Lesson 2006

(Lesson 2006)(04-30-17) Romans 8:31-39

"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."

Today's quote contains the blessed assurance, from almighty God, of eternal life and security for all of us whom have chosen to believe in Jesus Christ. What a wonderfully glorious feeling to know that the power of God is our strength against condemnation.~

Lesson 2005

(Lesson 2005)(04-29-17) Romans 8:24-30

"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. 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."

Today's quote gives those of us who believe in the virgin born life, death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ a promise of eternal JUSTIFICATION and glorification. No matter what we do, it is justified before God by the Spirit of Jesus Christ that dwells in us.

Herein, Paul also explains how faith works and how the Spirit of Jesus Christ intercedes in our prayers knowing better than we, our needs and how to ask that they be fulfilled.~

Lesson 2004

(Lesson 2004)(04-28-17) Romans 8:15-23

"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."

Today's quote relates how the inner spirit of a saved person struggles with the weakness of the earthly body. Though the spirit has been redeemed the body is still subject to the weaknesses caused by our innate sin and remains subject to sins of the flesh. Herein, Paul does a masterful job of explaining those struggles.

The glorious part of this lesson is that, after our life is over here on earth, we will be given a glorified body that will be eternally free for that innate sin, "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."~

Lesson 2003

(Lesson 2003)(04-27-17) Romans 8:11-14

"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 today's quote, Paul continued to explain the confluence of sins in the flesh and the righteousness of the spirit of the children of God.

The quote again assures that once the spirit of a lost soul is reborn it indeed becomes a child of God and a brother/sister to Jesus Christ Himself. The newborn spirit is wholly righteous through Christ and will constantly urge the carnal man/woman to suppress the carnal desires of the flesh. Although we know that the inner man/woman cannot sin, ("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.", 1 John 3:9), we are still to allow the reborn spirit to guide our physical actions so as to refrain from as much carnal sin as possible.

The relationship between the inner man/woman (the spirit) and the outer man/woman ( the carnal), is hard for some folks to understand. Therefore, it behooves every bible student to pay very close attention to the entirety of what Paul has said concerning this matter in his letter to the Romans.~

NOTE: It anyone has ANY questions concerning this study, please don't hesitate to ask. If I can't answer the questions directly I'll do everything in my power to find someone who can.

Lesson 2002

(Lesson 2002)(04-26-17) Romans 8:9-10

"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."

In today's quote, Paul made it positively clear that those of us who have given ourselves over to the care of Jesus Christ, by faith in Him, are changed in the spirit so as to have become wholly righteous in the spirit. Paul said, "if Christ be in you, the BODY IS DEAD BECAUSE OF SIN; but the SPIRIT IS LIFE BECAUSE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS." That is the righteousness imputed into us by Jesus.

It behooves us to remember today's lesson as we continue this study through Paul's letter to the Romans. We should also remember that there is a great difference between sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit.~

Lesson 2001

(Lesson 2001)(04-25-17) Romans 8:1-8

"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."

In today's quote, Paul again made it clear that mankind, in his/her daily life, CANNOT live without sin in the flesh. Therefore, those who contend that in order to be eternally redeemed from the sin death, are grossly mistaken in their contention. It is our obligation, as the born again children of God, to educate as many as we can to that truth.

Physical works, or whether or not a person tries to avoid the sins ascribed in the law, have NOTHING to do with the eternal salvation of the soul. Eternal salvation comes by grace through faith, period. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)~

Lesson 2000

(Lesson 2000)(04-24-17) Romans 7:21-25

"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."

Today's lesson needs very little explanation. Therein, Paul makes it vividly clear that those of us who believe in Jesus Christ are bound by no law in the flesh. Paul also made it clear that the law that should cover the sins of the spirit has been wholly fulfilled by our blessed savior so that we are no held accountable to them.~

Lesson 1999

(Lesson 1999)(04-23-17) Romans 7:12-20

"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."

In today's quote, Paul said, in essence, that the restrictions of the law are good in that they, if obeyed, provide a perfect moral compass for all humanity. But, the phrase "if obeyed" destroys that reasoning in that it is impossible for mortal man to wholly obey all the restrictions of the law.

We can assume that what I've said here is true because of Paul's reasoning in today's quote. Paul reasoned that we, the children of God, because of the innate sin of all humanity, cannot by our own actions, possibly become righteous under the law. Paul said, "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."

That simply means that no matter how hard we might try to abide strictly by the rules of the law, we will inevitably fail. Therefore the ONLY means by which a lost soul can achieve the righteousness required for eternal redemption is to have that righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed into us through faith in Him.~

Lesson 1998

(Lesson 1998)(04-22-17) Romans 7:7-11

"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."

