Introduction

            I strongly believe that the Church of the twenty-first century is in a state of major confusion. Could we be living in the Laodicean Period, a time of luke-warmness? We supposedly need nothing (not even God Himself), for we have become quite complacent, satisfied, and self-centered in life’s pursuits. I propose that the Church of Jesus Christ has not only departed from its doctrinal mooring, but it is no longer possible to discern what the mooring is or where the mooring can be located.

Post-modernity flies in the face of mooring pursuit, for “no mooring really exists.” Many pulpits have become theologically vacated. The person in the pew has no bearing. This stems from the fact that the person behind the pulpit possesses little doctrinal direction.

We live in a time when doctrinal clarity, particularly regarding the doctrine of salvation, must be proclaimed with utmost urgency. Seldom does one hear clear distinctions between Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification. Because theological systems have been imposed on many texts of Scripture, the clarity of the Gospel of Grace has come under siege like never before. The New Testament alone provides more than 150 references that clearly teach a person receives the free gift of eternal life through the human response of simply “believing” in Jesus Christ.

This writing project will address the teaching of “Lordship Salvation” as it relates to those who are in a lost condition. I will propose that “Spiritual Salvation” in God’s Word must be interpreted in agreement with the knowledge of the three phases of salvation – justification, sanctification, and glorification.

The “Lordship” issue falls within the category of sanctification. A central passage used in the “Lordship” message is Romans 10:9-10. I believe using Romans 10:9-10 as a justification passage clearly conflicts with the message of John 3:16 and many other verses.

I will provide a background study of Deuteronomy 30 and a contextual study of Romans 10:9-10 in presenting the case that eternal life is received by Grace Alone, through Faith Alone, in Jesus Christ Alone.  These studies demonstrate that Romans 10:9-10 falls within the overall context of Sanctification Salvation and the “confession unto salvation” (vv. 9-10) is something expressed by one who has already received the free gift of eternal life.

Chapter One

Simplicity of the Gospel Message

Children and Jesus

            Is the message of the gospel really a simple concept, or has it been made into a message with multiple complexities? Who can respond to the message? Can a child respond? Can a child understand his need for a Savior? Is it necessary for one to have a theological education prior to understanding how one receives eternal life? In 1985, Donald Bunge, who along with his wife became the first AWANA missionaries, wrote a short booklet entitled What Happened to the Word Believe. He quotes Marjorie Soderholm as she lists statements coming from pre-teen children. These statements indicate the need for those who present the gospel message to be both consistent and accurate. The children said, “I’VE BEEN SAVED seven times.” – “I got saved at camp again this year. Every year at camp I get saved.” – “I accepted Jesus yesterday, but I want to do it again today.” – “I had a fight with my brother. He cried. Now I want to let Jesus in my heart again” (4).  Responses such as these demonstrate multiple (and inaccurate) messages are being proclaimed regarding what a person must do to be saved. Our Lord Jesus is quite clear that children can and should come to Him. In Matthew 18:1-3 we read, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ and He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.’”

(Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Translation) The Greek word used throughout this context (Matthew 18:1-6) is paidion, indicating a little, or young child. In verse six the description of these children is “little ones.” This is the Greek word mikroς which means small or little. More importantly the warning to those who would cause one of these little ones to stumble clearly identifies impressionable and therefore, young children.

Concerning the simplicity of the Gospel message, one simple enough for a child to believe, the Lord Jesus uses a very telling phrase – a phrase that contradicts anything other than faith alone in Christ alone. Jesus says, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble . . .” (Matthew 18:6a). The obvious conclusion is that Christ clearly says He is the object of faith, and the reality is that children can become Christians.     

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

            The Gospel of John was written that all might know what the Biblical response concerning the message of grace actually is. John clearly tells his readers one of the reasons why he writes his Gospel, that people might know how to have eternal life. Specifically, John provides the narrative of seven signs (in the midst of other information) for the purpose of giving evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing in Him one receives eternal life (John 20:30-31). All who believe in Jesus Christ receive eternal life.  It seems appropriate to quote John 3:16, a verse most would have memorized in early childhood.  John writes, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”  He uses the word translated believe (pisteuw) approximately 100 times, the majority of which speak directly to the issue of how one receives eternal life.

Only one time in God’s Word do we find someone asking precisely, “What must I do to be saved?” The answer given corresponds to John’s answer of how one receives eternal life. Recording the dialogue of Paul and Silas with the jailor in Philippi, Luke writes, “And after he (the jailor) brought them out, he said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’  And they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household’” (Acts 16:30-31).

