Tag: church

Notes on Romans – Part I

Chapter One

Who What Where Why When

Who: Paul and the believers in Rome, especially their leadership, who are likely fellow Israelites.

What: A letter.

Where: Rome with Spain in mind.

Why: Paul did not plant the Roman church, but he wants their support. He wants to prove his gospel mission to the Romans, and to prove himself an apostle worthy of their support for his missionary journeys further west.

When: The first century AD.

Vs. 2-3 — Paul makes it clear that Jesus is Israel’s Messiah.

Vs. 5-7 — Paul received a mission from Israel’s Messiah to go out into the nations (Gentiles) to bring people into the faith of the Messiah. The Jesus followers in Rome are included in this group: those among the nations.

Vs. 8 — The faithfulness of the Jesus followers in Rome has been proclaimed in all the cosmos. The cosmos: the vertical world created by Yahweh — the heavens, the powers and principalities, the priesthood, all Israel, the temple.

Vs. 9-13 — Paul wishes to come to Rome. He has gathered fruit from among other nations, and now he wishes to do the same in Rome.

Vs. 14 — Greeks were not “people from Greece” as there was no Greece in the first century. To be a Greek was to be a Hellenized person, one who adopted the Hellenistic culture, a civilized person. A barbarian was one who was not Hellenized.

Vs. 15-17 — Paul wants to proclaim the good news about Israel’s Messiah to those in Rome — to the Jew first (Judaean Israelites) and also the Greek (dispersed Hellenized Israelites [John 7:35]). The gospel was for Israel. Their Messiah had redeemed them from the transgressions they made against their first covenant with Yahweh (Hebrews 9:15) and now their Messiah was calling all Israel to Himself, Israelites from among the Judaeans, and Israelites from among the nations. Perhaps non-Israelites could become Israelites, but Paul’s gospel was for Israel alone.

Vs 18 — The wrath of God is revealed from heaven — that is the throne-room of Yahweh at the height of the Israelite cosmos.

Vs 19-21 — God revealed Himself to these people to the extent that they are without excuse. Did God reveal Himself only enough to condemn these people, but not enough that they could not live lives to please God. No, of course not. These people knew God enough to give Him glory and thanks. And what people had been given this revelation? Israel. (Deuteronomy 4:7-8; Amos 3:1-2)

Vs 22-31 — Israel exchanged God’s truth for a lie and thus were handed over by God to their evil desires which are in direct conflict with the 10 commandments (vs. 29-30).

Vs 32 — Israelites, knowing God’s decree that those who do such evil things are deserving of death, not only do them, but approve of the non-Israelites (non-covenant people) who do them.

A Christian Missionary in China ~ Part One

Missionary (M): You have sinned against God and are under His wrath. Hell awaits you.

Chinese Man (C): Oh my! Please tell me: What is sin?

M: Sin is an offense against God. It is falling short of His standard.

C: How can I measure my sin? What is the standard?

M: The standard is God’s law.

C: Please show me this law so that I can know how to live up to God’s standard.

M: You are incapable of following the law perfectly and will never meet God’s standard. You must trust another to do so for you: a perfect Man who never sinned, and whose righteousness can be imputed to you.

C: That’s sounds interesting, but I don’t quite understand. Please, show me this law first so that I can see if I am capable of following it myself.

M: Here, I have a copy of the Old Testament in the Chinese language. In there you will find the law I speak of. I will leave it with you. I will be back to visit your village in two months. Please read it before I return and I will answer all your questions.

***Two Months Later***

M: Have you read the book I gave you?

C: Yes, all of it. I am confused though and have some questions.

You said that I had sinned against God according to the law found in this book. But, what I see in this book is that the law was a covenantal law between a God named Yahweh and a people named Israel. I am not in that covenant. How can I be guilty of breaking a law I was never under? That is like saying I am guilty of breaking laws in a country I’ve never visited.

Also, assuming I actually am under this law, you said that I could not keep it even if I tried. But, in the story of this book, Yahweh fully expected the people to be obedient, and when they were disobedient He disciplined and punished them. If they repented and turned back to Him, He forgave them. If they were obedient, He blessed them. You said I needed to trust in the perfect righteousness of another, but I don’t come to that conclusion from reading this book. If I were an Israelite, I would try my best to follow the law, and if I failed I would confess my failing, turn back to Yahweh, and trust he would forgive me. Where does it say that I need to trust in the righteousness of another?

Exam for Pastors

You want to be a pastor? You must answer the following questions. Support each answer with scripture.

