| Concepts in the book of Romans [message #7390] |
Fri, 15 October 2010 05:56  |
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 william
Messages: 1451
Registered: January 2006 |
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I'm going through the book of Romans and have noticed that there is a
clear progression presented from chapter one to chapter eight.
First Paul concludes the whole of the gentile nations in need of a savior.
In Romans 1:17 he presents the idea that if any are to be justified before
God it must be done by trusting in His provision: "the just shall live by
faith".
He then shows that the Jews needed this provision as much as did the
gentiles.
The law was insufficient for the task!
Next in chapters six through eight Paul moves from justification to the
believer's sanctification, or his life after justification, and that this
life that we now lead is a result of His own provision--by the Spirit.
Finally he moves from justification and sanctification to the idea of full
redemption or the manifestation of the sons of God. In this third stage
it seems that the whole of creation will participate in our adoption as
sons of God. He takes us from justification, to sanctification, to
glorification.
Obviously the works of the believer do not play a part (at least not a
direct part) in either the justification, which is by faith (that He
gives!), and the sanctification, which is also by faith--coming from the
imputation of the righteousness of Christ, leaving the final part of the
process, glorification, as a future hope.
My question is this: If justification and sanctification are both the
result of His work, how is it that the we sometimes conclude that the
final stage is going to be a result of our own works? Is it fair to say
that the completion of the process is now going to be dependent on the
work of the flesh?
Gal 3:2-3 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the
works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having
begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
How about those who have heard and believed the gospel (those who are
justified), and those who are trusting in Him for their righteousness
(sanctification); are they eligible for that wonderful glorification, that
we all are looking to experience-- even if they haven't partaken of the
deeper truths we have heard?
Does this glorification come only to those who have already achieved a
level of sanctification brought about by being privileged to hear a deeper
word or is it possible that the Holy Spirit might be working to bring
about this adoption in all of those who cry Abba, Father?
It is hard to grasp the notion that the first may be last and
the last first!
Thoughts?
Blessings,
William
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[Updated on: Fri, 15 October 2010 06:04]
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