In their pursuits to clarify the truth concerning salvation, pastors, preachers, and theologians have too often brought confusion into truth, thus rendering truth not true.  If children can become Christians, and they can, as mentioned above (Matthew 18:6 “. . . little ones who believe in Me . . .”), would it not make sense to remain as simple in our presentation as the Apostle John is in his? John says repeatedly if one believes, he has eternal life.

Faith Alone or Faith Plus

            Jesus emphasizes a child’s faith so we might draw a strong and consistent conclusion. Anything required of a person for justification more than “believing in Jesus Christ” is tantamount to works salvation. Those stepping beyond faith alone have literally nowhere to draw the line. How one is saved becomes a matter of degree and relativism (again, works salvation).

            Those defining repentance inaccurately as “turning from sins” raise many questions: How much turning from sin? How long do I turn from sin? Must all sin be stopped? What if I stop a certain sin, but it returns later?  Similarly, those calling for a life commitment must answer “how much of my life must be given to Christ? All of it? For how long? How committed do I have to be? 100%? 51%? Must I serve Jesus 100% of the time? Will 51% be enough? Am I to make Him Lord of my life? What does it mean to make Him Lord of my life? Do I submit to Him as Lord of my life? Must I confess Christ as Lord? Must I publicly profess (confess) Jesus as my Savior? Must I publicly profess Jesus as my Savior and Lord?

Paul’s words in Romans 10:9 are commonly used by pastors and evangelists when attempting to lead someone (individual/mass) to salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul wrote, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.”  The requirement of “coming down front, etc.” for salvation stems from a misunderstanding of Romans 10:9 in its context. The Romans (sometimes written Roman) Road to Salvation approach to witnessing begins well, but ends poorly by adding to faith alone in Christ alone. Commonly speakers quote Romans 10:13 “WHOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED” to urge a person to pray a prayer of salvation (justification). Does a person pray to receive Christ or does he believe to receive Christ? Is there a difference? What is Romans 10:13 saying in the Romans 10 context?

Does the Romans Road Method lead to Justification?

            To the question “What is the Romans Road to salvation?” the consensus is seen in the following Internet source: “The Romans Road to salvation is a way of explaining the good news of salvation using verses from the Book of Romans. It is a simple yet powerful method of explaining why we need salvation, how God provided salvation, [and] how we can receive salvation . . .” (gotquestions.org). The Romans Road approach generally travels down the following path: All have sinned (Romans 3:23); the wages of sin is death (6:23); Jesus paid the death penalty for sins (5:8); Confess Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart (10:9-10); and last, Ask Jesus to save you (10:13). One writer says, “To place your faith in Jesus and receive His gift of eternal life you must: 1) Recognize that you are a sinner and that you need a saving relationship with Jesus Christ; 2) Confess (agree with God) your sins; 3) Repent of your sins (turn from sin to God); 4) Ask Jesus to save you by His grace; and 5) Turn over the rule in your life to Jesus. Let Him be your Lord” (rrbycresa.com.).

It is true that in order for someone to be saved he must recognize his lost condition and therefore, the need of a Savior (number one above). It is numbers 2-5 that do not find agreement in the Scriptures. Confession (homolegeo) of sins (1 John 1:9) is a believer’s agreement with God for the purpose of walking in fellowship with God. Certainly an unbeliever cannot name each of his sins to God. If the writer means admit that one is a sinner, then that point is covered with number one. To repent is to “change one’s mind” concerning what is spoken of in a particular context. Never in Scripture is a lost person told to repent of specific sins or turn from sins to God in order to go to heaven. These are additions to various texts. Never do we read in the Scripture that a lost person is to “ask Jesus” to save him. And finally, there is no statement telling a lost person to turn over the rule in his life to Jesus. Lordship or submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is clearly a sanctification category.

Paul’s exhortation to Lordship can be seen in Romans 12:1-2 where he writes, “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Is there a legitimate method of observation and interpretation that yields discernment regarding this wonderful Doctrine of Salvation? To approach Scripture from a hermeneutic that lends itself to a literal (normal), historical, grammatical, and contextual study is always best. To study the Scripture within its context eliminates proof-texting. Nowhere is contextual study more important than in the study of the Doctrine of Salvation.

Chapter Two

Salvation is Both Physical and Spiritual

Physical Deliverance

            The Greek words swteria (salvation) and swzw (to save) have the basic meaning of rescue/deliverance and to rescue or to deliver. Dr. Earl Radmacher says, “In the New Testament the verb sozo (“to save”) and the nouns soter (“Savior”) and soteria (salvation”) parallel the Hebrew word [yasa] and its derivatives. Thus the Old Testament concept of deliverance is carried over to the New Testament” (4). The context always determines the arena of deliverance. In certain cases, such as Matthew 14:30 and Acts 27:31 we see physical rescue or deliverance from death. In Matthew we hear Peter saying, “. . . Lord, save me!” (kurie, swson me). In Acts we see Paul the Apostle warning those on the ship that unless they stay on-board they cannot be saved (swqhnai ou dunasqe). In Acts 27:34 Paul tells those on the ship to eat for their health. The word translated health is the Greek word swthriaς (salvation).

