suffer the wrath of Christ here on earth, and be judged for our actions, whether good of bad, when He returns.~

Lesson 425

(Lesson 425)(10-14-12) Romans 6:14-23, "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

In this lesson, Paul further explains how, after salvation, we should be changed from the old, sin laden outcast into a loving caring worker for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As was established in prior lessons, upon establishing a law, one also establishes the sin that comes through the violation of that law. Eternal salvation removes all the laws that before the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, governed mankind. Therefore, there is no law left for the saved to violate (Jesus fulfilled all prior laws). However, Christians are left with two distinct Commandments by which the redeemed are to live, Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Just as Jesus said, we, the saved, are to live by these two simple commandments.
It is my belief that the only way the saved can sin against a lost person is to fail to live a life that is conducive to the promotion of the gospel of Christ crucified. This is pretty much proven by what Jesus called the "second" commandment, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
It is my experience that, even thought we continue to sometimes cross the line, salvation takes away the desire to violate either of these greatest commandments.~

Lesson 424

(Lesson 424)(10-13-12) Romans 6:1-13, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

In this lesson Paul gives instructions to those of us who are saved by the grace of God as to how we to conduct ourselves after salvation. He tells us that, as Christians, we are to walk in newness of life, rejecting the very appearance of evil.
He clarifies the fact that just because our souls have been eternally cleansed of sin and redeemed in the sight of God. Our bodies are still subject to the wrath of Jesus Christ if we sin one against another. "2 Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."

Christians are no longer subject to the penalty of the spiritual death, nor do we appear to be anything other than perfect in the sight of God. However, salvation does NOT justify our sinful actions, after salvation, in the sight of Jesus Christ our ultimate Judge. Romans 14:10, in part, "for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."~

Lesson 423

(Lesson 423)(10-12-12) Romans 5:7-21, "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."

In this lesson Paul demonstrates how the entire human race is born in sin beginning with the fall of Adam. Through Adam's transgression, we were all, being his descendants, condemned by that same transgression and expelled from the presence of God, bound to experience the spiritual death. Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
However, God in His infinite grace and from the very beginning, saw fit to send His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die that spiritual death for those who would accept His sacrifice.

Those who have accepted the grace of God have been JUSTIFIED. We should pay close attention to what that means. The saved are justified, even though we continually live in sin, our sins are made as righteousness before God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
There is no other requirement for achieving eternal life! All you have to do is believe that Jesus died that death for you and your sins too, will be justified, NOT just forgiven, but "JUSTIFIED".
Paul explains to us that through the sin of one evil man, (Adam) death came upon us all, and through the life of one perfect man, (Jesus) life returned for all who would only believe in Him.
God's punishment for any sin against Him is death, thank God Jesus has died that death for sinners like me.~

Lesson 422

(Lesson 422)(10-11-12) Romans 5:1-6, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."

This lesson is a continuation or Paul's sermon on faith, as opposed to works, as a condition of eternal salvation for all mankind.

Note that in the latter portion of this lesson, Paul says, "Christ died for the ungodly." This statement puts all the rest of Paul's sermon in clear perspective.

Because of the inability of mankind to live a perfectly righteous life, or to have a means by which to overcome the original sin of Adam, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ became necessary. Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Jesus was sent as a 'one-time-fits-all' payment for all the sins of those who would only accept it.
It is vividly clear that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the one, and only, remitter of sin. Those who choose to deny the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, will forever dwell in the grasp of sin, Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."

It is also very noteworthy that there is no reference to water baptism anywhere in Paul's stated requirements for eternal salvation.
Again, I don't want to leave the impression that those who have accepted, and placed their faith in, the grace of God have a license to do whatever they want, 2 Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."~

Lesson 421

(Lesson 421)(10-10-12) Romans 4:9-25, "Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."

Today's lesson is a furtherance of Paul's explanation as to how salvation comes through faith alone.
He makest the point that being, or not being a Jew, has nothing to do with salvation, and NEVER did. Abraham was saved through faith in God just as you and I are today. Abraham was NOT a Jew in the literal sense, (circumcised). God forgave Abraham BEFORE he was named the father of the Jews. That is the exact same salvation that has been in existence from the beginning.

