Going to the World by Martin Wiles

“What if I get motion sickness? Are you going to help me pack? What if I’m not up to handling the taxing conditions, heat, and humidity? What must I do when I go through security and customs? How much can my bag weigh?”

All questions my mother had before leaving on a mission trip to Jamaica. But God provided the answers. She took motion sickness pills before boarding. My wife and I showed her how to properly pack her bags and condiments. A family friend paid for her plane ticket and accommodations. A church group provided funds for purchasing VBS supplies. The resort chefs hosted a buffet even though the group was late returning, and two men safely maneuvered the un-air-conditioned buses around potholes and over rough and narrow mountain terrain.

God provided—as he always does and always will. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 NLT).

Regardless of how we go, God will forever go with us through the person and power of his Spirit residing in us. And the methods by which we can go are ever changing and increasing. I was reminded of this recently when I befriended a lady on the other side of the world through a Facebook group. As we talked about E-readers and apps, she said, “I have a word from God. He will use these…to get his Word out to the nations.”

So whether you’re telling the message by hitting the enter key, the post button, or the send key, by being kind to a neighbor, or by sharing with a co-worker what God’s done in your life, just go to the nations. And however you go, God will go with you.

Prayer: Prompt us Merciful Father, to take Your love to the nations by using every available means.
Visit our recipe room for sumptous delights!!

Grace and Sin’s Judgment Part II by Martin Wiles

Romans 2:6-16
I. God’s Judgment On Sin (continued)
A. It may seem Paul belabors the subject of God’s judgment, but spending some time on this matter and establishing a firm footing in this area magnifies the grace of God as well as helps us remember there is a divine person we must answer to.

B. In verse 6, Paul reminds us God will judge all people.

C. Those who have no relationship with God go about their everyday activities with little or no thought of having to answer to God. A part of God’s judgment will be meted out on sinners.
1. Since they have not committed their life to him, and he is therefore not part of their daily thoughts, they live with reckless abandon.
2. Life is about them, enhancing their image, getting ahead, accumulating possessions, investing wisely for the future and having a family.
3. Unlike the believer, all of these and other activities are carried out with self in mind.
4. This is not to say a thought of God or some responsibility factor never enters their mind, but they do not let such thoughts govern their actions-they do not consult God about decisions they make.
5. At the end of their lives or at the end of time at the Great White Throne Judgment (depending on one’s view of when we actually stand before God), they will be given the opportunity to defend their actions.
6. Jesus himself warned about such a lifestyle when he spoke of gaining the whole world but losing one’s soul. This statement was followed by the warning of his coming, along with his angels, to judge all people according to their deeds. (Matthew 16:24-28)
7. The judgment of unbelievers will be according to their works, for there is nothing else for God to judge them by since they have rejected the gift of his Son and the forgiveness that comes through that relationship.
8. Every society has knowledge of an existent moral law. If they did not, they would not establish laws that bring punishment when violated.
9. Since these people do not appear before God in a faith relationship (which would remove the judgment), they must appear on the basis of their good works.
10.  Their fate, however, is sealed for they can never live up to God’s ideal which is perfect obedience to his law.
11.  Paul will deal later with the fact that no person can be justified by the law even if he could perfectly obey it. (3:20)
12.  We are not told how all elements of this judgment scene will play out, but if given the chance, surely these individuals will begin to enumerate all the good things they did in life, hoping they will be sufficient to gain them entrance into heaven. However, such a philosophy-as popular as it is, is destined to fail and represents a huge misunderstanding of how God operates.

D. Believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
1. This judgment is quite different for God will not judge us for sin but rather on our deeds.
2. God’s judgment on sinners relegates them to eternal separation from him. They failed to receive his gift.
3. Believers, however, are not under condemnation, though our actions will be considered. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (8:1)
4. God’s gift of salvation does not free us from faithful obedience to him.
5. Our rewards-the amount or dearth of them, will be determined by this judgment.
6. This judgment has nothing to do with whether we enter heaven or hell-that was settled when we decided to follow Christ.

E. Having examined the above two aspects of judgment, we agree with Paul’s line of thought-God will judge all people according to what they have done.
1. All people will stand before God on one of two foundations.
2. They either stand on the foundation of grace or works. The first is secure while the last will crumble.

F. Another aspect of God’s judgment is that the punishment will not be equal for all who have failed to believe-though it will be fair.
1. The eternal destiny will be identical, but the punishment will vary.
2. Those who had great opportunity to trust Christ yet chose to live in open rebellion will receive the greater punishment, while those who had less light will be given fewer stripes.
3. Jesus explains this aspect of judgment when telling the parable of the servants who were left in charge of their master’s household while he was away.
4. The faithful servant will be rewarded, but the servant who acts wickedly because he thinks his master will be gone a long time will be punished.
5. He will be severely punished because he knew what he was supposed to do and did not do it. (Luke 12:47-48)

G. The justice of God meted out in the judgment will be fair.
1. Some judges can be paid off to let a criminal either go free or receive less punishment than deserved.
2. Family heritage, culture, creed or anything else will not color God’s judgment.
3. He judges based on what we did with Christ. If we refused him, then the degree of our punishment will be determined by the light we had.
4. This will not be a time for negotiation with God or bargaining. Nor will it be a time when faith can be exercised. Once life is over, all opportunity to believe has passed.

H. This same verse seems to imply, however, that our deeds do have something to do with the outcome of the judgment.
1. Paul says that God will judge people according to what they have done.
2. The explanation is really simple when coupled with what Scripture teaches as a whole.
3. The unsaved are judged by what they have done, but their deeds-no matter how commendable, will never be enough to place God under obligation to accept them into heaven.
4. Believers will also be judged by what they have or have not done, but it will have no bearing on their eternal security. The deeds only concern rewards.
5. Our faith and God’s grace secures our eternity with God.

II. Further Explanations Concerning Faith and Works
A. Eternal life is given to those who persist in doing good. (v. 7)
1. Again it bears mentioning that eternal life is given to all, just in two different places.
2. The eternal life Paul has in mind refers to what believers will enjoy.
3. This is similar to what Jesus says when he states that those who endure to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:13)
4. How does this mesh with the doctrine of eternal security (a doctrine most Baptists adhere to)? If we are saved and do good for a while but stop doing good, is our salvation lost?
5. This is not a contradiction of what Paul has previously said-that salvation is by faith. We are not saved by good deeds, but when we commit our lives to Christ, the pattern of our actions will be toward that end. If it is not, we have reason to question the reality of the relationship.
6. Committing our life to Christ gives us the desire to please him and do his will.
7. Our deeds are not the reason for our salvation but rather the result of it.
8. This is the same message Paul gave to the Ephesians. It is by grace that we are saved through faith and this is not of works lest we have reason to boast. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
9. We cannot hold God at arm’s length and still expect him to welcome us into heaven, but this is the way many people want it. They want their cake and the ability to eat it too.
10.  God’s wrath and anger will be doled out to those who refuse his Son. (v. 8)

B. God’s wrath and anger are fair even as his justice is.
1. Those who live for themselves and pursue a lifestyle of wickedness can expect the wrath and fury of God.
2. This punishment will extend to the Jew just as it will to the Gentile.
3. An example of selfish living can be seen in the employee who adamantly vows for his own rights and benefits. The company owes this to him. However, his work habits reveal he has no concern for the company. His job-though provided by the company, is all for his benefit.
4. Heritage will not protect the Jew from God’s judgment, nor will the diminished light shown to the Gentiles shield them from the same.
5. Glory, honor and peace come to those who follow Christ and do good. (v.10)
6. The full measure of this is reserved for heaven, but we can enjoy some aspects of it while on earth.
7. Again, God’s judgment is not based on where we came from, who we are, our good intentions or anything else. It is based on what we did with the light God gave us.

C. God does not show favoritism (v. 11)
1. We can think of many examples of favoritism in our world.
2. People in positions of authority often are shown favoritism and in turn show it themselves.
3. We are reminded of the phrase, “It’s not what you know but who you know.”
4. Not only does God not show favoritism toward the Jew over the Gentile-though many of the Jews thought they deserved it, neither does he show favoritism within the same group.
5. God does not grade on the curve.
6. Nothing in us deserves God’s goodness, and there is nothing that can help us span the chasm that separates us from God except faith in him.
7. The Gentiles did not have the written law of God, but it was written in their hearts, and that made them responsible. God will judge them based on that light.
8. The Jews had God’s written law but still disobeyed it. The very law they took pride in would be their judge. (v. 12)
9. Condemnation does not come for what we do not know but rather for what we do with what we know.
10.  God can never be accused of being unfair, for he has given a conscience to all people. The conscience is a moral compass that steers us in the right direction when fed godly things. It is the part that speaks when we have done something wrong.

D. God’s judgment will deal with the secret matters of our heart.
1. Jesus often warned the religious leaders about their inner motives.
2. The “why” of what we do is more important than the “what” of what we do.
3. We view good things others do, but we do not have the capability to look deep inside and know their motivation.
4. God has the ability to look inside, just as when Jesus knew the real need Nicodemus had was to be born again.
5. This is an added reason for knowing God’s judgment is just-he has the ability to know perfectly.
6. Not only does he know the action but also the motive.

