The Condition of the Lost At the close of chapter 1, Paul told at least three ways God's power could be seen in Jesus. Through the same power he has made alive those who were spiritually dead, or separated from God, in trespasses and sins (Isaiah 59:1-2). That making alive is accomplished through th... [ Continue Reading ]
In Christ Jesus Just as God's justice and righteousness called for wrath upon sinful man, his abundant mercy flowing out of his multi-faceted love caused him to make provision for lost mankind. He made that provision while Jew and Gentile were dead in sin, or spiritually separated from God. Those ma... [ Continue Reading ]
Saved By Grace Notice salvation is not by grace, nor faith alone. There is no way man could earn his salvation, so it is said here to be by the unmerited favor of God. God's grace is extended to all men who will accept that which is offered (Titus 2:11; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 22:17). Man's accepta... [ Continue Reading ]
The Gentiles' Condition Without Christ Anyone who has been converted as an adult, especially if he lived a very wicked life, would do well from time to time to think back to the life he led prior to becoming a Christian. Such will give great cause for thankfulness for all God has done for us. The G... [ Continue Reading ]
Made Nigh By the Blood of Christ Like stepping into the light of midday from a room with no windows, the Gentiles who obeyed the gospel drew nigh to God. This also brought near all the blessings they once so greatly lacked. This could only be accomplished through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ... [ Continue Reading ]
Unity In Christ Jesus became a man so that the law of Moses with all its commands and ordinances could be put out of the way. This was done by causing it to cease being a law in force. Thus, where there had been two bodies of people, Jew and Gentile, there would now be only one. The two were able t... [ Continue Reading ]
Peace Proclaimed By Christ Christ proclaimed his fervent desire for peace in his death on the cross. Then, he sent the apostles into all the world with the message of peace (Luke 24:45-48). Just as the Holy Spirit was to speak the message he heard instead of words of his own, so the apostles procla... [ Continue Reading ]
God's Temple The church is a building with individual Christians laid as its stones on the foundation of Christ (1 Peter 2:5). The apostles and prophets of the first century were the ones who proclaimed Jesus as the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11; Matthew 16:13-20). There are two different thoughts... [ Continue Reading ]