Although the lesson in today's quote might appear to be complicated and hard to understand, in truth it is simple when one considers that there can be no penalty for breaking a rule that does not exist.

What we now consider to be the sin of "lust", a condition Paul referred to in today's quote, would have been totally acceptable before the institution of the law that condemned it. The same could be said of murder and adultery, those acts too would have been wholly acceptable so long as there was no a law against them.

We should note here also that the Gentiles were never subjected to the law of the Jews. They did, however, as we will learn in subsequent lessons, impose certain moral restrictions upon themselves.

Until the imposition of the law upon the Jews, God made no demands of mankind other than that he/she believe in Him and accept Him as the supreme authority over all the universe.

Therefore, what Paul is saying in today's lesson is that the law itself is not sin, but rather, that it created sin by its implementation.~

Lesson 1997

(Lesson 1997)(04-21-17) Romans 7:1-6

"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."

In today's lesson we should first make note that Paul made a point of saying that this particular message was addressed to the Jews, those who understood their law. "for I speak to them that know the law".

In the body of today's quote, Paul compared the Jewish relationship to God with a Jewish marriage under their law. He made the point, that under that law, when a person is freed from her/his husband/wife by death, that person can remarry whomever he/she pleases without being guilty of adultery. Likewise, when a Jew is freed from the rules of the law by its death (fulfillment by Jesus Christ), that person is freed from what have been considered sin under that law.

We should note that none of this applies to Gentiles because they were never subjected to the rules of that law.~

Lesson 1996

(Lesson 1996)(04-20-17) Romans 6:12-23

"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. 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 today's quote, Paul makes it clear that instead of giving ourselves over to the sins of the flesh, we, the children of God, are expected to obey the two "great" commandments that Jesus Himself appointed unto us; "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." (Matthew 22:37-39 in part.) If we obey these two simple commandments we will have lived a life worthy of maximum rewards as we sit before Jesus at the judgment seat of Christ.~

Lesson 1995

(Lesson 1995)(04-19-17) Romans 6:1-11

"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."

    

    In today's quote, Paul, in essence, asked; is a saved person free to do as they please after having believed in Jesus Christ, with no fear of punishment? The answer is a profound and absolute NO! The children of God are to live by the two "great" commandments that Jesus gave us; "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." (Matthew 22:37-40 in part)

Also in today's lesson, Paul again emphasizes that when a soul is baptized (Permanently immersed by faith) into Christ (not water), that soul instantly becomes dead to sin. Once a lost soul dies with Christ through faith, that soul can no longer be charged with sin unto death. Once saved, a once condemned soul becomes as Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden where there was no sin except the partaking of the forbidden fruit. Jesus removed that fruit from our garden.

Although a person, after salvation, can still sin in the flesh, there is no sin in the spirit that can again lead to eternal damnation.

What is the punishment for those of us who sin in the flesh after salvation? We will ALL sit to be judged before Jesus Christ where we will be either be punished for the bad things we've done or rewarded for the good. Evert knee will bow and every tongue will confess.

We'll learn more about that as these lessons continue. ~

Lesson 1994

(Lesson 1994)(04-18-17) Romans 5:10-21

"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 today's quote, Paul very clearly explained that just as sin came unto all mankind through the disobedience of Adam, absolute righteousness came, and is imputed into, all of those who will believe in the life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and perfection of Jesus Christ.

Paul also explained that where there is no law, there can be no violation. Therefore, by Jesus having fulfilled the law for all of us who believe in Him, there is no sin in the sight of God because the perfection of Jesus Christ has been imputed into us. Upon belief, our sins become "justified".~

Lesson 1993

(Lesson 1993)(04-17-17) Romans 5:8-9

"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."

The two statements that are made in today's quote sum up the entirety of God's plan for our eternal salvation.

God, knowing that we are all condemned to spiritual death because of our sinful nature, sent His own son to be born into this earth as a human man, by a virgin woman, to fulfill all the commandments of the Law and die as the required sacrifice so that His perfection would be recognized before God the Father and imputed into all of us who believe in Him.~

Lesson 1992

(Lesson 1992)(04-16-17) Romans 5:1-7

"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. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."

One of the very most important parts of this lesson is the statement, "Christ died for the ungodly". He did NOT die for those who might be wholly righteous on their own. Paul's statement flies directly into the face of those who contend that a saved person must live a perfect, sin-free life, in order to maintain eternal salvation.