Conclusion:
A. God’s judgment is fair and impartial even though it will be an awful experience to face his wrath and fury.
B. But for the believer we do not have to fear condemnation. Christ has paid the penalty for our sin. We will stand before God forgiven and clean.

Dealing with Depression by Martin Wiles

“Take the medicine and stay out of the Emergency Room.”

Those were my doctor’s words when I finally accepted his diagnosis of depression. My home and professional life were in shambles. I felt like I was in a tailspin—barely able to keep my head above water. Dark clouds were my constant friends. Pains afflicted various parts of my body. Was it stress, worry, or an approaching heart attack?

Moving nearer my family helped but didn’t completely heal my state of mind. I took the meds, but the side effects were worse than the symptoms. After numerous trips to the Emergency Room—only to be told “We can’t find anything wrong,” I accepted my doctor’s advice. Sure enough, after a few weeks, the side effects diminished and the dark cloud lifted.

Perhaps David didn’t know it, but he was most likely depressed. His words are reflective: You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend (Psalm 88:18 NLT).

I’ve discovered depression is no respecter of persons. “Super saints” have been known to disparage depressed believers with statements such as, “Just get over it,” or “You must not have enough faith,” but Biblical examples and Christian history reveal believers get depressed. I experience life just as everyone else does.

Depression is ultimately silenced by relying on God but often temporarily relieved with counseling and medicine. The cure usually involves all three methods. God graciously provides Christian counselors as well as wisdom to researchers that develop medicine. Both counseling and medicine can be taken without feeling guilty as long as I don’t lose focus on whom the ultimate healer is.

If you’re struggling with darkness, cry out to God first and then let him direct you to any other means you may need to heal your emotions.

Prayer: We trust You Almighty God to heal our bodies, our spirits, and our emotions.


Visit our recipe room for sumptuous delights!!

Grace, Adam, and Christ by Martin Wiles

Romans 5:13-21
Introduction:
A. Do you ever think about how your sinful actions or attitudes affect others?

B. Actions always have consequences and sinful actions do as well.

I. Sin and the Law (13-14)
A. Consider the question: Is it possible to break a law even when there is no law against what you have done?
1. Suppose I live in a country that has no law against stealing.
2. Have I broken a law if I steal?
3. If we believe God has ordained moral laws, then the answer is yes.
4. In building his case for responsibility to God and in favor of the sinfulness of humanity, Paul says sin did not arrive after the giving of the law to Moses or when people broke that law.
5. Sin arrived long before the giving of the law. It was started when Satan rebelled against God. It was then perpetrated in the human race through his temptations and as Adam and Eve gave into them. Their acquired sinful nature was in turn passed to all their descendants.
6. The commandment against murder had not been given when Cain killed his brother Abel, but it was still a sin and one God charged him with.

B. The law has nothing to do with salvation-the loss or gaining of it.
1. Obedience to the law does not issue in salvation as some of the Jews supposed.
2. Disobedience to the law does not lead to death.
3. Sin is the base line problem. It brings death, and the only way to escape its consequences is by forgiveness and God’s grace.
4. Physical death (what some believe to be one consequence of sin) took place long before the law was given.

C. What was the purpose of the law?
1. It was not to lead to salvation or to take away the experience of death.
2. Paul will explain in verse 20 that it was given to show what God’s standard was, and by comparison, to show humanity how far they missed the mark.
3. The law was also designed to drive those now aware of their sinfulness to God for mercy and pardon.
4. The law also reminds us we are responsible for our sinful actions.
5. The disadvantage of the law is that it offers no remedy for our problem. With that in mind, it was designed to drive us to Christ.

II. Adam And Christ’s Contributions (vv. 14-19)
A. Adam’s contributions are somewhat negative.
1. Paul seems to place all the blame on Adam, but when we read the temptation account, we see Eve was actually deceived by the tempter.
2. As mentioned previously, the race was considered in Adam, so Paul uses him when contrasting his actions and their results with those of Christ’s.
3. As you will remember, Adam entered into the sin willfully while Eve was deceived.
4. Adam brought death by his sin (this death was certainly spiritual even though scholars disagree over whether physical death was also a consequence of his sin).
5. This death was not only for him and his wife but extended to their children and all their descendants.
6. Not only was their spiritual death but there was also condemnation for the sin that brought death.
7. Since God cannot look on or accept sinful people, and since sin is an affront to his law, it must be punished, and it places us under a sentence of condemnation.
8. Death and condemnation rule over us like the most despicable despot we could imagine. We cannot escape it, and in our fallen state there is no hope.
9. Adam’s sin meant all who were born from him were sinners also.

B. Christ’s contributions are all positive
1. There is a significant contrast between the work of Adam and Christ.
2. The gift of Adam was a sinful nature, but the gift of Christ involves the opportunity to have all our sins forgiven and the relationship destroyed by Adam and Eve restored.
3. When Paul says Adam’s decision brought death to many, this is not to be taken to mean that some escaped death. Many is a general reference signifying that the number of people affected was great. In fact, all were.
4. In like manner, Jesus’ gift of himself on Calvary brought forgiveness to many. The contrast somewhat breaks down at this point. No one escapes the consequences of Adam’s sin. All have received a sinful nature. Believing some have escaped leaves open the possibility of not needing Christ’s forgiveness.
5. On the other hand, all are not automatically forgiven simply because Christ died on the cross. Yet the atonement was sufficient to save all and will affect the salvation of all who turn to Christ for forgiveness.
6. Thus, all have been infected through Adam’s decision and all who ask will be affected by Christ’s work on Calvary.
7. Condemnation and forgiveness are the two polar extremes of the gifts given by Adam and Christ.
8. While condemned for our sins, experiencing God’s forgiveness means having the condemnation removed.
9. Even though we are guilty of many sins, God’s forgiveness means we are not condemned by God. He no longer holds us accountable for those sins but sees the blood of Christ covering them. Not only does he take us into his family but he also refers to us as his friends.
10.  Nor does the curse of death rule over us any longer. Now you may say, “Well Christians die every day” and this is true, but not spiritually.
11.  Salvation does not remove the curse of physical death if in fact physical death was part of the penalty of sin to begin with.
12.  Nevertheless, our state of spiritual death is rectified. In Christ, we live triumphantly over sin and death.
13.  Physical death may take our bodies, but it cannot prevent our spirits from rising to our heavenly abode nor prevent Christ from infiltrating our dead bones with resurrection life.
14.  Again, verse 18 must be tempered by verse 19 as well as the overall message of the Bible.
15.  Just because Christ died on Calvary all people are not automatically saved, but it does create that possibility. Paul recognizes this in verse 19 when he acknowledges that many will be saved because of what Christ has done.
16.  Further, the making of one right with God also involves repentance and faith on their part.
17.  Yet the benefits of knowing Christ are not all reserved for heaven. We enjoy many benefits now.
18.  Christ promises abundant living. We do not just live; we have the opportunity to live abundantly.
19.  God also promises to supply all the needs of his children. He will sufficiently give us everything we need to exist and do his will.
20.  We have power. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

III. The Purpose of the Law and Christ (vv. 20-21)
A. God’s purpose in the law.
1. Paul’s Jewish hearers certainly would not like what Paul had to say about the law.
2. Not only was it not effective for salvation, it was not an antidote for sin and in fact actually increased sin.
3. We can understand this by looking at our own nature. At least as a child-but sometimes even as an adult, we want to do the exact thing we are told we cannot do. For example, the sign that reads, “Wet paint. Do not touch.”
4. This is similar to the argument some make that morality cannot be legislated. This doesn’t mean we don’t need laws dealing with morality, but it is true we cannot make people be moral.
5. Purposes of the law: to point out sin which would in turn make people aware they had sinned, to give people a greater knowledge of sin which would in turn lead to more conviction of humanity’s sins, and to make people aware of their responsibility for their sin.

B. God’s grace outpaces the consequences of sin.
1. God’s grace became more apparent as people sinned.
2. Now this is not an excuse to sin more so we can see more of God’s grace manifested. Sin simply magnifies God’s grace or puts the spotlight on it. Paul refutes this philosophy of sinning more so we can see more of God’s grace in the next chapter.
3. Sin is an example of how God can take something evil and bring good from it.
4. By his grace, we have right standing (justification) with him as well as the hope of eternal life.

Conclusion:
A. The power of sin is devastating.
B. The grace of God conquers the power of sin and ushers in forgiveness, abundant life and the assurance of eternal life.

Grace And Sin’s Thoroughness by Martin Wiles

Romans 5:12
Introduction:
A. The section of Scripture that begins with this verse contrasts the effects of Adam’s sin with the results of Christ’s sacrifice.

B. Paul will use the occasion of sin’s entrance into humanity by Adam and Eve’s disobedience to prove that all-Jews and Gentiles alike, are sinners.

C. This section has created unrest for some people for they wonder why they are held responsible for a bad decision our first parents made.