Justification

Regarding spiritual salvation, deliverance must be understood in three phases. Phase One is theologically termed Justification. Justification means to be declared righteous. It is the legal, forensic determination by God, Who is both Righteous and Just, that those who believe in Jesus Christ are at that moment declared righteous in their position, although they will never attain practical righteousness in this life. Paul writes, “Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). He further states, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Romans 3:28). When the apostle concludes his confrontation with Peter in the Book of Galatians he says, “Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16). As a way of remembrance, some have said those who are justified have been delivered from the penalty of sin. They have been saved in the past tense.

Sanctification

Phase Two is theologically termed Sanctification. This is the practical walk of every Christian in which salvation is to be understood as something happening in the present. Every believer is to live out his positional righteousness in a practical sense. Phase Two is a process, in contrast to the instantaneous nature of Phase One and Phase Three, Glorification. To sanctify means to be set apart. In Justification, the believer has been set apart in his position. As he walks in sanctification, he is being experientially set apart. Practical righteousness varies among believers, from carnality to growing toward maturity. The end result of the believer’s participation will be made manifest at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Paul says in Philippians that believers are to “. . . work out your salvation . . .” (Philippians 2:12). Salvation is the inward possession of each believer that is to be expressed outwardly.

In Romans we read, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him” (Romans 5:9). (I will demonstrate in chapter four that the wrath of God in Romans is present, temporal wrath.) This verse says that justification is past tense, and the future tense of salvation from God’s wrath speaks of present tense deliverance day after day as we live life. Rene Lopez (Ph.D. candidate, Dallas Theological Seminary) provides insight into the grammar of the future tense. He states, “The future tense we shall be saved may be understood as a predictive future that can have either of two nuances: A strict-future fulfillment (from the presence of sin) or an immediate-future fulfillment (from the power of sin), understood as a ‘logical’ future that states what is natural and expected” (Commentary, 109).

The next verse lends support to this present tense deliverance. It reads, “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10). Again the reconciliation is past tense, but the salvation is future tense (present tense deliverance as we go day to day). How shall we be saved? The stated answer is by His life. The life spoken of is not the life Jesus lived on earth, for his human life was preparatory for His High Priestly sacrifice. There existed no efficacy in a penal sense in His life lived while on earth. “His life” is to be understood as His seated capacity at the right hand of the Father, where He ever makes intercession on behalf of believers. It is His position as mediator that provides our deliverance day by day extending into our life’s future. Concerning the sanctification phase of salvation, the believer is being delivered from the power of sin. He is being saved in the present tense.

                                                     Glorification

Glorification (Phase Three of salvation) speaks of a time yet future when believers will receive the promised final redemption of our bodies. Paul says, “ . . . waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23). To the Church at Philippi the apostle writes, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21). In the future the believer will receive final or ultimate salvation. He will no longer do battle with the fleshly nature (Galatians 5:16-17). In Romans 7:15-23 Paul speaks of a present tense battle within the life of the believer. In verse 21 he succinctly says, “I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good.”  The time is coming for future salvation, a deliverance from even the presence of sin. In Romans 13:11-14 Paul speaks of each of the three phases of salvation in one context. He writes,

And this [loving your neighbor] do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation (Glorification) is nearer to us than when we believed (Justification). (The remainder of the passage speaks of Sanctification.) The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

Chapter Three

Salvation Received by Faith Alone

Sola Fide – Faith Alone for Justification

            The term “Solafidianism” emerged during the Reformation as a consequence of Martin Luther’s translation of Romans 3:28 in which he added the word “alone” to the phrase “man is justified by faith [alone] apart from works of the Law (Harm, 1032). F. R. Harm continues “The translation is justifiable in view of the only alternative, namely justification by works, which Paul expressly repudiated” (1032). When stressing the concept of “faith alone” as the only means of receiving eternal life, this subjective belief in the heart of an individual necessarily must be without addition. If anything is added to “faith alone” it changes grace into works.

Concerning righteousness received through faith by Abraham and his descendants, Paul writes, “For this reason it is by faith that it might be in accordance with grace . . .” (Romans 4:16). To mingle anything with faith removes the clear contrast Paul stated earlier to the Romans. “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness” (Romans 4:5). Any appendage to faith alone changes faith.

 Most would agree that faith plus baptism or church membership would be something additional to faith; however, I would argue that there is a more subtle approach that likewise adds works to faith: to re-define faith or change the nature of faith.

