by Rick Marin | Dec 20, 2017 | Romans
Love to our neighbor fulfills what law?
(Romans 12-13; Rom. 7:14-24) Blog 17-23 Dec., 2017
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In Romans chapter 1, Paul presents salvation through the Gospel and damnation through refusing to acknowledge God. In chapter 2, he says God has appointed a future day of judgment to determine who has received the Gospel. In chapter 3, Paul explains that the righteousness that God demands he, himself, has provided in the perfect life of Jesus. Chapter 4 shows that nothing we do, nor anything done to us (like baptism) gives us acceptance with God. In chapter 5, Paul goes on to demonstrate that not even something done in us (like spiritual transformation) is how we are accepted by God. Chapter 6 explains that although sin remains in believers it no longer reigns in them and chapter 7 goes on to reveal that true Christians have a daily battle to fight against their sinful natures, while chapter 8 shows that they are given the Holy Spirit to aide them in the Christian life which continually progresses towards glorification. In chapter 9, Paul shows who are God’s elect while in chapter 10 he shows that only those trusting in the righteousness of faith (Christ’s righteousness in heaven) will be saved. Chapter 11 proves that God has not rejected his promises to Israel but that true Israel is only a small portion of physical Israel – for only those grafted into Christ are part of true Israel.
Our reasonable service (Romans 12:1-21; 1 Sam. 24:11-15; 2 Sam. 2:18-23; 3:17-27)
1. On what basis does Paul ask us to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God?
2. Where must we begin in order that the world around us not mold us into its style?
3. What concept is the first that we need to deal with in our thought life?
4. What illustration does Paul give to help us understand our relationship to other church members?
5. Besides our self-sacrificing (agape) love what other kind are we to show fellow church members?
6. According to verses 17-21 how is the Christian to relate to the public in general?
7. How did David with Saul and Joab with Abner illustrate verse 19?
8. If persecuted by your pastor or fellow member, what course should you follow according to vs. 14-21?
Respect for authority (Romans 13:1-7; Col. 3:5)
9. If you resist those in authority over you what will you receive from God?
10. Does civil government have the right to enforce good behavior even with execution?
11. In verse 5 what two reasons does Paul give for submission to those in authority?
12. Why does Paul say we are to pay taxes?
The Law of love (Romans 13:8-14)
13. Love to our neighbor fulfills what law?
14. Whom does Paul say needs to wake up?
15. How many of the ten virgins fell asleep while waiting for the Bridegroom?
16. Putting aside works of darkness with what are we to clothe ourselves?
17. What final advice does Paul give in chapter 13?
18. What have Christians done to their sinful natures?
ANSWERS: 1.On the basis of the mercy God has shown us in giving us his Son as our Saviour; 2. In our minds (our thought life); 3. Our self-esteem; 4. That of a body in which we are only one functioning member; 5. Brotherly (philadelphia) love; 6. By as far as possible being at peace with everyone, showing them love, & suffering their injustices without retaliation; 7. David paid Saul good for his evil – leaving vengeance to God while Joab paid Abner evil for evil when Abner sought the unity of God’s people – taking vengeance into his own hand; 8. Show them honor, supplying their needs (paying your tithe) , not speaking bad about them, but rather seeking peace; 9. Condemnation; 10. Yes; 11. So as not to be punished & as a matter of conscience before God (this applies to both civil & church authority); 12. Because those in authority are God’s ministers; 13. The Ten Commandments; 14. Every Christian ; 15. All ten; 16. The weapons of light – the Lord Jesus Christ; 17. “Make no provision for the desires of the flesh”; 18. They have crucified them so that although they remain, they no longer reign in their lives.
by Rick Marin | Dec 12, 2017 | Romans
What does the good olive tree root represent?
(Romans 10-11) Blog Dec. 10-16, 2017
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In Romans chapter 1, Paul presents salvation through the Gospel and damnation through refusing to acknowledge God. In chapter 2, he says God has appointed a future day of judgment to determine who has received the Gospel. In chapter 3, Paul explains that the righteousness that God demands he, himself, has provided in the perfect life of Jesus. Chapter 4 shows that nothing we do, nor anything done to us (like baptism) gives us acceptance with God. In chapter 5, Paul goes on to demonstrate that not even something done in us (like spiritual transformation) is how we are accepted by God. Chapter 6 explains that although sin remains in believers it no longer reigns in them and chapter 7 goes on to reveal that true Christians have a daily battle to fight against their sinful natures, while chapter 8 shows that they are given the Holy Spirit to aide them in the Christian life which continually progresses towards glorification. In chapter 9, Paul shows who are God’s elect.