D. So we must examine whether Paul is teaching we are responsible for Adam and Eve’s sin or whether he is showing how we are all guilty by being their descendants-while not actually guilty of their sin.

E. Very few-if any, would argue the presence of sin in people. It is very evident by their actions and attitudes. If we could examine the inner workings of even the most charitable person who is not a believer, we would no doubt discover that often their actions are tainted by improper motives.

F. Those who would doubt their sinfulness only need to examine their actions by the clear teachings of God’s Word to conclude they do miss the mark God has established to find acceptance with him.

G. Paul has already established all have sinned (3:23). Now he will examine how sin is transmitted, inherited or played out by Adam’s descendants.

I.  The Truth About Sin
A. Paul connects Adam’s sin to the entire human race.

B. Now we might ask about Eve. After all, wasn’t she the one who gave into Satan’s temptation?

C. While this is true, we will find Adam was considered the federal or natural head of the human race in God’s eyes.

D. Adam also entered into sin with eyes wide open while Eve was deceived by the serpent. The result, however, was the same.

E. Before we examine how this plays out, let’s state some truths about sin as well as some of its results.

F. While Adam and Eve committed the first sin of the human race, sin began in heaven when Lucifer-an angel, decided to rebel against God’s rule and took other angels with him. He then wanted to spread this infectious disease to the human race. He was successful as we read in the story of Eve’s giving in to temptation and leading her husband to do the same.

G. Sin is a spirit of independence from God. This was true with Lucifer and is played out in all individuals who want to live apart from God’s control over their lives. It is exhibited in the idea that “life is all about us” and we do not need anyone telling us how to live.

H. Sin is rebellion against God since it is an affront to his holy nature.

I. Sin blinds us to God’s purpose and leads us to think we know best and will not really endure the consequences God says come with sin.

J. Sin separates us from God since he cannot have anything to do with it.

K.  Sin permeates our mind. Our minds become Satan’s playground, and all temptation begins here. We think, feel, and then act. Eve thought about what the serpent was telling her before feelings of becoming like God arose in her mind. Then she acted on what she desired.

L.  With sin comes feelings of fear and shame as well as the possibility of having our consciences seared if we continually ignore the voice of God as Pharaoh of old did (he hardened his heart against God’s message and God allowed that hardening to continue).

M.  Sin enslaves us just as surely as the chains did the African villagers who were carted from their homeland and transported to America. It is a bad habit we cannot break in our own power.

N.  Not only does it separate us from God, but it separates us from others as well.

O.  If not dealt with, it will eventually result in experiencing the full wrath of God’s fury.

II. The Death Trap of Sin
A. Theologians disagree over whether Adam and Eve would have died had they not sinned.

B. The question is whether or not physical death was a consequence of sin or whether humans would have died even if they had not disobeyed.

C. Regardless of where we fall on this spectrum, their sin brought spiritual death, and physical death arrived eventually. It was of course not immediate for they lived a number of years after their disobedience and had many children.

D. If physical death was a consequence, we can possibly conclude that their bodies began to age immediately.

E. Spiritual death was an immediate disconnection between them and God. The relationship as it had been was severed, and with spiritual death comes present and eternal consequences-eternal death being the final consequence.

III. The Universal Consequences of Sin
A. Not only did Adam and Eve’s disobedience bring death to them, but that same spiritual (and possibly physical) death spread to all their posterity.

B. Then Paul makes a statement that might confuse or bother us: “for everyone sinned.”

C. How could the entire human race-which had not even been born, sin because our first parents did?

D. We might even propose this is unfair. So let’s examine this matter in depth and ponder some conclusions that have been reached by great theological minds.

E. As we attempt in our own human way to get back into God’s mind before the creation, I think we have to conclude-based on what Paul teaches, that the entire human race was bound up in Adam. That is, he was the federal or natural head. God could look at Adam and see everyone who would ever be born.

F. This does not mean God charges us with and punishes us for Adam’s sin, but everyone born since then has borne out their sinful heritage.

G. We are sinners by nature and choice. The sinful nature Adam and Eve inherited because of their rebellion has been passed to all their posterity so we are not “sinners because we sin” but rather “sin because we are sinners.” Hypothetically we could say we can choose not to but it will never happen. There is the possibility, but we do not have the power to bring it about.

H. We get caught up in the discussion of fairness when what we should be seeking is God’s mercy for this is the only way we can receive forgiveness and thereby regain the right standing humanity had before the Fall.

I. As we consider the matter of human nature, we should not be surprised by these circumstances. Children inherit their nature from their parents, not only through the genes but also in learned behavior.

J.  So while not personally guilty of Adam’s sin, we repeat his sin because we have inherited his sinful nature.

K.  How this sinful nature is passed from generation to generation has also been discussed by theologians. Some maintain it is inherent in the procreation process while others suppose we receive it when we commit our first sin and thus validate our heritage.

L.  While the account of Adam and Eve shows the entrance of sin into the human race, and since we are all sinners as their descendants, it behooves us to ask why and how that makes us a sinner.

M.  Consider again the following statements: “I am a sinner because I sin,” or “I sin because I am a sinner.” The first leaves open the possibility that a person could live without sinning. If this is so, it is possible not to need the sacrifice of Christ. The second statement proposes the reality that all will sin and have no choice in the mater (but at the same time are not robots).

N.  No one will ever enter heaven on their own merit. We are not born good and then corrupted by our environment (though the environment exudes an influence on us). If this was so, it would again leave open the possibility of one somehow living a life free of sin-even though those who propose this scenario would readily admit it would never happen.

O.  It is difficult to look at a newborn baby or consider a small child and think they have a sinful nature, yet they do, and time will bear this out. We are born “bad” and our propensity toward sin will become evident as we move toward the age when we can make choices between right and wrong.

P.  From the various suggestions concerning how the sin nature is transferred from generation to generation, it seems best to say it comes through the biological process.

Q.  If God actually creates the soul of the person (creationist view), this makes God the creator of evil if the child is sinful at birth.

R.  The soul obviously is mixed with the person and is transferred just as human nature is. Just as we receive the traits and genes of our parents and ancestors through the genetic process, so the soul comes in the same way.

S.  We must be careful at this point not to remove God from the process. It is not to say God has nothing to do with the forming of new life in the womb for he does.

T.  This conclusion also seems to line up with why it was necessary for Jesus to be born of a virgin and not through the normal process. He was like us in all ways except he did not have a sinful nature. (This does not mean he could not have sinned had he chosen to.)

U.  Adam was the natural head of humanity who failed to live up to God’s requirements.

V.  The objection that God holds us accountable for something Adam did loses steam at this point. We are not accountable for his sin but our own which will pleasantly make itself known in due time. We are sinners from birth and are responsible from birth to God for our sins.

W.  An analogy would be a mother who chooses to smoke, drink and use drugs during her pregnancy. When the child is born, there is a higher probability he will suffer some repercussions from her behavior. He may be a cocaine baby. While the child is not accountable for his mother’s sins, he has to pay for them through physical difficulties, some that may even last a lifetime. He may even have to die for his mother’s sins.

X.  If we are sinners from birth rather than sinners because we sin, where does this leave us with matters like the “age of accountability,” mentally deficient individuals or those who die in infancy?

1. While responsible to God from birth for our sins, it would appear in keeping with God’s nature that he does not hold us accountable for them until we reach that point where we willfully sin against him with full knowledge of the consequences of those actions.
2.  When talking with children about salvation, one of the first things I ask is if they understand what sin is and can give examples of it. If someone does not understand a concept, it is difficult to be saved from it.
3.  I think we can also conclude that God’s grace takes care of those who die in infancy as well as those who are mentally deficient.

Conclusion:
A. The result of Adam’s sin is that we are all sinners.
B. While not guilty of his particular sin, we all have inherited a sinful nature and are thereby responsible to God.

Grace And New Relationships by Martin Wiles

Romans 5:6-11
Introduction:
A. New relationships can elicit a variety of emotional responses.

B. Fear, excitement, uncertainty, dread, and depression can all result from new relationships.

C. For example: a young person who has attended the same school from kindergarten through middle school but whose Dad is transferred to a different location. The young person has to start high school in a new place and at a new school.

D. Other examples: those in the military, missionaries, preachers, job transfers.

I. Grace and Our Helpless Condition (v. 6)
A. Suggested conclusions about the state of our condition.
1. Tainted, depraved, unable, “total depravity,” “total inability,” and still good are all words, conditions or phrases that have been examined by believers and theologians to describe our position as humans as it relates to our need for salvation.
2. While our view of our spiritual condition should be constructed based on what the Bible teaches, often it is not.
3. One reason for this skewed opinion is abhorrence for what the Bible says about us.
4. Therefore, people look in other places to form an opinion about themselves.
5. They may do personal observation of their behavior and attitudes and reach the conclusion that while not perfect they are pretty good.
6. From observation, they may assume they are in control of their destiny and do not need to lean on a supernatural deity.
7. They may also read self help books or the works of positive thinkers and conclude all people will be “okay” in the end, so how they live is immaterial.
8. Thus the spectrum of self evaluation runs the gamut from really bad to not bad at all, from needing supernatural assistance to needing no help at all.
9. The Greek word here translated “helpless” is asthenes (ahs-tha-neighs’) and means weak, infirm or feeble.
10.  A modern translation renders it “utterly helpless.”

