After Paul explains how we are saved, he then focuses on the results and benefits of our faith. When it comes to our faith, it should be noted that there is a difference between our standing and our status. Our standing in Christ (Chapter 5) is perfect, unchanging, and guaranteed by the Word of God, the work of Christ, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Our status in Christ (Chapters 6-8) is imperfect, changing, and dependent on us.

After Paul explains how we are saved, he then focuses on the results and benefits of our faith. When it comes to our faith, it should be noted that there is a difference between our standing and our status. Our standing in Christ (Chapter 5) is perfect, unchanging, and guaranteed by the Word of God, the work of Christ, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Our status in Christ (Chapters 6-8) is imperfect, changing, and dependent on us.

The Christian journey starts, is lived, and ends with faith

In chapter 4, Paul gives illustrations from the stories of Abraham and David to demonstrate the truths he has just shared in chapter 3. The question he answers in these verses is: “How can a person be accepted by God?”

Real Worship Wars are not waged between the Traditional and the Contemporary, but between the Worthless and the Worthy.

In this passage, Paul describes, in specific terms, the meaning of salvation. This passage has been termed the very heart of all Scripture.

Paul as a prosecuting attorney makes the case against humanity; that all stand guilty before a Holy God. This would include the rebellious, the respectable, and even the religious.

Paul in chapters 1-3, is building the case that all are guilty and without excuse before a Holy God. In this passage, he is warning those who have a false religious sense of salvation and hope of heaven.

There is one sin that you probably have to deal with more often than any other sin. It is so subtle that it often catches us by surprise. Jesus attacked it more often, more severely and more directly than any other sin. It wasn’t adultery or murder; it was the act of judging others or the appearance of being self-righteous.

In Romans 1:18-32, Paul is describing the path of man’s ruin. He is also building the case that man, in his sin, is guilty and without excuse as he stands before a Holy God.