Saving righteousness (Romans 10)
1. According to verse one, what is the theme of chapter 10, “salvation” or “roles of service”?
2. What two kinds of righteousness are mentioned in verse 3?
3. Where was God’s righteousness revealed and where is ours revealed?
4. What other terms does Paul use in verses 5 & 6 for these two kinds of righteousness?
5. How is faith brought to us?
6. To whom will God give salvation?
7. Through what two means does God’s word reach everyone on earth?
God’s chosen people (Romans 11:1-10)
8. In verses 1-5 what two proofs does Paul give that God has not rejected Israel as his chosen people?
9. What is Paul teaching in verse 5?
10. Who receive the curses mentioned in verses 8-10?
11. For what purpose (or goal) can grace and works not be mixed?
12. What have the elect obtained to which everyone else has been hardened?
The olive tree (Romans 11:11-25)
13. What does the good olive tree root represent?
14. Why were some of the branches of the good olive tree broken off?
15. When branches of the good olive tree were broken off for what did that make room?
16. If Jews by birth can miss out on salvation what attitude should believing gentiles have?
17. What does Paul mean in verse 26 when he says “all Israel shall be saved”?
18. In the end to what does anyone owe his salvation?
ANSWERS: 1.Salvation; 2. God’s & ours; 3. God’s was revealed in the life of Christ (the Gospel)ours is revealed in us; 4. The righteousness of faith & the righteousness of the Law; 5. By the proclamation of God’s word; 6. Those who call on him in faith; 7. Through creation & revelation; 8. That of himself being a justified Israelite & that of Elijah who thought he was the last Israelite & about to die; 9. That God will always have an elect remnant of Israel – in fact Christ is the true Elect Israelite; 10. Those who reject Christ & whose eyes are blinded & hearts hardened; 11. For the purpose of justification; 12. Salvation; 13. Jesus Christ;14. Because of unbelief; 15. That made room for wild olive branches (gentiles) to be grafted into Christ our Saviour; 16. One of humility, taking heed that they not fall from grace; 17. That all those in Christ (the true Israelite – God’s elect) will be saved; 18. To God’s mercy.
by Rick Marin | Dec 5, 2017 | Romans
Is it possible to change from not being elect to being elect?
(Romans 8:17 – 9:33; ) Blog Dec. 03-09, 2017
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In Romans Paul presents the Gospel and how to be saved by it. He says God will make a final assessment to determine who has received the Gospel. Our obedience will be the evidence that we trust in the righteousness of Jesus as our only hope of acceptance into God’s kingdom. That righteousness God provided in the perfect life and atoning death of Jesus. Nothing we do, nor anything done to us (like baptism), nor anything done in us (like spiritual transformation) is how it is accounted ours. Rather the perfect righteousness of God’s Son is counted ours when we personally believe in it. This does not mean we then have nothing to do. Rather as Christians we are to expect opposition from our sinful natures while we strive to please Jesus who has released us from the condemnation of the Law.
Glorification (Romans 8:18-39; 1 Cor. 15:53-54)
1. Where does glorification take place?
2. When does glorification take place?
3. According to verse 23 what will be changed at glorification?
4. Is the function of the Holy Spirit, according to verse 26, to live the Christian life in us?
5. For whom do all things work together for good?
6. According to verses 29-32, where has God accomplished our complete salvation?
7. Who are God’s elect?
The Jewish Advantage (Romans 9:1-18; 3:1-4)