Faith, in any language, is a simple concept. In reality one either believes something or he does not. The emphasis in the Scriptures (both Old Testament and New Testament) is not faith itself, but the object of that faith.

A common phrase used concerning faith for justification is “saving faith,” as if there were a certain quality of subjective faith that brings salvation. Other forms of this would be “really believe,” “truly believe,” and “sincerely believe.” Another common phrase that changes the nature of faith is “a person is saved by faith alone, but faith that saves is never alone.” A statement such as this is a way to re-define or change the nature of faith.

 From Reformed Theology to Lordship Theology (many times one and the same) the salvation teaching toys with a person’s faith, always stressing the subjective nature of faith rather than the objective truth that must be believed. Theologians have moved the emphasis of the Bible from the Savior to the hopefully saved. Because of this we must be concerned about those who are hearing that faith is something other than faith. Is their faith in their faith and its particulars (I sincerely believe, I truly believe, I promise, I commit), or is it Jesus Christ, the one in whom they place their trust?

On any given day we believe numerous bits of information. Sometimes we believe things that are not true or are not reliable. Would the amount of faith that something is true cause it to become true when in reality it is not true? Truly faith is only as good as its object. To believe that a lake frozen over in January/February is as reliable to cross on foot in March/April (although it appears to be safe) is placing one’s faith in an unreliable object.

Concerning the quality or quantity of faith, a small amount of faith in a reliable object (the ice in January) would allow one to cross over. On the contrary, a huge amount of faith in an unreliable object (the ice in March) would result in possible major catastrophe. Child-like faith (void of theological understanding in the details) in the person of Jesus Christ will always result in eternal life. John 6:47 reads, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” (NKJV)

Submission (Lordship) Salvation Adds to Faith Alone

I believe the “Lordship” teaching for justification developed from the reality of carnality within the Body of Christ, for not all believers live to glorify Jesus Christ. In fact, there are many (the Corinthians of old and any Corinthians in the present age) who simply live unto the flesh. Is this really possible for a believer? Chapters 6-8 of Romans (plus any statement of warning or exhortation in any epistle) would be needless if living ungodly were not a possibility for the Christian.

I find it quite interesting that in Romans 13:13 (quoted above) we read “strife and jealousy” grouped in the same category as carousing, drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, and sensuality. How easily the “Lordship” teachers can discern that a person caught up in these hideous sins most certainly is lost, but a person who expresses strife and jealousy is temporarily out of fellowship.

The passion for purity inside the Church is to be honored, for believers are to live holy – set apart unto God. I question that the “Lordship” method brings about holiness. Someone “front-loading” the Gospel by demanding that the lost person make Phase Two (Christian Life) decisions before receiving the free gift of eternal life is nothing short of works salvation. The Apostle Paul never changed his presentation of the Gospel by giving a list of commitments (behavior) to unbelievers before they received salvation. Instead he taught believers (those justified by God) how they were to “behave” having entered the family of God.

            A number of tremendous Bible teachers (pastors, authors, scholars, theologians) have much to offer the Body of Christ. However, in some instances their doctrinal teaching in the area of Soteriology must be questioned. Many in the pulpit have acquiesced to traditional definitions of faith. In doing this they have changed the very nature of faith. A well known pastor (and excellent Bible teacher) writes,

Forsaking oneself for Christ’s sake is not an optional step of discipleship subsequent to conversion: it is the sine qua non of saving faith. (MacArthur, 135)

He is glad to give up all for the kingdom. That is the nature of saving faith. (139)

His demeanor was one of unconditional surrender, a complete resignation of self and absolute submission to his father. That is the essence of saving faith. (153)

A concept of faith that excludes obedience corrupts the message of salvation. (174)

So-called ‘faith’ in God that does not produce this yearning to submit to His will is not faith at all. The state of mind that refuses obedience is pure and simple unbelief. (176)

It seems somewhat (tongue planted firmly in cheek) contradictory for something that Paul says is a “free gift” (Romans 5:15-17) not to be a free gift according to the above statements. Does a person receive the gift of eternal life by forsaking himself for Christ’s sake, by giving up all for the kingdom, by an unconditional surrender, by a complete resignation of self, by an absolute submission to his father [God]? Has anyone save Jesus Himself lived this way? The specific words unconditional, complete, and absolute can never be understood as partial (even a life graded to be 99% surrendered, resigned, or submitted). These words demand perfection. All thinking people would conclude that if these are the requirements necessary to enter heaven, then heaven will have no occupants other than the Trinity and the angels who did not follow Satan.