Just as Paul so clearly implies in today's quote, if a lost soul could be perfect, and live without sin, there would be no need for Jesus to have died. The very purpose for His death was so that His perfect righteousness could be imputed into those of us who can NEVER achieve that righteousness on our own.~

Lesson 1991

(Lesson 1991)(04-15-17) Romans 4:14-25

"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 quote reaffirms that God made the promise of salvation by grace through faith from the very beginning. Even Noah and his family were saved by faith. Noah's faith was such that he built an ark to save his family from certain death knowing by faith that God would destroy every living creature, just as He had said He would do.

In the very first part of today's quote, Paul made it clear that if one could attain eternal salvation by obeying the law (being good), faith would be made of no affect. Since the purpose of the law was to assure utter righteousness ONLY to those who could, and would, obey it in its entirety. God, knowing that mankind was/is incapable of completely obeying any law, deemed it necessary to impute the necessary soul saving righteousness into those of us who believe in Him, and who accept His grace through Jesus Christ.

What this all means is that if one believes in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, so far as his/her eternal soul is concerned, the acts of the flesh have absolutely no bearing at all.~

Lesson 1990

(Lesson 1990)(04-14-17) Romans 4:9-13

"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."

In today's quote, Paul made it clear that the covenant of righteousness through faith was established well before the descendants of Abraham were ordered by God to be marked by physical circumcision. Therefore, the Gentiles received the covenant at the same time the Jews did.

Circumcision was an order from God to physically distinguish those descendants of Abraham (Those who are now called Jews) who would be subjected to the laws from which righteousness could possibly be achieved if one followed those laws completely and also offered the necessary sacrifices.

God, knew from the beginning that it would be virtually impossible, because of their inherent sin nature, for any man or woman to obey those laws to the point of achieving absolute righteousness such as is required to regain eternal life.

Therefore, there is NO advantage to the Jews when it comes to who will or who will not be granted everlasting life. God's promise was made to everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, before there was any such thing as a Jew.~

Lesson 1989

(Lesson 1989)(04-13-17) Romans 4:6-8

"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."

In today's lesson, Paul made reference to David and his boundless faith in God, and how David's faith, such as that of Abraham, was counted to him for righteousness.

Those of us who have studied the Old Testament know that David, in the flesh, would not have been counted a righteous man by any standard. David is known to have had lust in his heart for a woman he saw bathing on a rooftop, eventually committing adultery with her, another man's wife, and eventually had the man killed in battle in an attempt to cover up what he had done. Yet, because of the faith of David, God counted that faith as righteousness and blessed his life with the woman with whom he had committed adultery and gave them a son, Solomon.

King David was indeed an unrighteous man but God imputed soul saving righteousness into him, not because of the works that he had done, but because of his faith.

Eternal salvation comes the same way still today; "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)~

Lesson 1988

(Lesson 1988)(04-12-17) Romans 4:4-5

""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."

We will spend one more daily lesson to explain the importance of what Paul said in Romans 4:4-5.

Most every "Christian" denomination erroneously contends that, if after a lost soul has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, that soul commits another sin in the flesh, unless that soul repents the sin and asks specific forgiveness for it, he/she loses his/her salvation and is again condemned to die the spiritual death. In the quote Paul makes if vividly clear that our earthly deeds have NOTHING to do with whether or not our souls are eternally saved. That is determined entirely by whether or not we have faith in Jesus Christ.

It is established in Ephesians 4:30, that once a lost soul has received the gift of eternal life, through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, that soul is "sealed" by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. ("And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, WHEREBY YE ARE SEALED UNTIL THE DAY OF REDEMPTION.") Also, 1 John 3:9 confirms that one who has been reborn in the spirit by faith in Jesus Christ, CANNOT commit a sin capable of breaking that eternal seal. (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.)

Now, does all this mean that everything a persons does, whether good or bad, after he/she has believed, is perfectly acceptable. We must remember that there will be TWO judgments and he answer is, as it pertains to the way our eternal souls are judged before God the Father, YES. That is because when God the Father makes His final judgment pertaining to our eternity, He will ONLY see the righteousness of Jesus Christ in those of us whom have accepted His saving grace by believing in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of His only begotten Son.
Our deeds, whether good or bad, as they pertain to how we will be seen at the judgment seat of Christ is another matter all together and the answer would be NO, because the bad things we do toward one another are NOT acceptable in the sight of Jesus Christ. Jesus will judge His own before the "judgment seat of Christ", long before the lost are finally judged before God the Father at His "great white throne".