B. Results of the suggested conclusions.
1. The results can be divided into several conclusions.
2. We are really bad and in need of divine assistance.
3. We are not bad and therefore need no divine help.
4. We are somewhat bad and need a little help but can also render some help ourselves.

C. What the Bible says about our condition.
1. Paul has already concluded all have sinned. (3:23)
2. He will conclude in the next chapter that the wages of this sin is death. (6:23)
3. From a believer’s viewpoint, it really should not matter what we think but what the Bible says.
4. If God’s view is what counts, then we should not only know but also accept what he says.
5. There is-and has been throughout church history, different opinions about how seriously sin has affected humanity.
6. As referenced above, the conclusions surround the question of whether we are helpless without divine help, not in need of divine help or whether the right conclusion about our spiritual condition lies somewhere in the middle.
7. While humans are certainly not as evil as they could be-God’s Spirit does exercise a preserving influence even on evil people, they are sinful as borne out by their actions. How anyone could conclude otherwise seems inconceivable.
8. Whether we are responsible for these actions or more specifically to a deity are further questions to consider.
9. The conclusion of the Bible seems perfectly clear to those who accept it-we are depraved, and we are responsible.
10.  We are not as bad as we could be, but sin permeates us to the core. It is parcel and part of our entire nature.
11.  Further, we are responsible to God because this sinful rebellion is against him and is an offense against his holy nature.
12.  Since we are his creations, we are held accountable by God.

II. Grace and God’s Cure (vv. 6-8)
A. God’s cure was in Christ and at the right time. In what way was it the right time?
1. In another epistle, Paul refers to this as the “fullness of time” or the right time. (Galatians 4:4)
2. Jesus also acknowledged in Mark’s gospel that the time was right (Mark 1:15) for his appearance.
3. The Roman’s political contribution to history aided in making the time right. They provided a universal law that led to the unity of mankind. They brought peace (pax romana) which led to free movement within the Mediterranean world. They also developed an excellent system of roads. Their conquests led many to lose belief in their gods.
4. The Greeks also prepared the world for Christ’s arrival. Greek was the universal tongue of the ancient world. Greek philosophy also helped destroy people’s faith in the older religions.
5. And of course, the Jews had contributed mightily to Christ’s coming being the right time. In contrast to other world religions, they believed in one God. They also looked for a Messiah. Their ethical standards were extremely high. Most importantly perhaps was that they had preserved the Old Testament scriptures. They proposed history had meaning and was God’s story. Finally, they provided an institution for worship in the form of the synagogue.
6. Remember one purpose of the Law was to show people God’s standards as well as their inability to live up to them.
7. The years between the giving of the Law and the coming of Christ provided ample opportunities for people to realize their inadequacy.
8. And in whatever other ways that might have been involved, it was simply the right time in God’s plan.

B. The Cure was in Christ.
1. God’s plan of salvation involved timing but the timing involved sending his Son to take our place (substitutionary atonement).
2. We did not need just a good example, we needed someone to die for our sins and satisfy God’s wrath against us.
3. We are saved only because God took the initiative.
4. While phileo love gives itself for a brother, agape’ loves demonstrates love to those who do not return it or deserve it. It is also continuous and sacrificial.
5. The Greek word for “for” is hyper (oo pear’) and means in behalf of or for the sake of.
6. We have already mentioned that in the matter of atonement words such as sacrifice, example, ransom and propitiation are all involved.

C. Christ’s cure was uncommon and unbelievable.
1. Paul mentions how uncommon it is for someone to give their life for another.
2. According to him, this might take place if someone is especially good.
3. We can think of those who volunteer and are paid to rescue people in life threatening situations (fireman, police, and medical personnel). In some instances, they have to risk their lives in the rescue attempt. Additionally, those they rescue are good and evil. We might say some deserve rescuing while others do not.
4. Christ’s sacrifice was totally different in that all he died for were ungodly and beyond saving themselves. They had no strength to rectify their sad situations.

D. Christ’s cure was made while we were still sinners. (v. 8)
1. Remember Christ is referred to as the lamb slain before the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8)
2. We also believe God’s decree to send Christ to provide salvation was made in order after the decree to permit man to fall into sin. Thus God saw all people from the beginning until the end as a group in sin whom he would send his Son to die for.
3. All those Christ died for were sinners. This gives great encouragement in those times when we feel uncertain of God’s love. Perhaps we have made a major mistake, bad decision or have committed what we believe is a horrendous sin. God still loves and extends forgiveness.
4. The Greek word for shows or commends is in the present tense and means God is always showing and proving his love to us.
5. While it would not surprise us that God would save those who are earnestly trying to live righteously, it is amazing that he would stoop to save those who want nothing to do with him and who are in a state of rebellion against him.
6. Christ did not die to make us lovable to God but to bring us close to him through salvation so we could in turn experience the peace that comes in knowing we have been placed in right standing with God.

E. Things involved in God giving up his Son for us.
1. Christ had to leave an eternal world for a corrupted physical world.
2. Christ had to undergo humiliation by taking on human flesh.
3. God had to watch as his Son lived his life with abuse and rejection and then finally watch him be crucified.
4. God predestined his Son to die for our sins.
5. God watched as his Son took our sins.
6. God temporarily turned his back on his Son as he took our sins.
7. God poured out his wrath on his Son who was innocent.

III. Grace And God’s Justification (vv. 9-11)
A. We are justified by the blood of Christ (v. 9).
1. We have already examined the matter of justification.
2. It is not that we are made holy by Christ’s sacrifice but rather the holiness of Christ is applied to our life so when God sees us he sees him as well.
3. Therefore, defining justification as “just as if I had never sinned” does not do full justice to the word.

B. We are protected from the wrath of God (v. 9).
1. This is another positive effect of Christ’s atonement and our acceptance of it.
2. Our justification is something that happens now while the wrath of God is reserved finally and completely for the final judgment.
3. We are saved now and will be saved in the future as well.
4. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
5. This same power that saves us is available daily through the abiding presence of God’s Spirit.
6. God’s Spirit teaches, guides, comforts and illuminates us. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power residing in us giving us power to live for him.
7. The power of the Spirit gives courage to face each day with its trials and tribulations.

C. We are made friends with God through Christ (v. 10).
1. This takes our relationship with God to an even higher level.
2. Jesus reminds us of this same truth when he says he no longer refers to us as servants-though we are that, but as friends. (John 15:15)
3. It is one thing to be made right with God but something entirely different to have a friend relationship with him.
4. Restored brings us to the idea of reconciliation.
5. Our peace with God has legal and relational concepts. Justification restores the right standing legally for our offense against God. Reconciliation removes the threat of God’s wrath and lets us enter a friend relationship with him. (Colossians 1:21-22)
6. The Greek word for reconciliation is katallasso (ka’ ta la’ sew) and means to change, exchange, and to return to favor with. Two people who had something between them now have that obstacle removed.
7. The great exchange is that God accepts what Christ did instead of what we did (rebelled against him).
8. Through reconciliation, the hostility is removed and unity is restored. God made the first move toward us in the cross, and we accept by faith what he has done for us. (II Corinthians 5:19-20)
9. His life in us assures we will be delivered from eternal punishment. He lives to make intercession for us. (Hebrews 7:25)
10.  In Galatians, Paul proposes he has been crucified with Christ so he does not now live but Christ lives in and through him. (2:20)

D. Joy is the result of receiving what Christ has done for us (v. 11)
1. We no longer have to fear the wrath of God and can thus live in peace.
2. Anytime we have peace, there will be joy.
3. We rejoice over what God has done for us and in us and over what he wants to do through us.

Conclusion:
A. Be thankful God did not wait until you got “good” to intervene in your situation.
B. Rejoice that in Christ the enmity between you and God has been removed.

Grace, Peace and Pressure by Martin Wiles

Romans 5: 1-5
Introduction:
A. What does it take for you to be at peace?
1. You make enough to pay your bills and have some left over for pleasurable activities?
2. No one in the family is arguing?
3. Your employment is secure from all outward appearances?
4. Your health appears intact?

B. How do you deal with life’s pressures?
1. Get angry and lash out at any who may have caused the pressure?
2. Grow bitter because life has handed you a raw deal?
3. Walk away and quit?
4. Turn to substances you think will help you handle the pressure?

C. Paul will deal with some difficult subjects in the next four chapters.
1. To adequately understand them, we must realize the two sided reality of the Christian life-peace and pressure.
2. We are in a spiritual battle every day.
3. While we are complete in Christ, we are also in the process of growing-we cannot nor should we remain babes in the faith.
4. Though we reign with Christ, we are still his slaves and are responsible for doing the bidding of our Master.
5. Though we have the presence of Christ in us through his Spirit, we still face the pressure to sin.