Snapshot of the Greek word pisteuw

            Greek grammarian and scholar Zane Hodges writes, “Clearly, we all operate at the level of common sense when we talk about faith as it relates to everyday life. It is only when we discuss this subject in religion that we tend to check our common sense at the door” (28). He continues,

Let it be clearly stated here that English words like to “believe,” or “faith” function as fully adequate equivalents to their Greek counterparts. There is not some hidden residue of meaning in the Greek words that is not conveyed by their normal English renderings. Although some have affirmed that there is, this claim betrays an inadequate or misguided view of biblical linguistics (28-29).

The verb form “to believe” (the sole Biblical response to the offer of eternal life) comes from the Greek word pisteuw. Since the New Testament was written in Greek, the interpreter’s role is to determine the meaning of the word pisteuw, not the meaning of the English word believe.

The standard Greek Lexicon records that pisteuw is a favorite in John’s Gospel, where it is found 96 times (BAG, 665-666). This is of special importance considering the stated purpose of John is that all who believe receive eternal life (John 20:30-31). We must remind ourselves that the Apostle John, who many understand to be the closest companion to Jesus, never once mentioned the need for turning from sin or committing one’s life to the Lordship of Christ.

Concerning the lexical meaning of pisteuw, the primary meanings are 1) to believe (in) something, be convinced of something; and 2) to believe (in), trust (BAG, 666).  To add meanings such as persuasion, assurance, and reliance would also be appropriate. Paul defines faith as to its true nature when speaking of the faith of the Patriarch Abraham. The apostle writes, “And being fully assured (persuaded or convinced) that what He [God] had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore also IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Romans 4:21-22).

 These conclusions concerning the nature of faith have been noted by others. Charles Bing, in his doctoral dissertation, states:

The lexical evidence and Bible passages do not support the Lordship definition of faith as obedience, willingness to obey, or submission. . . Furthermore, there is no strong argument that the Bible contains examples of spurious faith. Faith is always real faith. The lexical evidence shows that faith is trust, reliance upon, or confidence in something. . . When one believes, he takes God at His word and personally appropriates the provision of Christ’s free gift of salvation for himself. This is saving faith. (Bing, 58-69)

Faith is simply taking God, Who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), at His word.

Chapter Four

Salvation in the Epistle to the Romans

Scholarly Perspective

            The term salvation must always be understood within the context of its occurrence. To reiterate, the conclusion that salvation always means “going to heaven” is a gross error when interpreting Scripture. Dr. John F. Hart, Professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute, writes with exceptional clarity concerning the presentation of the Gospel of Grace. He provides readers with a scholar’s perspective, but more importantly, he demonstrates contextual consistency in his presentation. Hart says,

Solutions for understanding Romans 10:9-10 may be found by reassessing various assumptions brought to the text. These assumptions are compounded by the over familiarity of the verses. The first assumption that needs to be set aside is the identification of “salvation” with justification in Romans. A study of the terms “salvation” and “save” in Romans corroborates the impression that Paul does not necessarily equate the two. (5)

Concerning the “wrath of God” phrase in verse 18 Lopez writes, “. . . wrath should be understood as God’s displeasure and display manifested against sin in time and not in eternity, whether one is unjustified or a justified-sinning-believer” (25).

Dr. Robert Wilkin, director of Grace Evangelical Society, in an article addressing confession for salvation in Romans 10 writes, “The salvation spoken of in verse 13 (and thus also in verse 10) relates to believers. It is dealing with salvation from the wrath of God here and now, not salvation from God’s eternal wrath” (emphasis his, 1).

            In contemplating Dr. Wilkin’s statement, the word translated “wrath” is the Greek word orgh. Other renderings are anger, retribution, punishment, and revenge. Paul uses the word orgh ten times in the Epistle of Romans (Romans 1:18; 2:5 [twice], 8; 4:15; 5:9; 9:22; 12:19; and 13:4, 5). Only in Romans 2:5 (considering the context of each occurrence) do we have the possibility of wrath being understood as something other than temporal wrath; however, a closer look at this verse even allows for it to be understood as temporal wrath.

Romans 2:5 reads, “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.” The phrase “in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” is normally understood to be speaking of the same event – the period of The Tribulation. The word “revelation” simply means “unveiling” and therefore can be understood as the display of God’s wrath without regard to time. Because the definite article “the” does not appear in the Greek text it remains indefinite and should be translated “a day of wrath.” If this is the case, “a day” could be any day (any time in the future – any day or even every day).  