"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." (2 Corinthians 5:10)

I hope I have presented this so that it rightfully conveys the lesson in a way that can be understood. If anyone has any questions about this lesson, I would be happy to try and answer them.~

Lesson 1987

(Lesson 1987)(04-11-17) Romans 4:4-5

"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."

In today's quote, Paul used the term "Justifieth" which is a grammatical variation of the term 'justify' which literally means to make just, or to cause to be perfect.

The Dictionary defines the word justify as meaning; to show (an act, claim, statement, etc.) to be just or right: to defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded: to declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.

Therefore, Paul was NOT saying that believing in Jesus causes ones sins to simply be forgiven, he said that if one believes in Jesus Christ, what before believing was a sin, after believing becomes "righteousness".

Any bible student knows that in order for any descendent of Adam to reacquire a presence with God the Father, or be eternally saved. One must achieve perfect righteousness. The ONLY righteousness that mankind can EVER achieve is that righteousness that can be imputed into him/her through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

In essence, the lesson in all this is that once a lost soul places his/her faith in Jesus Christ, that soul CANNOT commit sin because whatever he/she does becomes righteousness in the sight of God because of the blood of Jesus Christ. "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." (1 John 3:9) ~

Lesson 1986

(Lesson 1986)(04-10-17) Romans 4:4-5

"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."

This short lesson is so important to the overall explanation of God's plan of eternal salvation that the bible student should analyze every word of it.

First, we should note that Paul made a clear distinction between those who "work" and those who "worketh not". By doing so, he clarified that those who "work" actually earn their reward and that their reward is not a gift but rather it is payment of a debt. While he/she who "worketh not" (does nothing) yet who professes to, "BELIEVE on Him that JUSTIFIETH THE UNGODLY, his FAITH is counted for RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Who does Paul say is "justified" by belief? It is the UNGODLY, or, maybe better described, those who live their lives in a manner opposed the the will of God. Those are the souls who have no righteousness of their own, but rather are saved by the imputed righteousness of God through Jesus Christ.

If a person could live a life of completer righteousness he/she would not need righteousness imputed into them. But, since we know that there is NO ONE, other that Jesus Christ Himself, that has ever lived a life without sin, we MUST rely on the righteousness of Jesus Christ to make us appear as redeemable in the eyes of God.~

NOTE: Tomorrow's lesson will clarify what it means to be "justified" in the sight of God

Lesson 1985

(Lesson 1985)(04-09-17) Romans 4:4-5

"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."

Today's quote is another very short one but also a very important one.

Therein Paul establishes that if a person must work to achieve a certain payment or reward, that payment or reward cannot be classified as a gift but rather, it must be classified as payment for some work that has been done.

If I might draw an anology, if I hire you to dig a ditch and pay you $20 for your effort, the money you receive is not a gift, but rather is payment I owe you for a job you've done.

Therefore, the righteousness that God demands of His children, cannot be achieved by works of the flesh, but rather, that righteousness can ONLY be imputed into a lost soul through faith in Jesus Christ.~

NOTE: Tomorrow's lesson will be directly related to today's.

Lesson 1984

(Lesson 1984)(04-08-17) Romans 4:1-3

"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."

It is imperative that we follow these next few lessons very closely and make sure we fully understand what is being said therein.

In today's quote, Paul makes reference to the actions of Abraham as he freely offered Isaac, his son, up as a sacrifice simply because he thought he had been instructed by God to do so. The reference is also to why God saw Abraham's faith, so as to take those actions, as important enough to make Abraham an example of righteousness for all time and to cause God to covenant with him as the father of His chosen people.

As Paul makes vividly clear in today's and these next few lessons, it was not Abraham's physical act of offering Isaac up as a sacrifice, within itself, that made him righteous in the eyes of God, it was Abraham's faith that made his actions righteous.

Abraham knew, by faith, that God's decision was the right one, no matter what He asked or the cost. Abraham knew beyond all doubt that God would somehow make it up to him.

Therefore, it is established, just as Paul said, the righteousness of God comes, NOT through the physical things that we do here on earth, be those actions "good" or "bad". But rather, Godly righteousness of a sort worthy of eternal salvation, comes by faith in that same promise God made to Abraham. That is an absolute faith in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ to the point of abandoning all else.~

Lesson 1983

(Lesson 1983)(04-07-17) Romans 3:27-31

"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 today's quote, Paul, again, established that salvation is accomplished through faith alone, and that it is offered freely to both Jews and Gentiles. He further establishes that eternal salvation is NOT accomplished by works of the Law nor by the "good" things we do.