I. Grace By Faith Leads To Peace (vv. 1-2)
A. Because of what Christ has done-and through our faith in him, we are now at peace with God.
1. Paul has already dealt at length with faith. It is said that when attempting to translate the word “faith” for the Chamula people of Southern Mexico it was discovered there was no single word in their language to translate that word.
2. Translators crossed a major hurdle when they translated it as follows: “taking seriously what God has obligated himself to do.”
3. We can read this into verse one-“Therefore, since we have taken seriously what God has obligated himself to do, we have peace with God.”
4. The process of justification brings us into the peaceful condition Paul will now speak about.
5. As mentioned in the introduction of this lesson, we often feel certain things have to take place or that we have to possess certain items for peace to be experienced.
6. Spiritual peace, however, has nothing to do with our circumstances or what we might own.
7. Biblical peace is peace beyond our understanding (Philippians 4:7) and possessed regardless of or in spite of the circumstances.
8. The Greek word for peace (eirene, [i ray’ nay]) means there is no more hostility between us and God.
9. Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians, references this peace that surpasses our understanding.
10.  It is a peace that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In other words, this peace God gives will keep us focused and will wart off anxiety and worry no matter how intense our circumstances appear.
11.  It is preceded by bringing our prayers and supplications to God, for only as we share our concerns with him will he in turn give us that peace.
12.  As we bring those things that appear unpeaceful to God, we acknowledge our lack of control over the circumstances and express our trust in him to carry us through the difficulty we are currently experiencing.

B. There is a greater peace than peace in troubling circumstances.
1. This superior peace has nothing to do with our circumstances.
2. In fact, we can only have peace in our circumstances when it is preceded by peace with God.
3. We have peace with God first because of what Christ has done at Calvary but second because we have accepted that gift by faith.
4. Jesus brings peace because he is the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
5. This peace results from knowing our sins have been forgiven, that we are no longer under condemnation and that we will never have to face God as our judge because we are a part of his family and a joint heir with his Son.
6. One characteristic of Hebrew writing is its poetic repetition which allows a person to see an already revealed truth from a different angle.
7. So it is with the matter of grace. Not only does God justify and reconcile us to himself through our faith in Christ, but our faith also ushers us into the grace in which we stand. That is, Christ ushers us into the presence of God.
8. We might imagine an opportunity to visit the President in the Oval Office. We approach a closed door-all the while knowing the most important man in the free world is behind that door sitting at his desk. We cannot go in there, however, by ourselves. One of his cabinet members opens the door, ushers us in, and introduces us to him.
9. Satan may accuse us, but his accusations carry no weight for Christ intercedes for us.
10.  There is a wonderful peace that comes in knowing nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39)
11.  The position we stand in is one of highest privilege. We are a part of God’s family and are even considered his friends. (John 15:15)
12.  We can confidently and joyfully look forward to our eternal sharing of God’s glory.
13.  So the state of peace is much different than feelings of peace.
14.  Feelings are determined by circumstances while the state is given by God.
15.  Our old nature no longer blocks our interaction with our Heavenly Father, for we have been given a new nature in Christ.
16.  While unconfessed acts of sin can affect the quality of the relationship, they do not separate us from God in our position.

II. Grace By Faith Helps Us Deal With Life’s Pressures (vv. 3-5)
A. Our Power to Overcome.
1. First century Christians were familiar with suffering. In fact, suffering was the rule rather than the exception. Paul was also acquainted with it.
2. Paul lists some things pressure helps us become, but the becoming is not necessarily enjoyable unless viewed with the proper perspective.
3. The Greek word for tribulation is thlipsis (th leep’ sis) means affliction, distress, straits or a pressing together.
4. Our suffering can result from our stand for Christ, or it can come because of sin in the world.
5. Sin has affected the creation of God, and it certainly enslaves those apart from Christ as is manifest in the multitude of sinful actions we witness each day.
6. While we are overcomers now, the reality of our full overcoming is reserved for heaven.
7. Trials and tribulations by their very nature are not enjoyable, but we do learn through them if we respond in the correct manner. Instead of pondering the why of the situation (unless it is to contemplate whether sin in our life has brought this), we need to question what God may be trying to teach us or what he can teach us through the experience.
8. God can send trials, tribulations and periods of suffering as discipline for unconfessed sin (as long as they do not violate his nature). So examining ourselves is useful.
9. Yet a great deal of the above comes because we live in a sinful world.
10.  No matter how difficult the pressure, God endows us with his strength which allows us to overcome and move through the difficulties of life.
11.  Jesus told his followers they would have tribulation but they were to be of good cheer because he had overcome the world. (John 16:33) Because we are associated with Christ, we have as well.
12.  We also understand everything that comes into our life is either permitted or brought by God, and he has promised to work all things together for our good and his glory. All things touching our life-pressures included, are Father filtered.

B. What Pressures Teach Us.
1. Pressures help us learn endurance or perseverance.
a. We certainly do not like pain nor do we welcome news of tragic events.
b. We cannot deny, however, that there is a growing element involved when we face and move through pressure.
c. When we refuse to be overcome by fear, when we reject depression, when we forsake anger, bitterness and rage, and when we avoid disappointment, we can grow through life’s pressures.
d. We are more sturdily formed in life by difficulties than by easy situations.
e. The word is also translated patience and is active. We do not simply sit back and endure but actively respond in such a way that something is changed.
f. When viewed through God’s lenses, difficulties are not random, meaningless or wasted.
2. Our endurance develops character.
a. Character is somewhat like integrity and the Greek word dokime (dah’ key may) means that we have been approved and proved as a result of testing.
b. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking or when everyone is looking.
c. Character is who we truly are and will express itself in integrity.
d. Suffering-pressure, reveals who we are as well as assists in the process of conforming us to the image of God’s Son.
e. We have heard of cracking under pressure.
f. A proper response to life’s pressures develops us and makes us stronger if we respond correctly. Otherwise, we will fold.
3. Character strengthens our confidence about our salvation or future.
a. Salvation is progressive-we are saved from the penalty of sin, being saved from the power of sin, and will be saved from the presence of sin.
b. Character development strengthens our expectation of eternal salvation.
c. As we grow in our faith experience, our faith in God and his promises become stronger.
d. As we near that future, we become more confident of it.
e. We will never be disappointed by the hope we have in Christ.

C. Our confidence in the results of facing pressure as well as in our eternal security will not be disappointed.
1. God has loved us, and sent his Son to appropriate our salvation.
2. He has sent his Spirit to indwell us and give assurance we are his children.

Conclusion:
A. Rejoice in the peace you can have through faith in Christ-a peace that really is beyond our comprehension.
B. Let God use life’s pressures to mold you. Do not let Satan use the difficulties to destroy you.

Grace And Heritage by Martin Wiles

Romans 4:11-16
I. Our Spiritual Heritage (v. 11)
A. Family heritage is important.
1. I have heard many from the older generation tell of how they no longer have family reunions or of how many from the younger generation no longer attend the reunions.
2. We no longer have family reunions in my family on either my paternal or maternal side for this very reason.
3. As the matriarchs and patriarchs of the family died, no one seemed interested in taking over.
4. It is quite common for a person not to appreciate their family heritage until they reach mid life.
5. For some reason, when reaching mid life they suddenly get very interested in where they came from and who their ancestors were.
6. Unfortunately, by that time, many of their ancestors have died, and they suddenly realize many of the questions they have could only be answered by those who are no longer here.
7. While I listened intently to the stories told by my grand and great grandparents, I wish now I had written down more of them.
8. I did have the wonderful privilege of working on a Wiles’ history with a cousin, and that was a rewarding endeavor.
9. Like with any history, family history reminds us of our roots and helps us understand who we are and why.

B. Spiritual heritage is even more important.
1. Having dealt with those who felt having Abraham as their progenitor made them acceptable to God, Paul now concludes that Abraham is the spiritual father of all who have faith in Christ. (v. 11)
2. We may not be in the actual Jewish line, but that is not nearly as important as being in the spiritual line.
3. The spiritual line determines our eternity while the physical line has no real bearing on anything at all.
4. He is the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised as well as those who have not undergone the rite.
5. As Paul has already mentioned, circumcision without faith, has no bearing on a person’s spiritual state.

C. Abraham’s two fold purpose. (vv. 11, 12)
1. Abraham was more than just an individual in history.
2. He is a pivotal historical figure for he is the father of all who have faith in God.
3. He was chosen to be the father of all who believe, whether or not they have been circumcised, and whether or not they are of the Jewish race.
4. His example of faith, as well as when and how he was accepted by God, reminds us of some important truths.
5. In today’s age, his faith reminds us we don’t have to begin to go to church before we can find salvation.
6. His example also reminds us we don’t have to get religious to be saved. As the song says, we come “Just As I Am.”
7. Nor do we have to be ritualized before God will save us. We can compare the ritual of circumcision with baptism. Just as circumcision has no saving power, neither does baptism. As circumcision was a sign of belonging to the covenant community, so baptism is a sign of belonging to the Church but more importantly to God.