The wrath of Romans 1:18 and the wrath of Romans 2:5 serve as bookends for the literary device “inclusio.” The conjunction dio (therefore) in Romans 2:1 serves to connect  chapter two with the preceding “therefore” of Romans 1:24 which takes the line of thought contextually back to Romans 1:18. Paul argues that God’s temporal wrath falls upon all who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. This includes both those who deny the existence of God and those who, though believing in God (this second group is identified in verse 17 to be Jews), remain stubborn and unrepentant. It is also true that God’s wrath falls upon any believer who suppresses the truth in unrighteousness. A form of God’s wrath would be the discipline from a loving Heavenly Father because of His child’s errant behavior. 

Salvation used as a Signal to Interpretation

            The term “salvation” appears to be strategically placed throughout the Book of Romans to give the reader not only “salvation’s” proper meaning (deliverance from the power of sin and the wrath of God in the present tense), but also to provide signposts in understanding the argument of this epistle of the Grace of God.

Signpost One

The word is first used by Paul in giving what many feel to be the theme of the epistle: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘BUT THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.’” (Romans 1:16-17) The gospel of which Paul is not ashamed is truly good news, for it provides deliverance from sin in all three phases of salvation. What is important to the believer during this life is phase two, temporal deliverance from both the power of sin and the wrath of God. In the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed presently in a progressive manner. It is an on-going revelation bringing on-going deliverance. Since the revealing is from faith to faith, the righteousness of God cannot refer simply to one’s initial faith for justification.

The Church at Rome was made-up of both Jew and Gentile converts; therefore, both groups are addressed in the one letter. To a Jewish mind (author and audience which included Gentiles who needed a sense of Jewish perspective) the thought of “salvation” conjured up fullness and completeness with regard to deliverance and belief in establishing an earthly kingdom, not a “pie in the sky” salvation.

Detailed observation of Romans 1:15-18 clearly reveals these verses are tightly woven together by Paul’s use of the explanatory gar (for). He says in verse 15 he is eager to preach the gospel (good news regarding deliverance) to those who are in Rome. He follows this statement with three reasons explaining his eagerness: “For I am not ashamed . . .” (Romans 1:16), “For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is [being] revealed . . .” (Romans 1:17), and “For the wrath of God is [being] revealed . . .” (Romans 1:18).

The immediate context juxtaposes the wrath of God (v. 18) by using the precise word as in verse 17 (apokaluptetai - present, passive, indicative - is being revealed). Two things are being revealed in the present tense: the righteousness of God and the wrath of God. The wrath of God is seen in the repeated phrase “God gave them over.” Hart writes, “He no longer restrained them from deeper and deeper enslavement to sin” (6). The context argues for a salvation (deliverance) from the present wrath of God, not a salvation from eternal punishment.

Signpost Two

Paul does not use the word salvation again until Romans 5. He states, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:9-10). Romans 5:1 emphatically states the declaration of righteousness is a past tense reality. It reads, “Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Verses nine and ten repeat this reality – having now been justified and having been reconciled.

The salvation addressed here is yet future (but worked out in the present tense as believers live day to day – chapter two). Obviously in Paul’s mind justification and salvation are two distinct deliverances. Lopez agrees when he says, “Failure to make such distinctions will distort the theme of the book: The gospel produces power to be justified and to be delivered from God’s wrath brought by sin. This enables the believer to experience life, as well as expect God’s promises to Israel to be fulfilled in the future” (25).

The absence of the word “salvation” (Romans 1:16 to Romans 5:9) strongly supports the definition being deliverance, and particularly deliverance from temporal wrath. After introducing salvation Paul categorizes all people as being without excuse. He follows this characterization with the only possible answer to man’s dilemma. In Romans 3:21 we read, “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

At this juncture Paul explains justification (the declaration of righteousness) by faith alone. He devotes the entire fourth chapter to the doctrine of imputation, whereby the believer’s account is credited with the righteousness of God. Paul uses the Patriarch Abraham to illustrate his teaching, arguing that Abraham’s faith was reckoned as righteousness prior to his being circumcised. He says this same imputation is applied to all believers, regardless of ethnic background.

Having demonstrated irrefutably that justification (eternal life) is by faith apart from works, Paul begins chapter five by saying, “Therefore having been justified (aorist tense) . . .” The remainder of Romans five is used to transition into the sanctification section, i.e., chapters six through eight. Omitting the word “salvation” between Romans 1:16 and Romans 5:9 is completely logical because salvation (deliverance) for the lost is justification, that is, the declaration of righteousness based on imputation. In Romans 5:9-10 Paul again uses the term “salvation” (deliverance) as he begins the topic of sanctification, that is, the deportment of righteousness.