8. According to verse 3 what is the opposite of Paul’s desire for his Jewish brethren?
9. What Jewish advantages does Paul list?
10. According to verses 9, 15, 22, 23, 26, 27, 30 & 10:1,is the theme of Romans 9 “service roles” or “salvation”?
11. What does Paul suggest in verses 6 & 7 will be the theme of the chapter?
12. Which kind of children will be saved?
13. What is verse 12?
14. When did God pronounce the words written in verse 13?
15. What does not depend on how much we desire it or how well we run, but rather on God’s mercy?
16. How did God harden Pharaoh’s heart?
17. How did God soften Nebuchadnezzar’s heart?
Election (Romans 9:19-10:1; Acts 7:51; )
18. Has anyone ever resisted the will of God or is it always done on earth?
19. What does clay represent in verse 21?
20. According to verses 25 & 26 is it possible to change from not being elect to being elect children of God?
21. What portion of the physical descendants of Abraham will be saved?
22. Which of the two kinds of righteousness saves – the one in heaven or the one in us?
23. Are the Jewish advantages also ours today?
ANSWERS: 1. In us; 2. In the future, just prior to receiving immortality; 3. Our sinful nature will be removed; 4. No, rather he is to help us live the Christian life; 5. Those who love God; 6. In Christ; 7. Those in Christ by faith; 8. Being accursed from Christ – being unsaved or eternally lost; 9. The adoption, the Shekinah glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the sanctuary service, the promises of land & blessing, the patriarchs, and the coming of Christ in the flesh; 10. Paul’s theme is “salvation” not “service roles”; 11. That his theme will be inclusion in the promise of salvation given to Abraham rather than of a service role for the entire nation; 12. Those included in the promise of salvation made to Abraham; 13. It is a promise not a predestination; 14. Long after Jacob & Esau were dead; 15. Our salvation; 16. By showing him multiple mercies; 17. By showing him multiple mercies; 18. God’s will is not always done on earth for Eve, Cain, Pharaoh, Solomon, & the Jewish leaders at Stephen’s trial all resisted doing God’s will; 19. Clay represents a human life already born; 20. Yes; 21. Only a remnant; 22. Not the righteousness of the law that is fulfilled in us but the righteousness of faith that is centered in Christ in heaven; 23. Yes, we are chosen in Christ [Eph. 1:4-5], sealed with the glory of the Holy Spirit [Hag. 2:7; Eph. 1:13], under a better covenant [Heb. 8:6; 9:15], the Law is written in our hearts [Heb. 8:10], we have a Representative in the heavenly sanctuary [Heb. 9:24], precious promises are given unto us [Mat. 5:3-11; 2 Ped. 1:3-4], we are grounded upon the twelve Apostles [Eph. 2:19-20], Jesus took our nature [Mar. 3:34-35; Heb. 2:14], & we have the Bible.
by Rick Marin | Nov 30, 2017 | Romans
Who alone have God’s indwelling Holy Spirit?
(Romans 8:1-17; ) Blog Nov. 26-Dec. 02, 2017
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In Romans Paul presents the Gospel and how to be saved by it. He says God will make a final assessment to determine who has received the Gospel. Our obedience will be the evidence that we trust in the righteousness of Jesus as our only hope of acceptance into God’s kingdom. That righteousness God provided in the perfect life and atoning death of Jesus. Nothing we do, nor anything done to us (like baptism), nor anything done in us (like spiritual transformation) is how it is accounted ours. Rather the perfect righteousness of God’s Son is counted ours when we personally believe in it. This does not mean we then have nothing to do. Rather as Christians we are to expect opposition from our sinful natures while we strive to please Jesus who has released us from the condemnation of the Law.
Life in Christ (Romans 8:1-4; John 8:29; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22)
1. Having turned in chapter 7 to the future tense in what tense of the verb does Paul begin chapter 8?
2. If chapter 7 dealt with the nature of the Christian what does chapter 8 deal with?
3. When does the Christian life begin?
4. What condemnation into which all humans were born is no longer present for those in Christ?
5. What is “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus”?
6. From what are those who follow the counsel of the Holy Spirit released?
7. How did Jesus condemn sin in his humanity?
8. If “the righteousness of faith” is found in heaven, where is “the righteousness of the law” found?
Spirit led living (Romans 8:5-12; Eccl. 7:12; 1 Cor. 15:22; 2 Tim. 1:10)
