DTLC Radio

Your "old self" is dead and buried! Your "new self" is alive and well. The question is, are you aware and actually living this way? And yes, you can live this way even under quarantine.

Old Self New Self

Paul is addressing three questions about the role of law in relationship to living under grace. If we are living under God's grace, what is the purpose of the law? Do we have to obey the law? Is grace a license to live how we please?

Paul says, absolutely not! If you have this attitude or understanding of grace then you really don't understand it all. Your "old self" - the person you used to be who followed temptation and sin's every whim - is dead and buried. They don't even exist anymore. Or don't you know that that is what happened to you in your immersion?

Old and New

This teaching about your "old man" and the "new man" is fundamental to understanding your redemption. The old man is dead and gone. He does not even exist any longer. The new man - the new creation - has replaced it. Yes, your new man has to live in an "old body" but only for a time. During that time you have the opportunity to retrain and discipline your flesh to be obedient to the new self.

Your physical death then, is actually a blessing! How? By allowing you to finally (at that point) to be rid of the flesh that still inhabits sin. Being saved (redeemed, justified, born again) has two parts, just as personal sin infects two curses.

First, sin mandates a penalty payment...a "sin-debt" to God. Second, it forces your "old self" to become a slave to sin as its new master. Redemption is necessarily a "double cure." First, you are released from responsibility for paying the penalty by virtue of Jesus paying it for you. Second, your "old self" is crucified in immersion by literally and spiritually coming into contact with the blood of Christ, dying, and being buried. You're then "born again" as a "new creation" and rise as the "workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus." For what purpose? To live a new life of obedience to God without the pressure of doing so perfectly.

Do you understand this?

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Study Romans from the Beginning by Clicking Here

In times like these, where does your hope come from? Is your faith the center of your attention? Do you see and understand what is happening and why or are you caught up in the panic? The answers to these questions are at the root of why we dig into Scripture.

By Faith and Not By Sight

What you believe and why you believe has everything to do with your current perspective and mental state. In the midst of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, too many people - and far too many Christians - are losing their stability.

Have you fallen into the ditch of seeing this as "God's punishment" on mankind? That's only half true. Yes, God's wrath is presently visible (see Romans 1). No, this is not God being "out to get" anyone. How do you explain what is happening in the world? Do the circumstances of this life cause you fear and anxiety? It shouldn't. You should, in fact, you should expect it (see John 16:33).

Faith and Hope

Is your faith in the government or physicians or the stock market? Is your hope in your job, your bank account, or your 401K? If so, you're hoping and trusting in the wrong things. Psalm 121 makes it clear where your true hope lies.

Believe it or not, our study of Romans is geared toward specifically making this point. The single biggest challenge, problem, or concern you will ever have has already been settled. The gospel - the Good News - is and should be your foundation for dealing with and getting through any and every thing this world can pitch against you.

"For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight— 8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." - II Corinthians 5:1-9

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Study Romans from the Beginning

Do you know when you were united to Christ? Your personal union with Christ is required for your salvation. Without it, you will not be found "in Him."

In Romans 6:3-4 Paul expressly identifies baptism (i.e. water immersion) as the point in time when you are "united with Christ." Water baptism exemplifies the very real and actual death, burial, and resurrection of repentant believers performed by the Holy Spirit (i.e. Holy Spirit baptism or being born again).

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Study Romans from the Beginning

The significance of baptism is more than simple symbolism. Baptism is not significant because it is somehow our "first act of obedience" as a Christian. In Romans 6, Paul makes the argument that the significance of baptism is nothing short of actual re-birth!

Or Do You Not Know?

Before discussing the relationship we as Christians under grace have with obedience to God's law, Paul first reminds us. Reminds us? Yes, he reminds us!

Quite literally Paul writes, "are you ignorant" of what happened to you in your immersion. Immersion? Yes, immersion. I thought he is talking about baptism. That's right, he is. Baptism - by definition and translation - is immersion. In fact, it should have been translated as immersion from its original Greek (baptizo). Unfortunately, following the teaching of Huldrych  Zwingli, translators simply transliterated the word to baptize (and its tenses).