In Romans six Paul asks two very direct questions to those that have been justified by faith. He answers these two questions with the strongest of negatives. The first question is “ . . . Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase?” (Romans 6:1). The second is “ . . . Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?” (Romans 6:15) Paul’s answer to both questions is “May it never be.” Some other translations give the answer as “God forbid” (KJV), “By no means” (NIV), “Certainly not” (NKJV), and “Absolutely not” (TNB). The Greek phrase is mh genoito. The Greek negative mhis followed by a form of the word ginomai, which means to become, to come into existence, to begin to be, or to receive being. The negation has the effect of saying that which could come into existence is never to come into existence. The believer should never consider the possibility or even the thought of the possibility. It is a tremendously strong statement written to one who is justified. In essence, Paul challenges the believer to perish the thought.

 Through identification with Christ’s Death, Burial, and Resurrection each saved individual is to reckon the statements of Romans six as true in a personal sense. We are to add up (calculate) the accomplishments of Christ on our behalf and consider them done. We are no longer to let sin reign in any capacity. All that the believer was in Adam has been rendered without power; and therefore, serving the Savior or serving sin and self becomes a matter of choice.

Obviously chapter seven teaches the Christian life involves a present battle that will not be completely won until the time of glorification. In various ways Paul expresses his desire is to do good, but he recognizes the principle that evil is present in him (Romans 7:21). The freedom sought after in verse twenty-four is deliverance in sanctification.

Romans 8:1 reads, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The earliest manuscripts (Aleph and B) eliminate the second phrase – “. . . who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Two texts in the century after Aleph and B include the phrase, as do the majority of manuscripts (Lopez, 161). It seems best to include the phrase since the previous context speaks of a still present tense slavery from which believers are delivered (saved). Romans 8:1-17 exhorts the believer to deliverance and victory by the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

We learn in Romans 8:4 the righteous requirements of the Law can be fulfilled only by walking according to the Spirit. Furthermore, in Romans 8:12-13 Paul says, “So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh (the implication being we are under obligation to live according to the Spirit) – for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”  

Signpost Three

It is not until Romans 8:24 that Paul again uses the word “salvation.” The apostle writes, “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it” (Romans 8:24-25). He makes this statement after saying that all of creation, even our physical bodies are crying out for ultimate redemption. We have been saved unto something in the future, designated by Paul as a “hope.” This can be nothing other than Phase Three Salvation (Glorification), but until hope becomes sight, we persevere with eager anticipation.   Paul completes Romans eight by giving both doctrinal (God’s foreknowledge) and practical (God’s favor) reasons why nothing whatsoever can separate the believer from the love of God.

Signpost Four

The only remaining mention of the word “salvation” between Romans 8:24 and Romans 10:1 is found in Romans 9:27. The apostle quotes Isaiah when he writes, “. . . ‘THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL BE AS THE SAND OF THE SEA, IT IS THE REMNANT THAT WILL BE SAVED.’” The word here indicates a “return” and therefore deliverance. The fact God has always preserved a remnant of Jewish believers even until today (presently members of the Body of Christ) indicates He will do so in the future.

 Romans 11:25-26 clearly says because of God’s covenant to Israel, final and ultimate salvation will come to this chosen nation. Paul states, “And thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, ‘THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB. AND THIS IS MY CONVNANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.’”  Having traced the term “saved/salvation” from Romans 1:16 to Romans 11:26, it is important to consider the contextual placement of Romans 9-11.

Many expositors understand Romans 9-11 as a parenthetical interlude, which gives “true to life” examples of the doctrinal material presented in the first eight chapters. Immediately after the parenthetical section, Paul uses chapters twelve through sixteen to teach the practical outworking of chapters one through eight. I concur with the practical approach to Romans 12-16 (and I would add there is much to make practical in the first eight chapters), but disagree that chapters nine through eleven make up a parenthetical interlude. This writer sees these chapters flowing straight from the preceding context of chapter eight. The dissertation found in Romans 9-11 certainly pertains to the nation Israel (past, present, and future), but these chapters precisely answer the question: If there is no way that a believer can be separated from the love of God, i.e. God Himself, then what about the nation of Israel? The specific questions might be: Has Israel been rejected? If so, why, and is this rejection forever? Does the nation still exist? Does Israel have a future as a nation? Is Israel really God’s chosen people?

Sovereignty in Selection

Romans nine teaches that God is sovereign in the selection of both nations and individuals to fulfill His desired purpose. I do not believe Romans nine teaches that certain individuals are chosen for salvation (i.e. justification), while others are passed over. The main teaching is Israel has been chosen to bring about His plan of redemption. Israel was chosen for three major purposes: The first was to proclaim the truth concerning the one true God. Secondly, Israel was chosen to give the world the written Word of God. And thirdly, Israel was chosen to bring the “seed of woman,” the Lord Jesus Christ, to a lost and dying world. The nation Israel, plus the individuals named in Romans 9 (from Abraham to Pharaoh) were chosen to serve. They were selected to serve the purposes of God. As a nation, Israel stumbled over the stumbling stone – the Lord Jesus. (Romans ten will be considered in the final chapter.) The result of this unbelief is that Israel’s final dispensation of service is yet future. Until that time the proclamation of God’s Word is being administered by the Body of Christ. Chapter eleven of Romans begins with these words: “I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1). Once more the apostle uses the phrase mh genoito - perish the thought. In Romans 11:11 Paul writes, “I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.” Again, mh genoito! Paul believes there is a future for Israel.