Paul also re-asserts that God the Father is both the God of the Jews and Gentiles equally. Our God is not a respecter of persons.~

NOTE: When Paul uses the term "circumcision" he is referring to those who are Jews by birth. When he uses the term "uncircumcision" he is referring to the Gentiles.

Lesson 1982

(Lesson 1982)(04-06-17) Romans 3:21-26

"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."

In today's quote, Paul, referring to the prophets, established Jesus Christ as the promised, perfect, sacrificial atonement for the sin nature of all mankind.

It should be very clearly noted that Paul said, "the "righteousness of God WITHOUT the law is manifested". That manifestation was the coming of Jesus. Acquiring righteousness without the law means that NOTHING we do in our earthly bodies, as pertains to obedience of old laws, or the doing of good works according to the law etc., has anything to do with whether or not our souls will be eternally saved. The eternal salvation of mankind depends completely, and entirely upon whether or not a lost soul has FAITH in Jesus Christ.

It should also be noted that Paul applies the word "JUSTIFIED" to what the sins of mankind become after a lost soul has accepted Jesus Christ as savior. It should also be clearly noted that being "justified" does not mean that the sins of those who believe have merely been forgiven, it means that the sins of those who believe in Jesus Christ have been nullified as sin altogether. To have sins "justified", means that all guilt has been taken out of the actions and that what once were considered sins have been made wholly acceptable in the sight of God through the absolute righteousness of Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 1981

(Lesson 1981)(04-05-17) Romans 3:19-20

"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."

Today's lesson is a short one but it is a very important one seeing that the vast majority of "Christianity" seems to believe that in order to attain, and retain, eternal salvation, a lost soul must live within the limitations of the old Hebrew Law. In other words, we are all responsible for our own sins, ever if we profess to believe that Jesus gave His life to atone for those very sins.

In today's lesson, Paul made it very clear that by following the requirements of the old Law, or, in essence, living without sin sin in the flesh, "there shall no flesh be justified in his sight".

It is imperative that the bible student understand that God makes no such demand on those who are lost. God ONLY requires that a lost soul believe in the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If a lost soul could possibly live without sin, or lose his/her salvation because of a sin committed after believing in Jesus, there would have been no need for our Savior to die.

The souls of those who believe in Jesus Christ are "SEALED" until the day of redemption, "grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby YE ARE SEALED unto the day of redemption". (Ephesians 4:30)~

Lesson 1980

(Lesson 1980)(04-04-17) 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 today's quote, Paul makes it very clear that, before God, there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles. We are all sinners and are all doomed to spiritual death without faith in God to recompense for our innate sin. Thank God, He, in His infinite wisdom, through the Holy Triune, provided that recompense for those of us who have/will put our faith in the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, as Paul, in essence, says herein, there is no advantage to the Jew before God.~

Lesson 1979

(Lesson 1979)(04-03-17) 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 today's lesson, Paul ridiculed his brother Jews for their haughty, self-righteous behavior toward Gentiles saying that, judged by their actions, they too, just like the Gentiles, were unworthy of righteousness under the law.

Paul explained that in order to be deemed wholly righteous under Hebrew law, one must live absolutely within the boundaries of that law, then gave examples of how they were failing to do so.

He ridiculed the Jews because they were expecting things of the Gentiles that they wouldn't abide by themselves.

There is much of the "Christian" world today that lives by the same standard as did those Jews. Too many, so-called Christians, give the outward appearance of obedience to the law of Jesus Christ while inwardly they are as "open graves". ~

Lesson 1978

(Lesson 1978)(04-02-17) Romans 2:12-16

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."

Today's quote explains that the Law of Moses had, and has, no bearing on whether or not one is in compliance with the two "great" commandments or the new law of salvation by grace through faith. Even the natural law of the Gentiles demands that one obey the two "great" commandments.

As these lessons progress through the book of Romans, we will learn why obedience to the Law of Moses has nothing to do with the salvation of one's eternal soul.~

Plesson 1977

(Lesson 1977)(04-01-17) Romans 2:1-11

"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: 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."

In the very first words of today's quote, Paul makes a point that is generally ignored by many so-called Christians, or those whom I like to refer to as today's Pharisees. Paul very clearly tells us therein that if we should condemn the actions of others, by doing so, we will bring the guilt of that same offense upon ourselves.

The point Paul is making is that is NOT the place of Christian people to condemn the ways of others. We are to simply live our lives in accordance with God's will and be a shining light for those around us. We are also to teach the good news of God's saving grace through Jesus Christ to every soul who wants to hear it.

We would be great if we would only obey the two "great" commandments Jesus left for us, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:29-31 in part.)

We should always remember that God has ALREADY judged those who reject His saving grace.~