The Book of Romans Chapter Four – Introduction

The Book of Romans Chapter Four – Introduction

by | Oct 15, 2019 | Verse-by-Verse Bible Studies | 0 comments

“Before we move into Romans chapter four lets do a quick review of the first three chapters in what is probably the greatest letter ever written in human history.

In Romans chapters one, two and three God makes His case as the Almighty Prosecutor against all mankind and the verdict is, GUILTY.

From the immoral man, who completely rejects everything that God has declared and are steeped in wickedness as found in chapter one (Romans 1:18-32).

To the moral man, who probably is a good person, but God finds them just as guilty as the immoral man.

Lastly, the religious man “those that are so self-righteous that they are no earthly good”. The religious person revel in their works base system because they have something to brag about (sound familiar?) The religious person always looks down on those who have no “outward” religious works to show for. All religious mankind have an outward profession of works but no real heart transformation and are guilty (Romans 2:17-29).

 

Jumping up to Romans 3:9-18, God lays down the verdict against all mankind, Guilty. Both Jew and Gentile are guilty no matter what they try to do to gain favor with a God

 

The Most Important Question in Human History

Then we come to a portion of Scripture that provides the answer to the number one question  that comes up to anyone reading the first two and half chapters of the book of Romans.

Okay, God has found all mankind guilty and living under sin, there is nothing mankind can do to find favor with God and the Mosaic law, can’t help it only points out our lawlessness…

So what must mankind do to be saved?

What the apostle Paul writes in the last eleven verses of Romans 3 are new revelations, unheard of to a Jew and as for the Gentile, they never had any part in God’s dealings with Israel and were without Christ and hope (Ephesians 2:11,12) for 2000 years prior to this new message by Paul.

Paul begins verse 21 with “But Now”.

In other words, Paul is saying what was written in the previous two and a half chapters, that God declares all mankind guilty and it is the law itself that is condemning mankind. And that there is nothing mankind can do to save themselves from condemnation. But now…

‘But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; ‘

Romans 3:21-22

 

This was a huge change in how God would deal with mankind. For the past 2000 years God’s divine revelations were directed too and for Israel only. 

 

Just Nine Gentiles Saved in 2000 years: Read more…

 

It must be repeated and repeated, Gentiles having anything to do with Israel’s God was unheard of, it was forbidden for Jews to have anything to do with Gentiles. 

Jesus Christ was among His chosen people the Jews to fulfill the promises that He Himself made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David. 

‘Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision (Jewish People_ for the truth of God, to confirm the promises (King and the kingdom) made unto the fathers (Abraham, Issac, Jacob, David, Joshua):’

Romans 15:8

 

It was the Jews that gave Paul the most trouble they were in complete opposition to this new message. Everywhere the apostle Paul went the Judaizers came in behind him to undermined his message of grace telling Paul’s congregations that they could not be saved without doing what they (Jews) have been commanded to do for the past 1500 years. These Judaizers were Commanding Paul’s congregations to keep the law, temple worship and be circumcised in order to be saved (Acts 15:1,5).

In the two thousand years from Abraham to the early chapters of Acts there were only nine Gentiles saved. There is no Biblical record of God revealing a message of salvation to the Gentile. NONE!

I think when most in Christendom watch Cecil B. DeMille’s 10 commandments they think God was talking to them (Gentiles). No, God drowned the Gentiles to save His chosen people the Jews. 

There is no Biblical record of God dealing with Gentiles for the two thousand years between Abraham and the apostle Paul. Between the call of Abraham in Genesis 12 to the call Paul, almost 2000 years there was never any message of salvation for the Gentile world, no doctrine revealed to Gentiles from God on how to live their daily lives.

God made His covenants with the Jewish people not Gentiles. Since God had no message of salvation or doctrine for Gentiles for the 2000 years between Abraham and Paul, how do denominations force what was never for the Gentiles as doctrine for Gentiles today? The answer is they can’t but like the apostle Paul warned for three years to the point of tears in the book of Acts that savage wolves would come up among you not sparing the flock. These men would come from within the Church, not outsiders, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after or to themselves based on how they twisted Scripture (ever wonder why we have 1500 plus denominations?). (Acts 20:29-31)

 

Most in Christendom don’t get this! That until Paul there was no message of salvation to the Gentile world (Ephesians 2:11,12). 