Therefore, Abraham is not ONLY the father of the Jews, he is the father of all the saved, "that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:"

"For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

Paul says, "Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression."
This means that sin comes through the law. In other words, where there are no rules, rules cannot be broken. For example, when Adam and Eve were yet in the garden of Eden, before they ate of the forbidden fruit, there was only one possible sin, they could commit, no matter what they did otherwise. As we all know, that sin was the partaking of the forbidden fruit.

Today, the only possible sin that confronts the lost, or unsaved individual, is the denial of God's eternal salvation, freely given, through the blood of Jesus Christ.
To sew this all together, we must remember that today, in modern times, there is NO law by which we will be judged so long as we have accepted the sacrifice of Christ. Jesus stands ready to block anything we do from the sight of the Father, He has already fulfilled that law for us. However, to one who chooses to live by the law of works, and demands perfection within oneself, there is NO redemption, seeing that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God". That one has taken upon him/herself the burden of sin according to the law by which they govern their own lives, unless it is as some point accepted, the grace of God does not apply to them.~

Lesson 420

(Lesson 420)(Romans 4:1-8, "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin."

Today's lesson contains more vivid assurance that we are saved by faith alone. "Good works" have nothing to do with it.

Herein, Paul explains that it was not Abraham's actions that made him a righteous man, it was his faith in God that justified him, no matter what he had done, even to the point of killing his own son.

This is a very difficult concept for many to comprehend. The confusion, I believe, is caused by the actions taken by the Jewish element of the early Church. They insisted that all new Christian converts retain many elements of the old laws, even in some examples, circumcision. As we will determine in the continuation of these lesson, Paul spent the majority of his ministry trying to pry the Jews away from the law.

Herein, Paul very clearly explains that if one does a certain job for a wage, the wage cannot be a gift (grace), the wage is earned and therefore owed, and not given freely.

Salvation cannot be earned, it is free to all who will accept the grace of God through Christ Jesus. "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
Pay close attention to what Paul says in this last portion of this text, "But to him that worketh NOT, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." This simply means, just as it did in Abraham's case, faith to those who have accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is absolute righteousness. Seeing that total righteousness is all that's required to inherit eternal life, those who have faith in the operation of God are the heirs for whom eternity has been prepared.

Notice also, that Paul is talking to the "ungodly" those who are yet in sin, that includes all of us, even the redeemed", he goes on to assure us that we are not simply forgiven, we are JUSTIFIED! Our faith actually makes our wrongs appear as right in the sight of God.~

NOTE: I am not promoting sin with this lesson, there are indeed punishments for the sins we commit against each other in this life. We will learn, as theses lessons progress, that Jesus will be the judge of those who sin against each other, as well as those who are saved and fail His word. 2 Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."~

Lesson 419

(Lesson 419)(10-08-12) Romans 3:19-31, "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."

In this lesson, Paul clearly demonstrates that our earthly behavior, "works", have nothing to do with whether or not we achieve eternal salvation. Paul says, "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."

This passage tells us that obedience to the law, (living a "sin free" life) will not justify us before God.

The lesson goes on to tell us that we are justified by faith only, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified FREELY by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith."

In the latter portion of this passage, it is very plainly established that NONE may brag that their "works" have earned them eternal life. To the contrary, righteousness, remission of sin, or justification of sin, comes through ones faith (believing) in the blood of Jesus Chirst crucified, buried, and risen.

Sadly, there are literally millions of people who wrongfully believe their salvation is tied to their everyday actions, their "works". Nothing could be further from the truth, Ephesians 1:9-14, "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."

Those of us who have accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, are eternally righteous in the sight of God, 1John 3:9, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." We are also "SEALED with that Holy Spirit of promise." ~

Lesson 418

(Lesson 418)(10-07-12) Romans 3:1-18, "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes."

In this lesson, Paul explains how, before the giving of the law, the Jews, even though they were sinners, could rely on the grace of God simply because they were His chosen.

He goes on to explain how, when the law was given, they became bound to obey that law, in order to maintain their inheritance.

We learn from our study of the old testament, how they were in disobedience of the Law of Moses, even as Moses was receiving it.

In the latter portion of this lesson, Paul explains that through their disobedience of that law, they had relinquised their status as "chosen".