Nevertheless, Paul addresses the teaching about immersion and what happens in it as a foregone conclusion. This is something we should know. It should be part of the presentation of the gospel and explained to every convert. But in case you don't know or have forgotten, Paul teaches and reminds us of what actually happened.

Already Happened

The significance of baptism is presented as something that has already taken place. It's past tense. What you experienced - the work that God did in you - happened in the moment of your immersion. Knowing this will help you grasp you now new relationship to the law of God.

Under law, your failure to keep it perfectly was counted against you. Under the law of God you would be judged according your your ability to live it perfectly. But you are no longer under law (as a means of salvation; Romans 6:14), you are under grace.

Under grace you still need to live in obedience to the law but failure to do so will no longer be held against you. Why? Because your penalty has already been paid in full. But how do I live obediently? By keeping in mind the significance of baptism.

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Study Romans From The Beginning By Clicking Here

Does grace lead to antinomianism? If we are "under grace" do we still have to obey the law? Yes. In fact, absolutely yes! Grace does not negate our obedience to the law. Grace does negate the law as a system for salvation. Understanding this key difference is the topic of Romans 6 and 7. The truth is, grace is necessarily an obedient grace.

Obedience or Legalism?

Antinomianism literally means against (anti) law (nomos). In Paul's presentation of the gospel, he rejects law as a means of personal righteousness unto salvation. Meaning, obeying the law cannot save you. In fact, it was never intended to do so. The question posed is, does this negation of law equate to having no obligation whatever to obeying it. Paul's emphatic answer is NO WAY! Actually, Paul will point that grace is necessarily an obedient grace.

Grace or Law?

Grace does not lead to antinomianism. As a matter of fact, grace actually gives us the abililty to obey. Yes, grace sets us free from law as a means or way of salvation. You cannot be saved by keeping the law. Grace also sets us free from being condemned by the law when we fail to keep it. In addition, grace sets us free from an attitude of legalistic motivation to obey the law. But what grace does not do is set us free from our obligation to obey God's law. Understanding this specific nuance about grace is Paul's purpose in first verses of Romans 6. In our discussion we will explain the importance of seeing grace as an obedient grace. It is not legalism. And it is not "free grace" antinomianism with no regard for obedience whatsoever. We are, in fact, saved for good works (Ephesians 2:10; good works is equal to obedience to God's law).

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Study Romans from the Beginning By Clicking Here

Understanding the five phases of your spiritual life is critical to your success. Remember the key questions we focus on here at DTLC? Who are you? Whose are you? Why are you here? Recognizing the five phases you go through in life - from a spiritual perspective - will make all the difference.

Every Person Included

Every single person is in one of these five phases of their spiritual life. Recall from our study in Romans 5 that we are all born in a state of "original grace." From conception to the age of accountability, we are covered by the grace of God.

Every child ever born was and is born in grace. Even though they may still be susceptible to defects, disease, or even physical death, every child is promised a redemptive resurrection. That means a new body and life eternal with God.

At the age of accountability, when a person comprehends that law comes from God, each person becomes accountable. Therefore, personal law breaking becomes personal sin. From this point forward we live subject to sin and its power, as slaves. Our spirit dies and our body is under the power of sin. Paul calls this "living under law" and "in the flesh" (Rom. 6:14; 7:5). We are now guilty and powerless to sin. But the "much more" of the cross ( Rom. 5:15-19) covers even our personal sin.

Amazing Grace

When we hear the gospel - the full gospel, including the law and our guilt under it - and accept it as true, we place our faith in the saving work of Jesus. We are converted through faith in baptism and God's grace is applied. Our "old" spirit is resurrected to new life (Rom. 6:4). Our penalty is paid and our spirit is "born again." But this new life affects only the spirit.

The Struggle Phase

The problem is that our new spirit must continue to reside in a corrupted physical body. A body that is controlled by sin and if allowed, has the power to overcome our "new nature." The struggle is real but it is also necessary.

