Romans chapters 6, 7 and 8 are (arguably) considered some of the most important (and “deep”) scriptures in modern-day Christianity. New believers, as well as older, more “well-seasoned” believers, constantly refer to these chapters to strengthen their convictions on vital topics such as:
- Grace
- The Spirit vs. The Flesh
- The Law, etc.
These 3 chapters are so rich with vital information! Each time I read through these chapters, at least 3 or 4 verses “jump off the page” to encourage and instruct me. It would be really easy for me to take those same verses and “camp out” on them, formulating my own doctrine. People do it all the time. They read through the bible and “camp out” on the scriptures that appeal to them the most.
Can’t See the Forest …
But the danger in “camping out” on just a couple scriptures is that you lose the “Big Picture”. It can be compared to standing in the middle of a forest and focusing on one leaf of an individual tree. Sure, it’s pretty. You can feel it and smell it, but it hardly gives you comprehensive viewpoint of where you are standing. Now, let us say that you take the leaf and show all your friends and say (with serious conviction), “I’ve been to the forest, and this is what it’s all about!” Do you think that you’ve given your friends an accurate picture of the forest ecosystem? I don’t think so. In fact, I’ll bet all of your friends have walked away with a completely different impression/picture of the forest.
This is what has happened with Romans 6-8, especially over the last 20-30 years. Sure, we’ve been able to get some great teachings (leaves), but we have never really seen the “Big Picture” (forest).
I’m going to attempt to remedy this …. with great fear and trembling. The Word says:
James 3:1 “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive stricter judgement.”
Believe me, I don’t take this scripture lightly. Maybe some of what I write to you will be nothing new, but I have a feeling much of it will go against what you’ve heard in church.
We are going to take this scripture-by-scripture, but with the understanding that we are trying to understand the “Big Picture”. Usually, the first few chapters of the New Testament epistles are written as a continuous thought, with the latter chapters addressing individual, “smaller” (for lack of a better term) issues. Whenever possible, a true bible student will try to understand what the writer intended “as a whole” and not try to focus on individual scriptures. Don’t get me wrong, each individual scripture is a divine revelation in and of itself, but it MUST FIT within the context of the broader passage. The current definition(s) of “You are not under law, but under grace.” and “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God” were brought about by people who “camped out” on a couple of individual verses at the expense of the broader passage. Because of this exclusionary interpretation of scripture, some of our “settled theologies” are leading multitudes … MULTITUDES astray.
This will be a series of several posts. How many posts will it take? I really have no idea, but that’s the fun part about studying the Word …. you never really know how far down (or up?) the rabbit hole leads!
You’ve probably noticed that the title says “Romans 5 – 8″. The reason I put Romans 5, instead of Romans 6 is that much of chapter 5 provides the “springboard” for chapters 6 – 8. I will be starting somewhere in the middle of chapter 5.
Faith vs. Works
Before I get started on this teaching, and in order for this teaching to make sense, we need to settle something in our thinking about faith and works.
Greek philosophy (from which much of our current theology derives, and is tainted with) considers the word “faith” to be similar to “mental assent”. I’m sure you’ve heard a fellow churchgoer say, “I believe Jesus is my Savior!” What they are saying is “In my mind, I agree that Jesus is my Savior.” It’s debatable whether or not there lifestyle matches up to their profession.
If this reasoning were True (and it’s not), then the demons are saved!
James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble!”
Demons could not stop themselves from professing Jesus’ lordship! They even worshiped Him!!
Mark 1:34 “Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.”
Mark 5:6 “When he saw Jesus from afar, he (the demoniac) ran and worshiped Him.”
Luke 4:41 “And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, [fn] the Son of God!” And He, rebuking [them], did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.”
Since the Word of God was written by Jewish people (under inspiration of the Holy Ghost), we need to look at faith through the perspective of a Jew. In a Hebraic mindset, faith and works are inseparable.
Notice I did NOT say they were the same!!! Works doesn’t save you!
To a Hebrew, if you have faith, you act …. period. If you are not acting, you do NOT have faith …. period.
What does that tell you about today’s definition of faith? What does that tell you about YOUR faith?
If we start this study of Romans with the faith/works issue settled, this will definitely make it easier.
As I attempt this teaching, your prayers are SO appreciated. I’ve already encountered much resistance just to get to this point.
Additionally, if you have any friends who might be interested in this series …. get them subscribed so that they can get updates as soon as new material comes out!
Blessings & Peace,
Kevin Kleint
Email: kevin@honorofkings.org
A truth presented as THE truth can easily become a HALF truth that gives us an incomplete picture of what is really going on. This is especially true when it comes to understanding the nature of God, His charecter and His Word!