  1. In Romans 4 & 5 it is written that where there is no law there is no transgression and sin is not imputed. The law being referred to is the Law of Moses. In Hebrews 9 it is written that Christ’s death redeemed those who transgressed the first covenant, or in other words, Christ died to redeem those who sinned against the Law of Moses. What law do people today transgress requiring redemption by the death of Christ?
  2. In Hebrews 8 it is written that Christ is the Mediator of a better covenant, a new covenant. This new covenant replaces the first covenant. The first covenant and the new covenant are described in Jeremiah 31. In Jeremiah 31 it is written that the new covenant is made with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. Are non-Israelite followers of Christ included in the new covenant? If yes, how?
  3. In Romans 9 it is written that the children of promise (not flesh) are counted as the true seed of Abraham. Does the “true seed” of Abraham include non-Israelites? If yes, how?
  4. In Romans 11 it is written that nations (Gentiles) are grafted in. What are the nations grafted into?
  5. If you could ask a first century AD non-Israelite Christ follower what benefit he receives from following Christ, what would he say?
  6. In today’s world, who is the true Israel?

I asked AI to answer these questions. Here are the AI’s answers…

1. What law do people today transgress requiring redemption by the death of Christ?

According to Christian theology, all people have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This sin includes transgressions against God’s moral law, which encompasses the principles of the Mosaic Law but is seen as a broader, universal moral standard. Jesus’ death is viewed as a redemptive sacrifice for all humanity’s sins, providing a path to forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

2. Are non-Israelite followers of Christ included in the new covenant? If yes, how?

Yes, non-Israelite followers of Christ are included in the new covenant. The New Testament explains that through faith in Jesus Christ, Gentiles are grafted into God’s people. Paul elaborates on this in Galatians 3:28-29, where he says that there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, and that all who belong to Christ are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

3. Does the “true seed” of Abraham include non-Israelites? If yes, how?

Yes, the “true seed” of Abraham includes non-Israelites. This concept is explained in Romans 9:8, where Paul states that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s descendants. This promise is fulfilled through faith in Christ, making all believers, regardless of ethnicity, part of Abraham’s spiritual lineage.

4. What are the nations grafted into?

In Romans 11, Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to describe the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s covenant people. The nations (Gentiles) are grafted into the spiritual tree of Israel, becoming part of God’s covenant community. This signifies that Gentiles share in the spiritual blessings and promises originally given to Israel.

5. What benefit would a first-century AD non-Israelite Christ follower say he receives from following Christ?

A first-century AD non-Israelite Christ follower might say that they receive several benefits from following Christ, including:

  • Salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus.
  • Forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
  • Inclusion in a new spiritual family and community of believers.
  • The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, providing guidance, comfort, and transformation.

6. In today’s world, who is the true Israel?

In Christian theology, “true Israel” refers to all those who have faith in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles. This concept, often called “spiritual Israel,” emphasizes that being part of God’s people is not determined by ethnic or national identity but by faith in Christ. Paul discusses this in Galatians 6:16, referring to believers as the “Israel of God.”

***

These answers are typical for what we might hear in the Church today. But, let’s look at them more closely…

  1. AI is correct in saying all humanity has fallen short — all have missed the mark (all sin), but AI assumes that all humanity is under the law of Moses, or at least all are under some sort of “broader understanding” of the Mosaic law. But, only Israel was given that law. So how would non-Israelites even know how to obey it, or some “broader understanding” of it?
  2. I would agree that non-Israelites can enter the new covenant, but only by being grafted into Israel, which is what Romans 11 is all about. It’s still about Israel though.
  3. AI points to Romans 9:8 and says that the children of promise are the true seed of Abraham, and that one is a child of promise through faith in Christ. That’s fine, but notice in Romans 9 Paul is only talking about Israel. The children of promise are Israelites who have faith in Christ.
  4. Non-Israelites are grafted into Israel, not a new religion called Christianity. God’s covenant people is Israel.
  5. Addressing AI’s points one by one: 1. Salvation from what? 2. Forgiveness of sins against what law? 3. Yes, okay, but what is this family? 4. I agree with this point.
  6. The “Israel of God” as mentioned in Galatians 6 is still Israel — the “true seed of Abraham” Romans 9.

I put these points to AI, and here’s how it responded…

1. Broader Understanding of the Law

While the Mosaic Law was indeed given specifically to Israel, Paul in Romans 2:14-15 mentions that even Gentiles, who do not have the Law, do things required by the Law, showing that the requirements of the Law are written on their hearts. This suggests a moral awareness inherent in humanity that aligns with the Law’s principles. Thus, sin isn’t limited to transgressions of the Mosaic Law but includes actions contrary to this moral awareness.

2. Non-Israelites and the New Covenant

Romans 11 indeed speaks about Gentiles being grafted into Israel, symbolizing their inclusion in God’s covenant people. This inclusion doesn’t negate the focus on Israel but expands it, making the covenant accessible to all who believe in Christ, creating one unified people of God.

