EXPOSITION: Chapter 5:1-21 5:1-11—From Justification to Salvation 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice [boast] in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice [boast] in our sufferings, … [Read more...]
What’s Wrong with Wright? ‘Imputation’ to begin with…
Imputation Contended and Defended Romans 5:12-21 is considered the locus classicus for the doctrine of "imputation"; that is, the imputation of Adam's sin, guilt, and penalty to humankind and of Christ's righteousness to the believer. However, the ‘New Perspective on Paul’ significantly contends against “imputation”. For example, as one of the most influential proponents, … [Read more...]
Romans: The Universality of Judgement & Justification, Part 4b
EXPOSITION: Chapter 3:1-31 In v. 1-8 the apostle continues to address the Jews, although, he now rhetorically poses the potential conclusions (v. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8) from the previous passage (2:17-29), asserting that they are fallacious (v. 2, 4, 6, 9). He has so radically redefined the Jew that it begs the question of: 1) their advantage above the Gentiles; 2) the value of … [Read more...]
Romans: The Jews & the Judgement of God, Part 4a
EXPOSITION: Chapter 2:1-29 2:1-5—The Jews & the Judgement of God Keeping in mind the direction of Paul's argument throughout the larger passage (1:18-3:20) – that is, to establish the universality of sin and judgement without exception – from 2:1 he focuses on the Jew, confronting their attitude of exceptionalism. Allied with this was their abstraction of the law from … [Read more...]
Romans: Judgement & Justification—Justice Promised, Part 4
EXPOSITION: Chapter 2:1-4:25 We concluded Part 3 (1:18-32) with the assertion that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against man as a covenant-breaker. And that he has therefore come under the retributive justice of God, worthy of the judicial penalty of death. Man is dislocated from God, the cosmos is broken, and all must now be set-to-rights. The next … [Read more...]