D. Right Versus the Wrong Way To Justification (vv. 13-16)
1. Paul seems to painstakingly belabor the point of how we are accepted by God, but his journey is important, for if we come the wrong way we are in eternal trouble.
2. Jesus reminds us that many will say to him on judgment day, “Lord, Lord…” only to be reminded he never knew them. (Matthew 7:21-22)
3. This serves to remind us that those in Paul’s day will not be the only ones who are disappointed and disillusioned.
4. Until the end of time, it is necessary for us to proclaim the true way to God and to be firmly grounded in the foundation of what the Bible has to say about faith versus works.
5. Paul concludes that God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore had nothing to do with his obedience to God’s law but had everything to do with faith. (v. 13)
6. Looking at this in this light is important because it reminds us we are heirs to the promises made to Abraham whether we are of the Jewish race of not.
7. God’s promise is not through the law but through the righteousness of faith in Christ.
8. Believing obedience to God’s law or that one is good enough is the way to God nullifies faith for it opens up another avenue to God other than through Christ. Jesus said he was the way to the Father (John 14:6), and he also reminded us there was a broad path many would follow to their own destruction. (Matthew 7:14)
9. Placing merit in the above makes our faith useless and also makes the promise made to Abraham meaningless. (v. 14)
10.  Since the righteousness of the law is only given to those who perfectly obey it, no one has a chance of coming to Christ by it. This also voids our being a recipient of the promise made to Abraham.
11.  In fact, the law brings punishment or God’s wrath on those who try to obey it. (v. 15)
12.  Trusting in the law leads to a legalistic view of God. Some of you have experienced this type of preacher or teacher at some point. Or perhaps you attended a Christian school that preached this message.
13.  This distorted view of God has consequences, for it causes us to view him as angry, demanding, vengeful and always hovering over us waiting for us to do something wrong so he can punish us.
14.  Such a view of how God accepts us keeps us in a state of tension and wrapped up in knots. It is like the child who knows they are never going to please their parents but they wear themselves out trying anyway.
15.  Living with this mindset prevents us from enjoying the love relationship God wants with us and keeps us constantly wondering whether we have done enough to please God or whether we have done something wrong we are not aware of.
16.  Living this way takes away our sense of meaning and purpose and prevents a feeling of fulfillment and completeness.
17.  It also builds a strained relationship with Christ. But the Bible reminds us God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7)
18.  Living with this mindset keeps our focus on the law rather than on God. We miss the joy of the relationship which is what Christianity is all about.
19.  Life becomes about the rules rather than the relationship.
20.  Perfect obedience to God’s law as a basis for his acceptance is an impossible existence. The only way to avoid this situation, according to Paul, is to have no law to break. (v. 15)
21.  There is a paradox in Paul’s argument.
22.  If there was no law, there would be no laws to break. God gave the law because he had established certain rules and regulations he wanted us to obey because they reflect his nature and because he has expectations of us.
23.  If there was no law to break, it would mean we would not have to worry about transgressions, which would mean we are acceptable in God’s sight. This is contrary to the message of the Bible. We are not acceptable in our state of sin and rebellion. Therefore, there is a need for the law.
24.  A further purpose of the law is to help us see our true nature. Our nature includes our bent to stretch or break the law. This is perfectly evident in human nature. Make laws and watch people try and break them. Establish guidelines and see if there are not some people who will try to stretch the limits. Our children provide wonderful examples of this as do students at school.
25.  We like to fulfill our desires, ambitions and passions as we want to without anyone telling us what to do.
26.  Next time you are on the interstate, see how many people obey the speed limit.
27.  “The grass is always greener on the other side.”
28.  While the law cannot save but only reveal our true nature, it does condemn as guilty those who break it. It can accuse but not deliver. It can and does point out sin but has no power to deliver us from its consequences.
29.  Trying to gain favor by obeying God’s law leaves us hopeless and helpless.
30.  The law defines right and wrong.

E. Faith Plus Nothing (v. 16)
1. While there is a common grace all receive from God simply by being a created child of his, believers enjoy saving grace as well as sustaining grace.
2. Faith is the initiator of God’s grace. It flows because we acknowledge our sin and run to him.
3. The Greek word for grace is charis (ha’ ris) and refers to that which brings joy, pleasure, and delight.
4. More importantly, it refers to the merciful kindness of God by which he turns us to Christ.
5. It is this same grace that keeps and strengthens us in our spiritual journey.
6. Grace puts God in the center of our lives and salvation experience and takes all the glory from us.
7. Faith makes the promise God has made to us sure.  We respond as God commands and he keeps his promise to accept us based on our response of faith.
8. Faith also makes the promise this acceptance by God is available to all in the same way no matter their race or culture.
9. I recall the Andy Griffith episode where Andy and Barney were invited to an exclusive club at the capital with the possibility of joining as members. The term “exclusive” defines itself. It means not all are accepted.
10.  God’s promise of grace only excludes those who refuse to come that way. Otherwise, it is available to all. If it was only for those given the law, then many people would have been excluded (such as the heathen, handicapped and mentally ill).

F. The Wonder of God’s Grace
1. From a human standpoint, grace can mean several things: a thing of beauty (kind deeds or beautiful flowers), anything that has loveliness, or a favor we might extend to a friend.
2. After observing what God had done in Christ, early Christians had to add a deeper meaning.
3. Grace became the kindness God shows his enemies.
4. No other word so adequately describes the heart and mind of God than does grace.
5. While we might do gracious acts for others, no one does what God did for us in allowing his only Son to die for our sins.
6. God’s grace is not earned but is a free gift given to those who ask.
7. More importantly, it is the only way we can come to Christ.

Grace And Rituals by Martin Wiles

Romans 4:1-11
I. Abraham’s Faith (vv. 1-3)
A. Paul’s continual discussion that salvation is by neither works nor heritage or through the Law.
1. It may appear Paul belabors this point, but establishing a proper foundation for how salvation is attained is just as necessary today as it was in his time. Basing salvation on an erroneous premise has temporal and more importantly eternal consequences.
2. Consider the building of a ship. It is important to do it right or when it gets in the ocean someone is going to have problems.
3. The Jewish people were proud to be called children of Abraham.
4. Paul refers to him as the founder of the Jewish nation. (v. 1)
5. Abraham is called a Hebrew in Scripture. (Genesis 14:13) The term Hebrew is derived from Shem’s (one of Noah’s sons) descendant Eber.
6. Abraham is also a Jew, a name derived from one of Jacob’s (Israel) sons, Judah.
7. Paul will appeal to the example of Abraham-one they held in such high regard, to prove faith has always been the way to approach a holy God.
8. Abraham lived before the Law was given to Moses, but Paul is not appealing to Abraham to show disregard for the Law or to propose it was not important but simply to show that obedience to it did not lead to salvation.
9. Paul proposes the question as to whether Abraham was saved because of his good deeds. (v. 2)
10.  Among the many good deeds that Abraham performed, his initial one was leaving his homeland and going in the direction God told him to move-toward the Promised Land.
11.  But later Abraham also obeyed when God instructed him to sacrifice the son through whom his promised descendants would come. The commentary in Hebrews says he believed God had the power to raise Isaac from the dead to procure these descendents. (Hebrews 11:17-19)
12.  Did God accept Abraham because he did this, or did this have anything to do with his salvation at all?
13.  God accepted Abraham because of his belief which is the very thing that led him to leave his homeland not knowing where he was going and to be willing to sacrifice his promised son.
14.  He trusted God unreservedly, and this was counted unto him as righteousness.
15.  Jewish tradition taught Abraham was chosen for his unique role in history because he was the only righteous person alive at the time.
16.  But simply being the descendent of this godly man was not enough to gain acceptance from God and this is one of the main points Paul is trying to impress upon his Jewish listeners.
17.  The fiery wilderness preacher, John the Baptist, promoted this same idea when he told those coming to him for baptism not to trust in their descent from Abraham for acceptance with God. (Luke 3:7-9)
18.  Jesus also in speaking to those who trusted in this heritage reminded his pious listeners that if they were true children of Abraham they would do as Abraham did. (John 8:39)
19.  As Paul teaches, being a child of Abraham involves much more than just physical lineage.
20.   Since Abraham was not made right with God by his works, he has no reason to boast, nor does anyone else.
21.  It is all because of God’s grace, and the resulting honor and glory are attributed to him.
22.  When Abraham believed God, God declared him righteous. (v. 3)
23.   The Greek word for declared-that is variously translated, is logizomai  (la ge’ zo my) and means to reckon, count, compute or calculate.
24.  The focal point in salvation history is the cross, and whether one was saved before or after that event, the salvation is based on what took place there.
25.  Christ took our sins upon himself; he paid our sin debt.
26.  When we accept that payment for our life through repentance and belief, like with Abraham, God reckons it to us as righteousness.
27.  We are not actually made righteous, but we are reckoned as such because Christ’s righteousness is applied to our life.
28.  Our account is not credited with good deeds, but once we stop trying to be good and let Christ make us good, then righteousness is credited to our account.
29.  We have no power to live the Christian life unless we allow Christ to live it through us.