 

Important Fact

I have to make a point and address the “But Now”, of Romans 3:21.

Many in Christian Academia, Theologians, and Pastors teach that this But Now in Romans 3:21, is NOT a reference to time but a change in the general flow of Paul’s writing. This couldn’t be further from the truth and is not just poor interpretation but stupid. Anyone with half a brain should see that there is a significant shift in how God is dealing with mankind! 

By following this erroneous interpretation of “But Now” it does violence to Scripture by building a false narrative that changes the context of not just chapter three but the entire book of Romans.

The content and grammatical context of the previous two and half chapters and lets not forget the entire Old Testament, four gospels and the book of Acts make it so clear that the “But Now” of Romans 3:21, is referring to TIME. In other words everything that came before what Paul is now revealing is in the past and no longer valid.

Keep all this in mind as we move into Romans chapter four. That God has declared all mankind guilty and there is nothing mankind can do to gain favor with God.

Also understand what has come before, the previous 2000 years, beginning with Abraham and that  God’s plan of redemption is revealed progressively from Genesis right up to this point in Biblical history (37-40AD) with the apostle Paul coming on the scene with new revelations.

That now or “But Now”, (at this point in-time) God makes salvation available to all mankind both Jew and Gentile based on faith alone in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, apart from the law, temple worship and circumcision. 

The apostle Paul establishes that Faith and Faith alone in the finished work of the cross is the only means of salvation moving forward. In chapter four Paul builds on this amazing grace that God has poured out on all mankind. By using Abraham “God’s Friend” a man of great faith as the example of salvation for Jews and Gentiles in this age of grace.

‘And he believed in the Lord ; and he counted it to him for righteousness.’

Genesis 15:6 

 

Thanks for reading. 

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.

 

Jamie Pantastico

Faith, Sine Quo Non

 

  

Free Six Week Bible Study Class in Tempe Arizona Covering the Plan of Redemption

Free Six Week Bible Study Class in Tempe Arizona Covering the Plan of Redemption

by | Mar 18, 2019 | Bible Doctrine | 0 comments

Free Bible Study Classes

New classes start on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at Escalante Center in Tempe, Arizona. Every Tuesday, From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. 

Sign up today. Class size is 25 people max.

The Bible class is free. We don’t want your money and will never ask! This is for people that want to get into the Bible and study.

Please be aware that this is a six (6) week class and would like people that are able to commit to the six weeks. 

All we ask is that you bring a Bible, pen, and notepad.

 

Six Week Intro Bible Study

The introduction class will provide an overview of God’s plan of redemption from Genesis through Revelation. The only tools we use is a timeline which is drawn out on the board and the Bible. 

Don’t let the word introduction fool you, this is an in debt verse by verse foundational six-week class. Taking just this class alone will help you with your Bible Study moving forward. 

We do this by identifying the context of every book and every verse in the Bible, key passages, the Mosaic Law, Creation, Israel, Christ earthly ministry, Peter and the 11, the gospel of the Kingdom, the gospel of grace, the Body of Christ, and Eschatology.

We will together go through the entire Bible in just six weeks.  After 6 weeks you will come away with a better understanding of God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit and how before the God created one single star He loved you and together the Triune God decided that Jesus Christ the Son would be the Redeemer of the world.

Location & Hours

Escalante Multi-generational Center

Tempe, Arizona

2150 E Orange St, Tempe, AZ 85281

 

First Class Tuesday April 30, 2019

Class Schedule

Thursday

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Last class June 6, 2019.

 

 

Read the Bible Literally and In Context for Sound Interpretation

Read the Bible Literally and In Context for Sound Interpretation

by | Feb 24, 2019 | Bible Doctrine | 0 comments

It shall greatly helpe ye to understande Scripture, If thou mark Not only what is spoken or wrytten, But of whom, And to whom, With what words, At what time, Where, To what intent, With what circumstances, Considering what goeth before And what followeth.