It can be summed up in three words: power, struggle, and victory. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9, 11) gives us power to overcome the power of sin still dwelling in our bodies. Living the Christian life is about recognizing this struggle, embracing it, and learning to overpower it. This is why Paul can "rejoice in our tribulations" (Rom. 5:3-5).

Final Victory

The last of these five phases is our total victory, when we shed these bodies in physical death. We will have some victories in this life and the goal is to have as many as possible. But regardless of how many, so long as we continue to "fight the good fight of faith" we are assured of total victory. We will be glorified. We will one day rid ourselves of these sinful bodies and replace them with redeemed and glorified ones. This is our hope - this is His promise.

Understanding these five phases is key to your success in life. It's also critical to understanding what Paul is talking about - and what he is not talking about - in this next major section of Romans.

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Study Romans From the Beginning

Romans chapters 6-8 is certainly, "where the rubber meets the road." Paul has spent the letter telling us how we are all under the law and face due judgment for having broken it. Then, he tells us the amazing good news of the gospel! God, through His grace, has offered us salvation. Through faith in Christ we can have our sins forgiven. That is great news!

But Wait, There's More

But sin has not just left accountable for a debt we can't pay. It has also corrupted our spirit AND our body. Sin has left us us powerless over it - sin has become our tyrannical master - and we are its slaves. Not only do I need to be justified - have my sins forgiven - but I need to be "born again." Why?

Because my spirit is "dead in its trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1-5). I need "new life" if I'm to live. In baptism (see Romans 6:3-4) I'm "born again" by the power of the Holy Spirit (i.e. "baptism of the Spirit"). My sins are forgiven (justification) and I'm regenerated. I now have a new spirit for a new life. What is the new life? A life of striving to increase in my obedience to my Creator...now called my Father, as I'm now his child (John 1:12).

New Spirit - Old Body

However, I still have a problem. Yes, my sins are forgiven. Yes, I'm born again and now have a redeemed spirit. But I still have this "body of sin and death." My new spirit has to still live in a corrupted body. Worse, this body still has powerful influence over me because it's still full of sin. What's the answer?

The answer is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8). He is the One who will give me power to overcome the sin within me. Even Paul had this struggle (Romans 7:7-24) and had to learn how to "walk by the Spirit." In fact, EVERY Christian will have this struggle. The struggle is actually good news as well. Hard to believe but true.

Where The Rubber Meets The Road

Romans chapters 6-8 is Paul's description of "where the rubber meets the road." Here he tells us what to expect, what to remember, what to count on, and how to live. He's talking about the second part of the double cure. How do redeemed people live in unredeemed bodies? More specifically, what is the role of the law of God in relation to His grace?

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Study Romans from the Beginning

You have already transitioned! Romans chapter six begins a new section of Paul's letter to the church at Rome. For five chapters he has presented the gospel of grace and the inability of the law to save. But does that mean that we have no more relationship to the law? Are we to conclude that we no longer bear any responsibility to keeping it?

Justification to Regeneration and Sanctification

Paul begins this new section by reminding his Christian readers that they too have already transitioned. Having your sins forgiven and your penalty paid is only half of the story. In fact, it's only half of the cure.

Remember that sin causes a double curse on us. First, we become guilty of sin - of having broken the law of God - and are therefore responsible for its due penalty. Second, we are infected by the disease of sin. It infects our spirit AND our physical body. Paul refers to this as our flesh. This renders us cursed with the second part - powerlessness over the sin in us. God's response (grace) is to provide us with a double cure.

First, we are forgiven - we have our penalty paid on our behalf - through faith in Christ. Second, we are re-created - born again, regenerated - and given a new spirit. However, this new spirit must continue to dwell in a still-corrupted physical body (i.e. the flesh). At least for a time.

Transitioned

But more than that, we are also granted the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39). Why? Because His presence gives us the power to overcome the sin that continues to dwell within our flesh. But how and when did this happen?