B. The worker and his wages (v. 4-5).
1. All of us who have been paid for our work do not consider the wages a gift.
2. Rather, we consider pay our due for the hours of time we have put in that have allowed our employer to make a profit and continue running his business.
3. If God gave us salvation based on good works, it would no longer be a gift but simply what he owed us.
4. This is Paul’s point in his next illustration.
5. Salvation is free; it is not pay for what we have done for God.
6. A proper understanding of this is important, for misunderstanding this essential point could actually lead us to possess God’s role and him ours.
7. If God was required to reward our good works with salvation but reneged on his obligation, we could sue him for breach of contract. If we had this power, we would be placing ourselves in authority over him.
8. Paul then relates this to the salvation process and concludes once again that acceptance with God is not based on works but rather faith. (v. 5)
9. Martin Luther said, “God does not accept the person on account of his works, but he accepts the works on account of the person.”
10.  We are so works oriented in our society that many, when they discover salvation is by faith, begin to wonder whether or not they have enough faith or if their faith is strong enough to save them. This mindset again reflects a misunderstanding about the salvation process.
11.  Some theologians even maintain we cannot muster the faith to come to Christ but that even the faith is a gift from God enabling us to come.
12.  Jesus is the one who saves, not our faith or how strong our feelings might be.
13.  We do not earn our salvation through our strong faith any more than we do through good deeds.

C. Paul’s Account of One Declared Righteous (vv. 6-8)
1. Paul appeals to King David to describe what happens when an undeserving sinner finds forgiveness.
2. David is described as a “man after God’s own heart.” At the same time, he was guilty of adultery, murder and lying.
3. The verses quoted come from Psalm 32 which most scholars believe is David’s account of his feelings after his grievous sin with another man’s wife.
4. As you recall, David committed adultery with Bathsheba and even had her husband killed in an attempt to cover up his sin.
5. For nearly a year, David refused to confess his sin to God and during that time felt God’s heavy hand of discipline.
6. After sending Nathan the prophet to confront David about this sin, David confessed and had the joy of his salvation restored, which these verses testify to.
7. Paul says these verses are the testimony of an undeserving sinner who has been declared righteous.
8. Like David, we often try other means to get rid of guilt. We can deny it, try to cover it up, or blame someone else for it, but it remains ours nevertheless, and only God can adequately deal with it.
9. Denying guilt places us in a prison of inner turmoil from which there is no escape. While there is a difference between false and genuine guilt, guilt feelings over sin are always genuine and need dealing with.
10.  Neither will God accept our attempt to transfer the blame to someone else.
11.  It is also important we not live with unnecessary or false guilt. We should not feel guilty over sins we have confessed or acknowledged and God has forgiven. If you continue to feel guilt over past sins you have confessed, be assured this is Satan’s ploy to make sure you live in misery believing God can never use you because you are or were too big of a sinner.
12.  God can and does use people with sordid pasts. When he does, his name is glorified, not theirs.

D. When Was Abraham Declared Righteous (vv. 9-11)
1. Whether it was before or after circumcision is vital in answering the question of how God’s grace is acquired.
2. Circumcision was a very important sign and rite for the Jew as we have already examined.
3. It was the sign of God’s covenant with his people.
4. It set apart the Jewish people from those nations surrounding them who worshipped pagan deities.
5. This ritual, however, was not why Abraham was accepted by God.
6. Abraham had been accepted by God because of his faith, and this took place before he was circumcised.
7. God’s call to Abraham, and his acceptance of God’s mission by faith, was made when Abraham was 75 years of age. (Genesis 12:1-3)
8. The ceremony of circumcision was introduced when he was 99. (Genesis 17:1-14)
9. Abraham’s willingness to undergo the rite was proof of his faith not the reason for it.
10.  Modern day Christians also have ceremonies and rituals we observe in connection with our worship, but they too are the result of our faith and not the reason God accepts us.
11.  It is our faith not our faithfulness to certain rituals that makes us acceptable to God.

Conclusion:
A. The example of Abraham is important in reminding us that faith is the means by which we find acceptance with God.
B. While our rituals and ceremonies testify of our faith, they are not the source of our faith.

Grace And The Cross by Martin Wiles

Romans 3:25-31
I. God’s Fairness in Punishment (vv. 25-26)
A. Is it right for God to punish sinners? Questions to consider.
1. According to the Bible, the punishment of hell is eternal. Is it just to require someone to burn forever for sins committed within only a lifetime? Should the one who has only lived say 12 years pay for her sin for eternity?
2. Is it not better to see God as a grandfatherly type who may threaten but will in the end overlook and forgive?
3. Will our good deeds not be taken into consideration and weighed against our evil actions?
4. What about those who have not clearly heard the gospel?

B. Paul’s discussion of former and present times as it relates to God’s punishment and grace.
1. According to Paul, God was just in not punishing those who live before Christ (former times) (v. 25)
2. Now how are we to interpret this? Didn’t God punish sinners before Christ? Didn’t those who died without Christ before Christ died on the cross go to hell?
3. Paul will later declare that the wages of sin is death. (6:23)
4. In the present time, he is declaring sinners righteous because they believe in Christ.
5. Questions to consider: What happened to those who lived before Christ when they died? Was it fair for God to condemn them since Christ had not come yet? If God saved people before that time, why did Christ need to come?

C. The cross is the focal point in salvation history.
1. Salvation was not by one avenue before the cross and a different one afterwards.
2. Salvation has always been by faith, whether before or after the cross.
3. Those who lived before Christ were made right with God by faith (and it was actually faith in the cross even if they did not understand God’s plan or had even heard the name of Jesus). The promise of the cross was veiled in what theologians term the Protoevangelium. (Genesis 3:15)
4. Two examples are Noah and Abraham.
5. Noah was declared right with God by his faith, and his faith was proven by his resulting action of trusting God by building the Ark.
6. Abraham is known as the father of the faithful and also proved his faith by leaving his homeland and trusting God to guide him to his designated new home. (Hebrews 11:8)
7. People on this side of the cross are saved in the same way with the difference being we now have past knowledge of what Jesus has done.

D. God’s fairness in salvation is just whether before or after the cross.
1. Paul mentions that God did not punish those who sinned before the cross.
2. This does not mean God did not punish temporally or even eternally. Scripture is filled with stories of how God punished those who ignored him, and we can be sure their eternal destiny was hell, so what does Paul mean?
3. Remember God told Adam and Eve they would die if they ate fruit from the forbidden tree.
4. When they disobeyed, they did not immediately die physically. Scholars debate whether they would have lived forever had they not eaten, but since they did, God had to remove them so they could not eat of the tree of life and live forever in their fallen state.
5. Regardless of one’s conclusion about this, death did come: spiritually and eventually physically.
6. Nevertheless, God did not immediately wipe them off the earth when they disobeyed, and this is what Paul has in mind.
7. God could have immediately wiped out each human the moment they consciously chose to sin. He still could, but the cross has made the difference no matter whether the person lived before or after.
8. Thus God always saves on the basis of the cross. He was simply able to look ahead and see the completed work long before it actually took place.  God is not consigned to time though he is free to enter it at any moment since he created it. Jesus was the lamb slain before the foundation of the world.

E. Good Deeds and Boasting are both eliminated as the means of salvation. (vv. 27-28)
1. Paul refutes this same type of theology in Ephesians 2:8-10.
2. It is by grace through faith, and this eliminates any ground for boasting.
3. Based on his conclusions in the previous verses, Paul states we cannot boast of anything we have done that has led to God’s acceptance. Our acquittal is based on faith. It has nothing to do with good deeds or obeying the Law.
4. The story of Morris Shenker, CEO of the famed Dunes Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
a. In 1978 Dick Furman was on his way to Kenya with his family to volunteer his medical services.
b. Having missed his original international connection in New York, he boarded a different flight that put him on the plane with Mr. Shenker.
c. Two to three hours into the flight, the silence of the night was interrupted by an announcement stating that a doctor was needed in the first class section. A man was having a heart attack.
d. Dr. Furman stayed with Mr. Shenker, administering oxygen and nitroglycerine tablets until they could make the closest landing and get him to a hospital.
e. Mr. Shenker, not a Christian, kept up with Dr. Furman.
f. Mr. Shenker finally accepted his repeated invitations to come to Vegas when Billy Graham was conducting a crusade there. The condition was that he would attend the crusade.
g. Finally, on one occasion, Dr. Furman pointedly shared the gospel with the man he had saved, only to receive the following response, “I’m okay. I’ve given money to the revival (what he repeatedly called the crusade). I send food to the needy. I’m a good person. God won’t let me go to hell.”
5. Sadly this is the attitude of many people in America and beyond. Most religions require their followers to perform good deeds that will result in them being accepted by the god or gods they worship.
6. Though Christianity teaches the opposite of this philosophy, there is still that tendency even among Christians to think we need or can add something to our faith to impress God or place him under obligation to us.
7. This leads to a further question: Why is faith the only way?
a. It is the way God designed, and since he is God it is up to him.
b. It eliminates all boasting, placing total responsibility with God for our salvation.
c. When boasting is eliminated so is pride.
d. It puts the spotlight on God as the originator and executioner of our salvation.
e. Faith also acknowledges our inability to live up to God’s standards.