Paul also tells us that the Gentiles, being judged by the same standards, also failed the law, and too, stand equally guilty before God.
Paul then lists the evils that prevails among both Jews and Gentiles.~

Lesson 417

(Lesson 417)(10-06-12) Romans 2:17-29, "Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

In this lesson, Paul very clearly explains that there is no longer a difference between the Jew and the Gentile concerning God's judgment. The Jews had long ago, by their actions, effectively disavowed the law. A circumcised Jew was nor, is, any better off than the uncircumcised Gentile, unless the Jew had perfectly obeyed the law of Moses. Both will be judged by the same standard, that standard being whether or not the individual accepts the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ.

Paul says, wearing circumcision as the marker of being God's chosen, meant nothing. The only true markings of a Jew could be found in the heart of one perfect under the law, and since there were none perfect under the law, except Jesus, the Jew as God's (only) chosen, was no more.~

Lesson 416

(Lesson 416)(10-05-12) Romans 2:7-16, "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

This lesson clearly establishes that, to the Jews, the Law of Moses, after the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, meant no more than the common laws of the Gentiles. Paul says that if one stands guilty within the parameters of one of these two laws, he is equally guilty under the other, "But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God."

He establishes that the ONLY law by which mankind is to be judged, is the new Law of faith he so devotedly preached, and that was enacted through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

What this lesson is telling us, in essence, is that if one is not a born again believer in the sacrifice of the only begotten, perfect, Son of God for the remission of ALL sin, he/she is guilty and condemned to the eternal death as per the gospel of Jesus Christ which Paul preached.~

Lesson 415

(lesson 415)(10-04-12) Romans 2:1-6, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:"

This lesson demonstrates how the Apostle Paul, using simple gospel truth, could so eloquently slap hypocrites up side their heads.

Herein, Paul first defines the guilty, then he condemns those self righteous individuals who set themselves up as judges of others, declaring the judges equally guilty of the original sins.

Paul goes on the tell us that almighty God is the ultimate judge, and that He will most assuredly judge the guilty as well as their accusers.
This lesson very much applies to today's "Christians", it did to the traditional Jews of Paul's day.~

Lesson 414

(Lesson 314)(10-03-12) Romans 1:16-32, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."

In this lesson, Paul scourges the Jews for having had knowledge of the ways of God, since Abraham, yet they continually turned away from Him to their own evil ways, "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

After the Jewish nation turned its back on the Messiah and rejected the saving grace of the "Godhead" (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost, the operation of God), He turned them over to a "reprobate mind" allowing them to wallow in their own evil lust and Idolatry.
This lesson also makes very clear the evil of homosexuality, sodomy and the like, "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."
Although Paul seems to be preaching about an exceptionally evil people, his message could equally apply to the society within which we live today. We are, in no specifically discernable way, different from those of whom Paul spoke in this sermon.~

Lesson 413

(Lesson 413)(10-02-12) Romans 1:13-15, "That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also."

This lesson concerns more of Paul's letter to the disciples at Rome. It esplains how he had long wanted to visit with them because, in his words, "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also."
Evidently, Paul had not yet preached to these disciples to whom he was writing. This idea is confirmed by his usage of the term "also", at the end of the above statement and the fact that Paul said, "Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you". This tells us that Paul had indeed preached to someone, by not yet to these disciples in particular.
This knowledge has a great bearing on whether or not the disciples at Rome, as yet, constituted an organized, ordained, individual branch of Christ's Church.
This lesson, even the entirety of Paul's letter, can reasonably qualify as a sermon to those in Rome.
This will become clearer as these lessons progress.~

Lesson 412

(Lesson 412)(10-01-12) Romans 1:1-17, "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

This lesson is part of a letter from Paul to the believers in Rome. At the beginning, Paul refers to himself as a "called" Apostle of Jesus Christ. This is significant in that Paul's calling to the Apostleship separates him from 'run-of-the-mill' preachers. Jesus granted certain powers to the Apostles that was never granted to any other individual.

In a statement made directly to Peter and the other Apostles, in Matthew 16:18-19 Jesus grants this power when He said, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Through their unique calling, the Apostles were thereby empowered to be the only conduit through which Jesus would ,"build My Church".

As the Church grew, the same power was given to the Church as a body. This is verified by what Jesus said when addressing the Church as a whole in "Matthew 18:18, Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

At that point Jesus authorized the Church, as a collective body, to receive and "bind" new members.

Also, in this lesson, Paul expresses his desire to get back to Rome to "establish" their collective membership, "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."
It is clear by what Paul said, that there were believers in Rome, but that the Church had not yet been "established".~