9. About what do those led by God’s Spirit think?
10. According to verse 6, what does The Holy Spirit give?
11. Who alone have God’s indwelling Holy Spirit?
12. Because of whose sin is the body dead?
13. Because of whose righteousness does the human spirit live?
Sons of God (Romans 8:12-17)
14. With the help of the Holy Spirit, what are we to do with the works of the flesh?
15. What does Paul call those who are guided by God’s Spirit?
16. According to verse 17, if we are God’s children what else are we?
17. What two experiences will Christ’s coheirs experience?
ANSWERS: 1. In the present tense; 2. The walk (lifestyle) of the Christian; 3. When a person enters into Christ (into his life & death) by faith alone; 4. The Law’s (Ten Commandment) condemnation to eternal death; 5. The principle of living under the direction, empowerment, & control of the Holy Spirit; 6. From the principle of living according to our sinful desires that ends in death; 7. By his sinless nature, by his living a life of entire obedience to God’s Law, & by teaching obedience to God’s Law; 8. In us who walk according to the Spirit’s direction; 9. About spiritual things; 10. Life & peace; 11. Only those who are Christ’s by faith; 12. Adam’s; 13. Christ’s; 14. Kill them; 15. “Sons of God”; 16. Joint heirs with Jesus; 17. Suffering & glorification.
by Rick Marin | Nov 15, 2017 | Romans
Who has free will?
(Romans 6; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 John 1:8-2:1) Blog Nov. 12-18, 2017
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Paul’s theme in Romans is the Gospel and how to be saved by it. After assuring all humanity that God will judge us according to his perfect Law he shows that none of us is righteous enough to be accepted by God. Then Paul shows how God has provided in the perfect life and atoning death of Jesus the kind of righteousness he requires. Those who accept this gracious gift will be accepted unto life eternal. Our acceptance of God’s gift is by means of faith alone without any obedience on our part, nor does any ritual need to precede being justified by God. In fact the gift of righteousness was made entirely apart from any transformation in us. Just as in Adam we were condemned to death so those in Christ by faith are counted righteous because of his representation.
Dead to sin (Romans 6:1-11; 5:20-21; Galatians 3:26-27; )
1. If sin brought grace is Paul suggesting that we should make sin our continuing lifestyle?
2. What does Paul mean by being baptized into Jesus?
3. When we become part of what Christ is, what two experiences of his become ours also?
4. For what did Christ die?
5. If we are partakers of Christ’s death what should be our attitude toward sin?
6. If we are partakers of Christ’s resurrection what should be our attitude toward obedience?
7. What is verse 11 telling us to do?
Alive from the dead (Romans 6:12-14; James 3:5)
8. Who alone has freedom of will to deny sin’s reign in the life?
9. What are our “members” spoken of in verse 13?
10. What are we to present to God before giving him our “members”?
11. According to verse 14 why does sin not have dominion over us?
12. What does “under the law” mean?
Free from sin (Romans 6:15-23; John 8:34; Gal. 5:19-21; John 1:8-2:1)
13. From the idea of kingly reign to what metaphor does Paul now turn?
14. In what sense is the Christian “free from sin”?
15. Giving heed to (believing in) what doctrine brings freedom from sin’s mastery?
16. According to verse 19 what will be the result of yielding our members to serve righteousness?
17. Is it possible for those who serve sin to participate in sanctification?
18. What shameful fruit did we produce when we were servants of sin?
19. Apart from “life” and “death” what other contrast is brought out in verse 23?ANSWERS: 1. No, not at all; 2. That we are immersed into Christ by being placed there by the Father when we believe – this is distinct from water baptism that places a person into Christ’s visible body, the church; 3. Death & resurrection; 4. For the sins of the world; 5. It should no longer be our ruler; 6. It should be our continual desire & action; 7. Just as God has counted or reckoned us to be righteous when in ourselves we are not, so we are to count or reckon ourselves dead to sin & alive unto God through Jesus our sinless Substitute; 8. The person who is born again in Christ for apart from him we can do nothing; 9. Eyes, tongue, hands, hormones, mind, etc.; 10. Ourselves; 11. Because we are not under the law but under grace (which inspires & empowers righteous living); 12. “Under the law” means to be under the obligation to perfectly fulfill it by one’s personal behavior as the way to be accepted by God – therefore as sinners we are under its condemnation, legally captives of Satan; 13. That of servant or slave; 14. He is free from its mastery but not free from its presence; 15. The doctrine of justification by faith alone; 16. Holiness or sanctification; 17. No, they are free from righteousness; 18. Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, & revellings; 19. That of “wages” & “gift”.
by Rick Marin | Nov 8, 2017 | Romans
Was the human race justified at the cross?