F. Faith and Law (vv. 29-31)
1. Paul’s conclusion once again addresses the prevalent misunderstanding between some Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome.
2. If faith was the way, what does this do to Judaism as a way of life? Did it make their customs and the Scriptures null and void? And what about God’s special mission for them in the world? But neither does the way of faith cancel out our obligation to obey God’s moral law.
3. In reality, understanding faith helps understand the Jewish religion better. It helps us understand why Abraham was chosen and why the law was later given.
4. What has happened under the New Covenant of grace through Christ helps us understand what God was doing under the Old Covenant.
5. While the focus was on the Jewish people, Gentiles were always included in his plan, seen in the promise made to Abraham that all people would be blessed through him. (Genesis 12:3)

Conclusion:
A. The cross is the divine vindication of the righteousness of God as to how he must treat sin.
B. The cross also demonstrates God’s willingness to go to the uttermost limit to secure the removal of sin.

Grace And Forgiveness by Martin Wiles

Romans 3:23-25
I. God’s Forgiveness of Sin Through Christ
A. The Universality of Sin (v. 23)
1. Paul’s idea about sin is made quite plain in this verse: all have sinned.
2. It is the human tendency not only to excuse our sin but also to compare and classify it.
3. We are quite content to place the blame on someone or something for our sin. We have invented or rather displayed many defense mechanisms to excuse our behavior.
4. In our mind, murder is a greater sin than hatred and adultery is much worse than gossip.
5. Admittedly, the temporal consequences of some sins are greater than others, but God does not measure sin in degrees but rather in what it is-a transgression against his holy nature, an offense and a missing of his mark.
6. The consequences of David’s sin with Bathsheba ran deeper than Abraham’s when he lied about his wife being his sister. Nevertheless, apart from God’s forgiveness, either sin-even the sin of gossip, would be all it took to consign them both to hell.
7. Additionally, breaking one of God’s laws makes us guilty of breaking them all. (James 2:10)
8. The fact that we sin-whether we label it “little” or “big” makes us a sinner.
9. Committing only “little” sins does not make us worthy of eternal life at the expense of someone who is a dastardly sinner.
10.  All sin separates us from God and must be forgiven to avoid its ultimate consequences-eternal separation from him.

B. What is the origination of our sin?
1. If we are all sinners, it behooves us to investigate why and how?
2. Consider the following statements: “I am a sinner because I sin,” or “I sin because I am a sinner.”
3. The first leaves open the possibility a person could live without sinning. If this is so, it is possible not to need the sacrifice of Christ.
4. The second statement proposes the reality that all will sin and have no choice in the matter (but at the same time are not robots). No one will ever enter heaven on their own merit. Our nature is infected.
5. We are not born good and then corrupted by our environment. If this was so, it would again leave open the possibility of one somehow living a life free of sin-even though those who propose this scenario would readily admit it would never happen.
6. It is hard for us to look at a newborn baby or consider a small child and think they have a sinful nature, yet they do, and time will bear this out.
7. We are born “bad” and our propensity toward sin will become evident as we move toward that age when we can make choices between right and wrong.
8. Theories concerning how the sin nature is transferred will be reserved for our discussion in chapter five when Paul deals with the sin of Adam being transferred to his descendants.
9. Suffice it to say at this point that the Bible is clear all are sinners and as such are responsible to God and dependant on him to rectify our horrible condition.

C. Our Sin Causes Us To Miss God’s Glorious Standard
1. The “glory of God” is mentioned many times in God’s Word, but it may be somewhat slippery to define.
2. To bring glory to God is to make sure the spotlight is put on him through our actions, words and attitudes. We might compare it to a spotlight being shown on a singer or actor.
3. His glorious standard is his moral standard for us, which is perfection. Sin leads to missing God’s best for us.
4. Sin keeps us from reaching the existence God designed for us.
5. Sin will always take us away from God and should be considered serious for the believer. Jesus tells us to hunger and thirst for righteousness not sin. (Matthew 5:6)
6. The tense is present in the Greek and infers all people are continuing to fall short of God’s standard. We are not evolving in our behavior, getting closer to what God requires, but rather are continuing in the pattern that has been ours from the beginning.

D. The Work of Christ Enables Us to Reach God’s Standard (v. 24)
1. This verse and the next (v. 25) are vital in understanding what happened on the cross and what happens when the work there is applied to our life.
2. Paul says God in his kindness declares us not guilty.
3. The question arises as to how God can declare a guilty sinner not guilty without violating his holy nature?
4. Paul does not leave us in doubt but tells us in the remainder of the verse-through Christ who took our sins.
5. We might imagine a courtroom scene wherein a person is on trial for a particular crime. The prosecuting attorney presents evidence, and the jury listens. When all evidence is presented and closing arguments are made, the jury retires to consider a verdict. If the judge or jury finds the person not guilty, they are declared such and released. They are no longer considered criminals for they have been declared innocent of all charges.
6. Should the person be found guilty, but it was possible for someone else to pay their fine or spend time in prison for them, that person would still go free and not have to live life as a criminal. Someone would be taking their place.
7. In this matter of our sin and its consequences, God is the judge who let his Son pay our penalty and take our place so we could go free.
8. This process is known as justification and what Christ did is referred to as the atonement.

E. Understanding Justification
1. It has been simply defined as “just as if I never sinned,” but the meaning is much deeper.
2. In the act of justification, God declares those who are guilty not guilty.
3. He pronounces our holiness and our success in living up to the requirements of the Law.
4. Interestingly, no believer would suggest they never sin or that they perfectly obey God’s law.
5. Rather, God takes the righteousness of Christ and his perfect obedience to God’s moral law and applies it to us. Therefore, a holy God can accept us based on what Christ has done.
6. God adopts us into his family (John 1:12) and makes us his children. No longer are we alienated.
7. Once again, however, we must understand that the justification process does not take place because of anything we have achieved or done. It is simply by the grace of God.

F. Understanding Atonement
1. Some have defined the word by its parts-“at one ment (with).”
2. The atonement is what Christ did on the cross, and our acceptance of that changes our status with God.
3. What he did brings us to God and can because he paid the debt that kept us from God.
4. Through the atonement, a subjective act is applied objectively.
5. Paul mentions that Jesus took the punishment for our sins and satisfied God’s anger against us.

G. Theories of the Atonement
1. Socinian or Example.
a. This was developed by Laelius Socinus and Faustus. It is best represented today by Unitarians who reject vicarious satisfaction (that is someone was offered in place of another).
b. It basically teaches Jesus’ death was a perfect example of the type of dedication we should have, but it actually accomplished nothing in dealing with our sin.
c. Jesus’ death gives an example and inspires us.
2. The Moral Influence Theory-the Cross as a demonstration of God’s love.
a. This view was first developed by Peter Abelard and sees the cross as a demonstration of God’s love.
b. Paul states Jesus’ death satisfied God’s anger, but this view would radically conflict with that statement.
c. Paul maintains Jesus’ death had some bearing on God when this view says the direction of the results flowed toward man.
3. The Governmental Theory-the cross demonstrated divine justice.
a. This view emphasizes the seriousness of sin which certainly seems to agree with the Bible’s assessment of it.
b. It contains both subjective and objective elements.
c. What Christ did satisfied the demands of God’s justice, but it also impressed the sinner regarding the seriousness of sin.
d. Some have referred to this theory as the “penal substitution” theory.
4. The Ransom Theory-victory over sin and evil
a. This theory has been called the classic view and has the greatest claim to having been the standard view of the early church.
b. It relies heavily on Jesus’ statement that he came to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)
c. Rather than God being paid in the sacrifice of Christ, it was Satan who determined the price (since humanity belonged to him), was paid and who accepted the payment.
d. This view, however, has God deceiving Satan since the cross was the way God designed before the foundation of the world.
5. The Satisfaction Theory-payment made to God. (also known as the “penal-substitution theory”)
a. According to this view, the result of the atonement was not primarily directed to humans nor was payment made to Satan.
b. It was directed to God the Father, which is what Paul seems to propose in this verse.
c. God either has to punish those who offend his nature or accept a payment in their behalf that satisfies his justice.

H. Conclusions concerning the atonement.
1. Taking into consideration what is taught throughout the Bible, it appears that the penal substitution theory best fits Scripture.
2. Since all Old Testament blood sacrifices pointed toward Christ and taught a substitute was needed, Jesus’ death can be considered a sacrifice.
3. It was also a substitute as were all Old Testament sacrifices made for sin.
4. His death also involves the idea of propitiation or appeasement. The sacrifices appeased God’s wrath against sin, and so did Jesus’.
5. Jesus’ death also reconciles people to God when they accept what he did on Calvary.

Conclusion:
A. No one likes bad news, but if there is good news that follows which counteracts the bad news, we can deal with it.
B. Our deadly fall into sin-with all its consequences, is counteracted by the sacrifice of Christ which brought forgiveness.
C. All God requires is our acceptance of his Son’s work.