A Pauline Biblical Wordview

The book of Romans was written to the people of Rome by the Apostle Paul. In it Paul lays out his biblical worldview. Even though Romans is an occasional and not a systematic theology, this letter has gone on to influence such prominent religious figures as John Wesley and Martin Luther. Samuel Coleridge notes that the book of Romans is one of “the most profound works in existence” (Towns and Gutierrez 2012). The instructions on life, creation, redemption and grace that Paul lays out can be a guide for all Christians to follow.

Paul starts by laying out the natural world and explaining that that all men are subject to the wrath of God. Romans 1:20 (NIV) (Barker and Zondervan 2002) “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

In the natural word we are mortal, and will face the inevitable fact that we will be subject to the judgment of God. The Law of Moses is part of this natural world. Paul stresses that the law relies on justification through works. Paul tell us that the natural world is a world of sin.

The identity of mankind is one of sin and death. Ever sense Adam was cast out of the garden we have been born into sin through the original sin as defined in Romans 5:13 (NIV) (Barker and Zondervan 2002) “Therefore just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin in this way death came to all people because all have sinned.” Paul explains that death and sin do not have to be our fate. Romans 4:24 (NIV) (Barker and Zondervan 2002) “for God will credit righteousness to all of us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” Because we are justified through faith we have peace and grace from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John Wesley makes the following comment about grace:

“First. It is free in all to whom it is given. It does not depend on any power or merit in man; no, not in any degree, neither in whole, nor in part. It does not in anywise depend either on the good works or righteousness of the receiver; not on anything he has done, or anything he is. It does not depend on his endeavors. It does not depend on his good tempers, or good desires, or good purposes and intentions; for all these flow from the free grace of God; they are the streams only, not the fountain.” (Wesley 1949)

There are four relationships that we will look at: our relationship with sin; our relationship with the law; our relationship with others; and our relationship with our Lord Jesus. Our relationship with sin is one of slave and master. We are all slaves to sin. We are not just slave to sin but we are defined by our actions as sinners. This is a relationship in which we cannot break free of on our own no matter how determined of a person we are. We were born into sin, and if left on our own, will die in sin. Paul tells us that all who sin under the law will be judged by the law for the law does not bring us righteousness in God’s site (Romans 2:12-13). He also warns us about our relationship with others and not to judge others because in doing so we condemn ourselves (Romans 2:1). The forth relationship and most important is our relationship with Jesus. Paul says that when we offer ourselves to the lord that we stop being a slave to the law and sin and become a slave to righteousness (Romans 6: 15-16).

“There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit has set you free from the law of sin. (Romans 8:1-2 NIV) (Barker and Zondervan 2002)”

Our relationship with the Jesus provides us with redemption and eternal life through faith. Grace is freely given through Jesus to all.

We need to look at the culture of the early Christians in Rome when we explore the book of Romans. “At the time Rome was one of the largest cities in the world. The Emperor Nero ruled the Roman Empire from there. This was prior to the beginning of the anti-Christian persecution. We know that at that time there were at least five household churches in Rome, as Paul a greeted them” (Romans 16: 11-12, 14-15) (Towns and Gutierrez 2012). They were both gentiles and Jews, the majority was gentiles. Many of those that founded the church in Rome were followers of Paul who had come from other areas. The church was still in its infancy and faced with issues. The Jews and gentile differed in opinion as to how the Laws of Moses applied. Many understood the Gospel differently and clarification was required. Paul was planning to visit Rome soon and wrote the letter prior to his arrival to prepare the people of the church.

Even today the epistle Paul wrote to the Roman believers remain relevant and timeless. It is classified as an occasion letter that is designed to address specific issues of the time. Roman is still considered by many to be the most significant apostolic letter of the New Testament. It sets the ground work of today’s theological studies. It lays the ground work of today’s faith and Christian world view. It takes us from Condemnation to justification to sanctification. It creates a pathway from sin and death to redemption and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Bibliography

Barker, Kenneth, and undefined Zondervan. Zonderervan NIV Study Bible. United States: Zondervan, 2002.

Towns, Elmer D, and Ben Gutierrez. The Essence of the New Testament: A Survey. Nasville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2012.

Wesley, John. A Collection of sermons by John Wesley. Nampa: Wesley Center, 1949.