You transitioned from diseased (cursed) to surgery (justified and regenerated) to the road to recovery (cured/sanctification) in your baptism (Romans 6:3-7). How does this happen? Through faith in the working of God (Colossians 2:11-12). Reminding of us this reality is Paul's point in these first verses of Romans six.

One Baptism

In Ephesians 4:5, Paul makes the declarative statement that there is "one baptism." Not two, not only spiritual baptism, but one baptism that includes both physical water and Holy Spirit (see John 3:3-8; Acts 2:38-41; 8:34-39). The idea that there are two different baptisms - one water and one spiritual - is completely foreign to the Bible. Paul affirms this reality here in Romans 6 and elsewhere (e.g. Eph 4:5; Col. 2:12).

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Study Romans From the Beginning

Resources

Baptism: A Biblical Study - by Dr. Jack Cottrell

The true meaning of Christmas.

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

See you next year - 2020!

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The Gift of the Magi - written by O. Henry (1905); Narrated by Lorne Greene

Peanuts - Charlie Brown & Linus van Pelt - Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown! - created by Charles M. Schultz

Song Credit: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus by King's Kaleidoscope.

There is a widespread belief in Christianity that once a person becomes saved, they remained saved no matter what. Not only can you be certain of your salvation (as the teaching goes), you have God's guarantee that you can never lose it. The question is, does this "once saved always saved" teaching agree with the biblical view of assurance? Once a person is saved, do they remain saved forever regardless of any action/belief on their - or anyone else's - part?

Augustinian Roots of Once Saved Always Saved

The roots of this doctrine - just as with the whole of the T.U.L.I.P. doctrines - are found in the teaching of Augustine. It wasn't until 412 AD that Augustine became the first Christian to write in support of these teachings. Prior to that, every Christian author (i.e. the Patristics/Church Fathers), including Augustine himself (386-411 AD), who addressed these issues did so from a condemning perspective. Why? Because although Augustine was the first "christian" to write in support, the arguments and doctrines surfaced first in the heresies of pagan thought and religion. Specifically, the "five points of Calvinism" (as they became known), and Reformed theology's definitions of sovereignty, divine foreknowledge, and depravity as total, are first found in the teachings of Gnosticism, Stoicism, Neoplatonism, and Manichaeanism. In fact, the church (as early as Paul in Acts) had already previously identified and condemned these as false. (read Dr. Ken Wilson for more)

Augustine's latter writings and teaching functionally eliminated human free will. The result was the teaching that man is completely unable to respond to God, unless and until, He first completes a spiritual work within him (i.e. regeneration). Only then will the previously unconditionally elected receive the gifts of faith and repentance. Since, according to this view, you don't have a choice to accept God and be saved, neither do you have a choice as to whether or not you remain saved. Thus, the result is guaranteed perseverance or once your saved, you remain saved forever. This is the "P" in T.U.L.I.P.

Apparent Biblical Support for Once Saved Always Saved

Those who accept and teach this Augustinian-Calvinist theology do so with numerous Scriptures purported to support this and the other T.U.L.I.P. doctrines. The problem is that these presumed proof texts do not teach unconditional perseverance. Certainly, they teach assurance. But biblical assurance is based upon the continued consistent meeting of the condition of faith. Faith is the very condition upon which salvation was given to us in the first place. We are justified by faith...and we remain justified by that same faith. Meaning, that if a person of their own free will - the same free will with which they accepted Christ - chooses to fall into unbelief (cf. Romans 4:18-21; 1 Peter 1:5), they can forfeit their redemption.

The Bible is full of examples of how a person might "fall from grace" (Galatians 5:1-6). Others include John 8, John 15, Romans 11, Colossians 1:21-23, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, Hebrews 6:4-8, the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, and many others. How does one fall from grace?

You can commit spiritual suicide. Giving up on your faith and renouncing Christ or God because of tragic or negative circumstances is the most common. You can "die to faith" through slow starvation and failing to "feed" yourself spiritually through God's Word. This warning is persistent in the New Testament. You can be strangled by sin and continuing to intentionally live in it (we'll study this next in Romans 6). Romans 8:13 says "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."

You Can Forfeit Grace