3. Children of Promise in Romans 9

While Romans 9 does focus on Israelites, Paul’s broader theology, especially in Galatians 3:7-9, extends the promise to include Gentiles who have faith in Christ, making them spiritual descendants of Abraham. This inclusion is a crucial aspect of the New Testament’s message of universal redemption.

4. Grafted into Israel

Non-Israelites being grafted into Israel emphasizes their integration into God’s covenant people. However, this integration is through faith in Christ, which is the foundation of what later became known as Christianity. Thus, it’s not about a new religion but about the fulfillment of God’s promise through Christ.

5. Benefits of Following Christ

  1. Salvation from Sin and Eternal Separation from God: This salvation is not just from physical or national peril but from the spiritual consequences of sin.
  2. Forgiveness of Sins: Even without the Mosaic Law, humanity has a moral conscience, and Christ’s sacrifice offers forgiveness for these universal moral transgressions.
  3. New Spiritual Family: This family is the body of Christ, the community of believers, transcending ethnic and national boundaries.
  4. Holy Spirit’s Presence: Guiding, comforting, and transforming believers’ lives.

6. True Israel

In today’s world, “true Israel” can be understood as those who, through faith in Christ, are part of God’s covenant people. This includes both ethnic Israelites and Gentiles who believe in Christ, forming one spiritual family under the new covenant.

***

Again, these are typical Christian answers, and I have to say that I am impressed with the AI’s ability to give these answers. I know it is just taking these answers from what’s already out there, but it is still pretty amazing.

I could probably continue the discussion with AI, but I already know what kind of answers I would get.

Romans 911 ~ Saving Israel

A Brief Verse by Verse Inspection of Romans 9-11

9:1-5 — Who is Paul speaking of in this discourse? Mosaic Covenant Israelites (vs. 4), God’s first born son (Exodus 4:22), living in the first century. Paul is not writing about any other group of people living in any other time.

And who is Israel in the first century? We know there were Judaean Israelites (incorrectly translated as “Jews” in our English New Testaments). Judaeans adhered to the Covenant of Moses: circumcision, Torah, and temple worship. Most Judaeans lived in the Roman province of Judea, but there were some living abroad as well. We know that there was the “Dispersion,” also known as “Greeks” (Hellenists), see John 7:35. These Israelites likely consisted of uncircumcised, non-Torah observant peoples living among the Gentiles (see 1 Maccabees 1:11-15). And we know there were descendants of the “lost” ten tribes, also known as Ephraim (see Genesis 48:19; Jeremiah 31:19-20; Ezekiel 37:15-28).

So it is all these people Paul is speaking of when he says, “…my countrymen according to the flesh … to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the [Mosaic] law…” (vs. 4).

Paul laments that so many of Israel, primarily Judaeans, reject his gospel of Jesus Christ.

9:6-13 — Why has not all Israel believed in his gospel? Because, Paul determines, not all Israel is the true Israel. To be of the true Israel, one must be a child of promise, not flesh. Abraham’s wife Sarah was too old to have a child, but yet God promised she would, and she did. Isaac was a child of promise, not flesh.

And again, before Isaac’s two sons were born, God chose which one would carry the purpose of God. This shows that God had an elect group of Israelites to be the recipients of the promise.

9:14-29 — An elect group, before they’ve had any chance to do good or evil? Isn’t that unjust? According to Paul, no. God’s honor and good reputation must be upheld. Paul quotes Exodus 33:19 — God will have mercy and compassion on whom ever He wants.

Earlier in Exodus 33 Moses appealed to God’s honor to ensure that God’s presence would continue to go with Moses and the people: “For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us?” And again later Moses appealed to God’s honor to prevent God from destroying the people: “Now if You kill these people as one man, then the nations which have heard of Your fame will speak, saying, ‘Because the Lord was not able to bring this people to the land which He swore to give them, therefore He killed them in the wilderness.'” (Numbers 14:15-16) Indeed, Paul points out, Pharaoh himself was used by God so that God could display His power, and so that His name would be declared in all the earth.

God hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that He could display His power in bringing His chosen ones out of slavery, and so again, God calling out His “true Israel” from the “Israel of flesh” hardens those who resist Him in order to display His power and to have His name honored in all the earth. The “Israel of flesh” in the first century plays the same role as Pharaoh.

Again, one might ask, “How is this just? Who can escape God’s will?” And Paul’s response is, “Who are you little man to ask such a thing? God is the potter. If He wants to make vessels of wrath/dishonor (Israel of flesh) and vessels of mercy/honor (true Israel), who are you to question that? What if God is doing that to display His glory just as He did bringing Israel out of Egypt?”