 John Wycliffe (1324-1384)

 

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

II Peter 1:20-21

Rigor, Discipline and Consistency

The biggest issues with interpreting the Bible is the complete disregard for the context of a passage. Many in Christendom maintain a literal translation but take the text out of context to fit their theology or tradition.

When reading the Bible a guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a verse literally (how the text reads normally) unless strong reasons exist for not doing so.

Without such discipline, interpretation of the text becomes an opportunity to inject and make a passage mean anything you want. The result is erroneous or ridiculous interpretations.

 A key factor for a hermenuetic is that it have rigor, consistency and discipline.

Determine the Setting

Knowing the setting of a verse is crucial to understanding how the passage fits in relation to every other portion of Scripture (Because it all fits). John Wycliffe’s quote above is a good guide to follow when reading and studying the Bible. It forces the reader to maintain a literal, contextual and “in-time” interpretation of any passage.

Below are a set of questions that will help anyone studying the Bible understand the setting of any passage.  Once you determine the setting of a passage, you will know exactly how it fits in the entirety of Scripture. Then, the Bible becomes so fun to read. Yes ,fun to read and you can’t put it down. 

  1. Who is the Author?
  2. Who is the Author writing too.?
  3. What did it mean to the audience?
  4. What were the current circumstances when written?
  5. What happen before and after it was written?
  6. When was it written?
  7. How does the authors other passages compare?

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. ‘

Romans 15:4 

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Thank you for reading.

If you have questions don’t hesitate to leave them below.

Mesa Bible Study

 

No You’re Not Reading the Bible Literally

No You’re Not Reading the Bible Literally

by | Feb 18, 2019 | Bible Doctrine

Reading the Bible Literally and In Context will Show God Had No Plan of Salvation to Gentiles Until the Apostle Paul

Most Christians will say “Yeah I read the Bible literally”. But how can that be? When most Christians don’t understand that God had NO plan of salvation until the apostle Paul!

Understanding there was no direct revelation from God to the Gentile world, no message of salvation to Gentiles, no set of instructions directed to Gentiles for how to live their daily lives until the apostle Paul is crucial to truly understand the Bible.

That’s correct! There is no Scripture support for a message of salvation to Gentiles prior to the revelations given to the apostle Paul. By the risen and glorified Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11,12) Eleven years after Pentecost around 37- 40 AD.

No matter how hard you look for a message from God to the Gentile world prior to Paul, you will not find it. Even if you did find a verse or two and tried to force it into Gentile-ground you’d be twisting Scripture. (2 Peter 3:16)

 

‘and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, ‘

II Peter 3:15

 

‘as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.’

II Peter 3:16

 

Don’t twist the Scriptures and force the gospel of grace and the doctrine for the Body of Christ into anything before it was revealed.

 

YOU CAN’T MIX LAW AND GRACE

 

Peter Warns Not to Twist Scripture

With his very last Holy Spirit inspired words the apostle Peter would pen before his martyrdom. He admonishes his readers to go to Paul’s epistles for the things regarding salvation. Peter also warns that because what was revealed to Paul is sometimes hard to understand they are not to TWIST THE REVELATIONS GIVEN TO HIM. Or face destruction!

 

Peter doesn’t say to go back to what John the Baptist said or the sermon on the Mount. This is 30 years after Pentecost, Peter was the leader of the 12 during Christ earthly ministry. Peter preached his heart out to his kinsman and will be on one of the thrones ruling on earth as Jesus promised him. But at the very end of his amazing ministry and with the last Holy Spirit inspired words that he would write. Peter tells his readers to go to what the risen Lord Jesus revealed to Paul. Let that sink in…

 

*(for anyone that reads into this that we are not to study, know everything about the Sermon on the Mount or anything Christ did during His earthly ministry is delusional. We can’t know what we know now about the gospel of grace without studying every verse, word everything the Lord said because the ENTIRE BIBLE is all about Him, Jesus Christ. So don’t be ignorant.)