And finally, he writes in Romans 11:25, “For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”  The word partial opens the way for many Jewish people to believe in Jesus as Messiah/Savior during this dispensation. The remnant continues through the Church, the Body of Christ. This partial hardening is associated with the preposition “until,” indicating a time factor. How long is the time factor? There is no answer other than “until” the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. I understand this to be (because of the context, Romans 11:17-20) the time of the grafting in of the final non-Jewish believer. It is for certain each individual (Jew or Gentile) who comes to faith in this church age receives forgiveness of sins and is saved (justified); however, the thrust of Romans 9-11 is that the people groups (including certain individuals) through whom God’s plan for proclaiming salvation (all phases) would come is based upon the divine determination of God.

Chapter Five

Sanctification of a Saved Generation

Paul’s Use of Deuteronomy 30

            The Apostle Paul was precise not only in what Christians were to believe, but also how they were to behave. He is the New Testament author of argumentation with the necessary application always following. In Romans 10:6-8 he writes,

But the righteousness based on faith speaks thus, “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN:” (that is, to bring Christ down), or “WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART” – that is, the word of faith which we are preaching.

Paul partially quotes while alluding to Deuteronomy 30:12-14. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 reads,

For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?” Nor is it beyond the sea that         you should say, “Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?” But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.

            Paul selects this particular passage to use in Romans because it refers to a saved (declared righteous) and secure people who have already received their “marching orders” (Mosaic Law). They have no need for more information – nothing else has to happen. No one is to ascend into heaven to receive more laws, statutes, or ordinances. Moses had already ascended the mountain and had already received everything necessary for them to walk in a manner pleasing to God. Crossing the sea is an allusion to Moses’ leadership at the Red Sea. That was not to happen again. The deliverance of Israel and the judgment of Egypt was already past tense. The Israelites were to cross over Jordan and live in obedience to God’s revelation. The Romans application follows in Chapter six.

Second Generation Believers

            The Book of Deuteronomy, taking its name from the Septuagint, literally means “this repetition of the law” (Deere, 259). This repetition does not speak of a new Law in addition to the Law given to Moses, but to the “second giving” of the Mosaic Law. Dr. Deere adds, “This Hebrew title [“these are the words”] is a more apt description of the book for it is not a ‘second Law,’ but the record of Moses’ sermons on the Law” (259). Deuteronomy presents Moses’ final orations to the children of Israel, that is, a second generation of Israelites, for the Exodus generation had passed away. Because of the Exodus generation’s unbelief, although redeemed out of Egyptian bondage, they were unable to enter into the abundance of the Promised Land.

            That rebellious generation chose to die in the wilderness rather than participate in the inheritance God would have given them in the Land of Canaan. Numbers 14:29 emphatically states, “Your corpses shall fall in this wilderness, even all your numbered men, according to your complete number from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against Me.” The Bible is clear that not even Moses entered the land. The only exceptions were Joshua and Caleb. To say Canaan speaks of heaven and not the abundant life of the believer is to say Moses will be in the Lake of Fire.

            The messages found in Deuteronomy were given to a generation not responsible (because of the age factor) to the Law when first given as recorded in Exodus. The new generation was about to enter the land. If they were to receive blessings of God upon their lives as a nation, they necessarily had to walk in strict obedience to the Law of Moses.

            The establishment of the Feast of Passover (with the slain lamb and blood applied) is clearly teaching redemption in a spiritual sense. Israel had been purchased with a price, foreshadowing the price that would one day be paid by the spotless Lamb of God. Typologically, Israel speaks of a saved (justified) people, a people who by the time of hearing Moses’ speeches in Deuteronomy are in the position to enter into the land as they walk in obedience to God’s Word (The Mosaic Law).

            Dr. Joseph Dillow writes, “In Dt. 30:15-20 life and prosperity are associated and contrasted with ‘destruction.’ If they love the Lord their God and walk in His ways and keep His commands, they will ‘live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess’” (138).

            Deuteronomy 30 obviously teaches a contrast between obedience resulting in blessing and disobedience resulting in cursing (discipline). The contrast is between physical life and physical death, not heaven and hell. This makes perfect sense being in the broader context of the Palestinian (land) Covenant promised first to Abraham