Covenant Heirs

Abraham, New Covenant, Spirit

With the ascension of Jesus, the gift of the Spirit has arrived with blessings for all believers as promised to Abraham.

The “promise of the Father” is the gift of the Spirit that Paul links to the Abrahamic covenant, and its promises find their fulfillment in the new covenant inaugurated by Jesus. The bestowal of the Spirit on the church marks the commencement of the age of fulfillment, and “in Christ,” Gentile believers become full heirs of Abraham - [Photo by Todd Cravens on Unsplash].

Wrath Revealed

Gospel, Wrath

In Romans, Paul presents his gospel to the churches in Rome, a message about God’s righteousness and wrath for both Jews and Greeks.

In Romans, Paul details the gospel, and he declares that it is the “power of God for salvation.” Due to humanity’s sin, two forces are at work in the world - righteousness and wrath. In his Son, God has provided the solution to mankind’s desperate plight, one that is available to all men through the “faith of Jesus Christ.” - [Dark Sky - Photo by Victor Rodriguez on Unsplash].

From Faith for Faith

Gospel, Salvation

Men are not set right before God from the works of the law but from the faith of Jesus Christ. 

In his letter to the Romans, Paul demonstrates that all men have sinned. Both Jews and Gentiles violate the revealed will of God. Therefore, no one is set right before God “from the law.” Jews have the Law but fall short of its requirements. Gentiles have the witness of their own conscience yet continue to live in their sins - [Half Dome - Photo by Jason Hogan on Unsplash].

Harden not your Hearts

Apostasy, Salvation

Disciples who fail to hold fast their confession due to unbelief will not inherit the coming “rest” of God.

After expounding on the “household of God” and demonstrating the superiority of the Son over Moses, the “servant of God,” the study continues with a lesson drawn from the story of Israel. During its sojourn in the wilderness, the Israelites complained bitterly against Moses for leading them to a place lacking sufficient water - [Stone Column - Photo by Madhu Madhavan on Unsplash].

Ends of the Ages

Last Days

In several different ways, Paul coordinates the commencement of the “last days” with the Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul linked the start of the “last days” with the death and resurrection of Jesus. In him, the time of fulfillment has arrived, and all the promises of God now find their “yea and amen.”  “In these last days,” God has spoken with finality in His Son, and his church is comprised of those upon whom the “ends of the ages have come.” - [End of the Day - Photo by v2osk on Unsplash].