 

Paul Alone Was Given the Doctrines of Grace

God made it so clear in Galatians 1:11,12 and Ephesians 3:1-13 that the gospel Paul preached was not given to him by Peter or any of the other apostles. Paul wasn’t taught the gospel of grace by any man. Paul received the gospel of grace and the doctrine for the Church today from the risen and glorified Lord Jesus Christ eleven years after Pentecost!

 

It is so clear if you read the Scriptures literally and in its context, and as they unfold, you can’t miss it!

 

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

II Corinthians 5:16

 

What is Paul saying? Yes, we know the Son of God was here on earth in the flesh. (and we are to study and understand everything Christ did during His earthly ministry)

 

But, we Gentiles and Jews are to know Him no more in the flesh! Why????? Because Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose from the dead victorious over Satan, sin, the law, and death itself!

 

Now, because of what Christ did on the cross, salvation is available to ALL mankind, Jew or Gentile apart from the law. By believing in the finished work of the cross by faith alone a person is saved. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 3:21) 

Glory to God.

 

Christ Crucified, Buried, Risen Only!

Everything on this side of the cross is about Christ and His finished work on the cross. That’s it. Christ crucified, buried and risen is what our lives are about! Sound too simple, oh well…

 

This glorious message of grace was not revealed to ANYONE until the risen Lord Jesus revealed it to Paul. The gospel of grace was hidden in God from eternity past. Until the risen Lord Jesus Christ chose Saul who we now know as the apostle Paul, and revealed to him the gospel of grace. (

 

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

 

Acts 20:24

 

But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.

Galatians 1:11

 

‘For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:12  

 

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 3:1-10

 

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 

Ephesians 2:11

 

that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Ephesians 2:12

 

 

 

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 

Romans 3:21

 

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— 

Romans 16:25-26

 

Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them, God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:25-27 

 

The Bible is a Progressive Revelation

The first 2000 years of human history are described in the first 11 Chapters of the Bible. God dealt directly with all mankind and all mankind spoke one language. After the tower of Babel, the whole world is steeped in pagan worship and had no time for the One True God. So God does something completely different and chooses one man.

The Call of Abraham

From the call of Abraham around 2000 BC until Moses around 1500 BC, God deals directly with Abraham and his son’s Isaac and Jacob (Israel). Everything God revealed to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was directed to Abraham and his descendants only. There is no message to the Gentile world at all. The time period between Abraham and Moses and the law is around 500 years and is found in Genesis 12 through Exodus 19.

 

Moses and the Law

From the time God gave Moses the Law on Mt. Sinai around 1500 BC. Where all the people of Israel promised that they would do what God commanded.  

Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord.

Exodus 19:8 

 

THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO “ISRAEL”. NOWHERE IN SCRIPTURE IS THERE SUPPORT FOR GOD TELLING MOSES, ARON, DAVID, ISAIAH, DANIEL OR ANY OF THE JEWISH PROFITS TO PREACH THE LAW TO THE GENTILE WORLD! 

WHAT GOD COMMANDED HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE “THE JEWS” IN EXODUS TO DO “THE LAW” AND WHAT ISRAEL AS A NATION PROMISED GOD IN EXODUS 19:8 WAS THE ONLY MESSAGE OF SALVATION TO THE WORLD AND IT WAS TO ISRAEL ONLY…

…Until God calls the apostle Paul to be …” a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” In Acts 9:15,16 between 37-40 AD… 

…There was no message of salvation apart from the Mosaic Law! There was no salvation to the Gentile world period. The law faded off the scene when God called Paul in 37 AD and ended in 70 AD. 

The law and Temple worship will continue for short time during the seven years of Jacobs trouble.

The book of Acts clearly delineates the transition from Law to Grace. It is impossible to miss the transition when keeping track of the time element, context and maintaining a literal interpretation.

