Building a Biblical Theology
Therefore, because God is making dead people alive in a way that excludes human boasting in self, the saints remember that they were at one time separated from Christ. We were excluded from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hop and without God in this world. Since it... Continue Reading →
Introduction: The Apostle, Paul, wrote Ephesians from prison in AD 60-62 to the saints. While the letter certainly made it to Ephesus, it may have simply been written “to the saints,” because “at Ephesus” is missing from three early manuscripts. The tone of Ephesians is more generic than Paul’s other letters. The letter is about... Continue Reading →
When it comes to presenting our bodies as living sacrifices in response to the grace of God in His monergistic work, we also bless those who persecute us instead of cursing them. This means that a Republican who is a Christian will not curse a Democrat because the Holy Spirit has so changed him or... Continue Reading →
Paul continues his thoughts about predestination as it relates to Jews and gentiles respectively. The essential truth of the matter is still—all who believe in Christ will be saved. Yet, in this pericope I see some interesting statements. Paul uses the Old Testament text to prove his teaching throughout. First, the hardening of the Jews... Continue Reading →
Paul feels a need to clarify his position on Israel. He is an Israelite. It wants to be sure that the gentiles in Rome know that Israel has not been rejected. Instead, God is working all things together for the salvation of His people among every nation. God foreknew some in Israel and is now... Continue Reading →
Paul, who is still writing largely to gentiles about how they have been chosen by God while the Jews rejected Him, continues by encouraging gentiles all the more. When it comes to justification, there is no difference between a Jew and gentile. This is about God’s work, not the works of the nations. God abounds... Continue Reading →
Paul clarifies what he means when he states that the Law is fulfilled. Paul has a high view of the Law. He is a Jew. He already clarified that he did not mean the Law was abolished. Since all people have transgressed the Law, all people stood condemned. Now there is no condemnation for those... Continue Reading →
Paul’s audience is mostly gentile, and Paul is trying to explain to them about the Law’s purpose. There was a time before the Law was given. God gave the Law to the Hebrews. The Law was meant to increase the trespass so that grace may abound. An obvious question arises; is the Law abolished in... Continue Reading →
Therefore, since justification is by grace alone through faith alone, we have peace with God through Christ. There seem to be many today, even of the household of faith, who believe God is interested in war against people. Through Christ, He has declared peace and is saving a people by grace through faith for Himself.... Continue Reading →
God is the God of both the Jew and gentile because He is sovereign over all. He is creator. Therefore those who are under the Law, Jews, are shown their unrighteousness by the Law so that every mouth may be closed—so that people will know that they cannot boast in their works. No one can... Continue Reading →
andrew paul cannon 