(Romans 5) Blog 05-11 Nov., 2017
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Paul’s theme in Romans is the Gospel and how to be saved by it. After assuring all humanity that God will judge us according to his perfect Law he shows that none of us is righteous so we have nothing to answer before God’s tribunal. Then Paul points out that God has provided in the perfect life and atoning death of Jesus the kind of righteousness he requires. Those who accept this gracious gift of God will be accepted unto life eternal. Our acceptance of God’s gift is by means of faith alone without any obedience on our part, nor does any ritual need to precede being justified by God. Now in chapter five Paul even excludes our inner transformation as a prerequisite to being included in God’s family.
Peace amid tribulation (Romans 5:1-5)
1. What is the immediate fruit of being justified?
2. What promised hope comes with justification?
3. Besides rejoicing in future glorification in what else does the justified person rejoice?
4. Why does the Christian rejoice in tribulations?
5. According to verse 5 what other gift is given to those who have been justified?
6. What does the Holy Spirit pour into the heart of the justified person?
Love and atonement (Romans 5:6-11; 1:18-32; Rev. 15:1; 20:14-15)
7. How did God show his love for us?
8. According to verse 9 if a person remains justified of what will she not be a partaker?
9. When and how is the wrath of God revealed?
10. What two words does Paul use interchangeably in these verses?
11. According to verse 11 what did Christ’s reconciling atonement NOT accomplish?
12. When was the atonement made of which Paul writes in these verses?
13. When does a person receive the atonement made by Christ?
Adam and Jesus (Romans 5:12-21; 4:24)
14. What does Paul want us to understand be introducing verse 12 with the word “wherefore”?
15. When were all human beings condemned to eternal death?
16. Was Adam’s sin unique? If so how?
17. What do verses 13 and 14 tell us about the Ten Commandments?
18. In what way was Adam a symbol or figure of Jesus?
19. What did Jesus bring to the human race?
20. What must we do in order to receive God’s gracious gift of the righteousness of Christ?
21. According to verse 19 was the human race justified at the cross?
22. According to verse 20 why did God write the Ten Commandments on tables of stone?
23. What can we learn from the expression “grace did much more abound”?
ANSWERS: 1. Peace with God; 2. That of glorification; 3. In tribulations; 4. Because they prepare the Christian for living with God – they produce patience & experience thus increasing his hope in God who promises final salvation; 5. God, the Holy Spirit; 6. Love, so that the justified person loves others & God in harmony with God’s standard; 7. By the death of Christ for ungodly, unloving sinners; 8. The wrath of God; 9. Presently in letting sinners go their own way, prior to the second coming in the seven last plagues, & after the millennium in the lake of fire; 10. Reconciliation & atonement; 11. Individual salvation; 12. When Christ died on the cross; 13. When a person by faith accepts Christ’s sacrifice in their behalf; 14. That he is going to explain how a person receives God’s saving atonement; 15. When Adam sinned; 16. Yes, Adam represented the entire human race as their Federal Head so that his decisions were as if all the race made them corporately – none of us represent the entire race, our sins are our individual responsibility; 17. That they existed from creation & pointed out sin even before they were written by God at Sinai; 18. God constituted them both as Federal Heads (representatives) of the entire human race; 19. God’s gift of grace – the righteous life of Jesus Christ as a gift to humanity; 20. We must accept it as our own, believing that in it we are free from condemnation & are bound for life eternal; 21. No, Paul places justification in the future tense showing that he is consistent with what he wrote at the end of the previous chapter – that we are justified when we believe in Jesus: not before; 22. To make clear to humanity the offensiveness of sin & their need to find grace in Jesus; 23. That when Adam sinned every human being became sinners, condemned to eternal death, but that at that very time God exercised grace towards humanity in the promise of his Son & that that grace would be manifest for every sinner even though many may not accept its saving power – in his death Jesus carried the sins of every human being: not just Adam’s one sin, besides not every sinner is as bad as they could be but Jesus was a good as could be so that no one has an excuse for being eternally lost.