 

Zacharias Knew “Israel’s King Is Coming”

After 400 years of silence we come to Zacharias and his Holy Spirit inspired words in Luke 1:67-75, he knew what was happening, he knew the prophecy was being fulfilled!

Read the verses below. Study them. It’s the same in your Bible as it is in mine. Zacharias knew nothing of the gospel of the grace of God. It was hidden in God. But what he does know is that God promised Israel a King and He was coming on the scene now!

The Messiah promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was coming! The promises God made to King David were being fulfilled. (2 Samuel 7:12-17; Luke 1:29-33) The promised King that would destroy Israel’s enemies and rule forever sitting on David’s throne in Jerusalem was coming! Zacharias knew and Glorified God.

 

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. ‘

Luke 1:67-75

 

Israel’s Glorious Prospect

Through the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic Covenants and Jewish prophets, God revealed His prophetic plan to His chosen people. God promised King David, that one day in Israel’s future their Messiah would come on the scene, born of a woman, under the Law, from the lineage of David. He will crush Israel’s enemies and rule all nations of the world from His father’s throne in Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 7:12-16)

He will be King of kings and Lord of lords and all Gentile nations will recognize Israel’s God as the one true God. The Gentiles will seek to worship Israel’s God and they will be blessed. God always had Gentiles in mind but their divine blessing and salvation would have to come through Israel. (Zechariah 8:20-23; Isaiah 45:14; Isaiah 60:1-3; Isaiah 49:5,6; Luke 2:29-32)

Israel Drop the Ball

The nation of Israel had such a glorious prospect. But Israel rejected the King and the kingdom. Together with the Romans, they crucified the Prince of Life. (Psalms 2:1-3; Acts 3:15)

 

But God Had a “μυστήριον”

But God…had hidden within in Him a secret μυστήριον “mystery”.

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery (SECRET), lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 

Romans 11:25

 

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery (SECRET) kept secret since the world began.

Romans 16:25

 

Conclusion

If a person truly reads the Bible literally and in its context, you can’t miss it. 

Thank you for reading.

 

If you have any questions or would like to respond to this post please do so below. 

 

Mesa Bible Study

Jamie Pantastico

 

Faith, Sine Qua Non 

 

 

 

When Was Salvation Apart from the Mosaic Law?

When Was Salvation Apart from the Mosaic Law?

by | Jan 21, 2019 | Bible Doctrine

Not Until the Apostle Paul is Called by God

Salvation has always been granted by God’s grace through faith, as highlighted in Hebrews 11. However, it wasn’t until God appointed the Apostle Paul as the “apostle to the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15) that a message of salvation independent of the Mosaic Law and Temple worship was extended to the Gentile world.​

The Mosaic Law and Its Scope

The Mosaic Law, given to Israel through Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20), encompassed moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations governing Jewish life. Before its establishment, moral understanding was inscribed on human hearts and consciences (Romans 2:14-15). Notably, the Scriptures do not record any directive for the Mosaic Law to be preached to the Gentile world; it was intended exclusively for Israel.

Transition from Law to Grace

The early church grappled with integrating Gentile believers. Many Jewish Christians continued to observe the Mosaic Law and expected Gentile converts to do the same. This blending of law and grace led to confusion and division within the church. Paul’s revelation emphasized that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not adherence to the law (Romans 3:21-22). He taught that believers are under grace, not the law (Romans 6:14), a message he received directly from the risen Christ (Galatians 1:11-12).​

Clarifying the Gospel Message

Understanding the shift from law to grace is crucial. The salvation message and doctrine for the church today were entrusted to Paul, who conveyed the gospel of grace meant for both Jews and Gentiles. Before Paul’s ministry, there was no directive for Gentiles regarding salvation. It was through Paul that the revelation of salvation apart from the law was made known. As he stated, believers are justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law (Romans 3:28).​

Conclusion

Recognizing the transition from the Mosaic Law to the gospel of grace is essential for understanding the foundation of Christian faith. Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, independent of the works of the law. This truth, revealed through the Apostle Paul, underscores the inclusive nature of the gospel for all humanity.

Updated for clarity and readability – April 2025