God is doing a great and merciful thing in calling out the true Israel, the remnant, from among not only the Judaeans, but also from among the Israelites scattered among the nations (vs. 24 – Hosea’s prophesies were not about non-Israelites). It’s not as though God was obligated to save any Israelite, for they had all sinned against Him (Romans 3:9-20). Imagine if He had treated them like Sodom and Gomorrah instead.

What precisely is wrong with this Israel of flesh? They try to obtain righteousness by the works of the Mosaic law, rather than by faith. Israelites living among the Gentiles (Hellenists, Ephraimites) who were not even trying to follow the law obtained righteousness through faith. The Israel of flesh stumbles on the rock, but the true Israel stands on it.

10:1-13 — Paul’s desire is for those Israelites who stumbled on the rock, those who have tried to obtain righteousness through the Mosaic law, to be saved (delivered from wrath). But, they are ignorant of the righteousness of God and insist on earning their own through the law.

If a man can keep the law, then he will live, but Paul has already shown that no one can keep the law (Romans 1-7). If one cannot keep the law, he is a vessel of wrath. The law cannot bring Christ close, but with faith Christ is near, in heart and mouth. The true Israel (Judaean and Hellenist) confesses this and is saved (delivered) from the coming wrath.

10:14-21 — Isaiah 52 tells us that Israel was oppressed, first by the Egyptians, then by the Assyrians. But God (Yahweh) would redeem them. And how beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news of redemption to these oppressed Israelites. And likewise does the gospel of Jesus Christ go out to Israel through the apostles’ preaching.

Yet, not all Israel believes this gospel. Have they heard it? Yes. But although hearing it, they still reject it, “they” being the Israel of flesh trying to obtain righteousness through the law of Moses. And so God will provoke them to jealousy: to be passionately concerned for what rightfully belongs to them. Those who are not a nation, those who do not seek God, the Israelites who do not follow the law, the uncircumcised ones — they will find God through Paul’s gospel of Jesus Christ. All day long God stretches out His hands to law abiding Israel, but it is the prodigal son who is reconciled to the Father.

11:1-10 — So many of Israel have rejected Paul’s gospel of Jesus Christ. Does this mean God has rejected all of Israel? Of course not. Just as in the days of Elijah, God has preserved for Himself a remnant. And this remnant is elected by God’s grace, not by their own works.

11:11-24 — Again, the Israel of the flesh has stumbled, they have been blinded, and it is God who has done this. Why? Because it is through their stumbling that salvation has come to the Gentiles/Nations.

Who are these Gentiles referred to here? To be consistent with what’s written above, they would be the Hellenist/Ephraimite Dispersion, and that’s what I would lean toward. However, the argument could be made that these Gentiles also refer to non-Israelite nations. In a sense in doesn’t matter, since the purpose here is to provoke law observant Israelites (Israel of flesh) to jealousy. We know already that not all Israel is cast away (vs. 15) since there is a remnant (vs. 5) so the contrast here cannot be all Israel vs all non-Israel, but rather the contrast here is still “Israel of flesh” vs “true Israel,” and if “true Israel” at this point includes non-Israelite converts then so be it.

There is an olive tree, and the root of this tree is holy. The tree is covenant Israel (Jeremiah 11:14-17; Hosea 14:5-6). Gentile branches are grafted into this tree, but they do not make the tree holy, rather the reverse. Gentile (unnatural) branches were grafted in by faith, and this is good, but if God cut off the natural branches (law abiding Israel/Judaeans), then certainly Gentiles should fear God and not be proud lest they be cut off as well. And of course, the cut off natural branches can be grafted in again.

Notice what the Gentiles are being grafted into. They are not being grafted into a new multi-national religion called Christianity. Rather, they are being grafted into Israel. At this point in the discourse, Paul is still focused on Israel.

11:25-36 — When the fullness of the Gentiles/Dispersion/Prodigals has come in, all Israel will be saved (delivered from the wrath to come). Every single Israelite? No, that would not be consistent with what Paul has been saying. All saved Israel = the Israel of promise, the true Israel, the remnant. All saved Israel consists of Judaeans, Greeks, Ephraimites, Proselytes.

Concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Israel of flesh is an enemy for the sake of the Gentiles/Dispersion/Prodigals, but concerning election, they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. God intends to keep His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob after all.

Through the disobedience of the Israel of flesh, God has shown mercy to the Gentiles/Dispersion/Prodigals, but mercy will be shown to the Israel of flesh as well.

How and when will this mercy be manifest? Has this been fulfilled already? Or is it yet still to be fulfilled?

Oh, 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 has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
“Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

*Note: All scripture references are from the NKJV bible.