Romans 10:1-21 How Does Someone Become Righteous?

 

How Does Someone Become Righteous?

Romans 10:1-21    The Epistle [a.k.a. Letter] of Paul to the Romans [in Smaller Chunks]

Brethren, my heart's desire & prayer to God is for Israel, [so] that they may be saved. [Jeremiah 32:17 Ah, Lord God! You [have] made the heaven & the earth, by Your great power & [outstretched] arm. And there is nothing too hard for You.]

For I bear record, [a.k.a. testify, to] them, [so] that they might have zeal, [a.k.a. enthusiasm, from] God, but not according to knowledge. [Galatians 1:14 And [I, a.k.a. Paul, previously named Saul,] [benefited by] the Jews' religion, [over] many [of] my equals in [my] own nation, being exceedingly more zealous [about] the traditions of my [forefathers.]

For being ignorant, [a.k.a. unaware,] of God's righteousness, they [went around] [trying] to establish their own righteousness. [Unfortunately,] they [hadn't] submitted, [a.k.a. yielded,] themselves to the righteousness of God. [Philippians 3:8-9 [Yes, without a doubt,] I [consider] the loss of all things, but dung, for the knowledge of the excellence of Christ Jesus my Lord: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, so that I may win, [a.k.a. gain,] [a relationship with] Christ, not having [my] own righteousness, which is [from] the Law, but the righteousness which is [from] God, which is found in Him, through faith [in] Christ.]

For Moses [describes] the righteousness which is [from] the Law. That the man [who] does those things, shall live by them. But the righteousness which is [from] faith [in Jesus Christ,] [says this, Don't] say [within] your heart, Who shall ascend, [a.k.a. go up,] into heaven? (That [would be,] to bring Christ down from above.) Or, Who shall descend, [a.k.a. go down,] into the deep [abyss?] (That [would be,] to bring Christ up again from the dead.)

But what [does] it [say?] The Word is [near] you, even in your mouth, & in your heart. [Jeremiah 31:33 *But this shall be the Covenant, [a.k.a. contract,] that I will make with the house of Israel. The Lord says, After those days, I will put My Law in their inward parts, [a.k.a. within them,] & write it in their hearts, & will be their God & they shall be My people.]

That is, the Word of faith, which we preach. That if you [shall] confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth, & shall believe in your heart, that God [has] raised [Jesus Christ] from the dead, you [shall] be saved. For man [believes] with the heart, [which leads] to righteousness. And confession is made with the mouth, [which leads] to Salvation.

For the Scriptures [says, Whoever believes in] Him, shall not be ashamed.  [1 Peter 2:6-8 *[For this reason, it is also contained in the Scripture, [Watch,] I lay a chief corner stone in [Zion,] elect, [a.k.a. chosen,] & precious. And he, [who believes in] Him, shall not be confounded, [a.k.a. embarrassed or ashamed.] *Therefore to you, [who] believe, [Jesus] is precious. But to [those, who are] disobedient, the stone [that] the builders [rejected,] the same [has] [been] made the head of the corner. *And a stone [causing] stumbling, & a Rock [causing] offence, even to [those who] [are] disobedient, & stumble at the Word [of God,] [to which] you were appointed [to share.]

For there is no difference between the Jew & the Greek, [a.k.a. Gentiles.] For the same Lord over all is rich to all [who] call upon Him. For [whoever] shall call upon the Name of the Lord, shall be saved.

Then, how shall they call on HIm, in Whom, they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him, [about] Whom, they haven't heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, [unless,] they [are] sent?

As it is written [in the Scriptures,] How beautiful the feet are of [those who] preach the Gospel of peace, & bring glad tidings, [a.k.a. Good News, about] good things! [Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful are the feet upon the mountains, of him, [who] brings good tidings; that [declares] peace; that brings good [news about] good, & that [proclaims] Salvation, & [who says] to Zion, Your God [rules!]

But they all haven't obeyed the Gospel. For [Isaiah said,] Lord, who has believed our report. [Isaiah 53:1-6 *Who [has] believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For He shall grow up before Him [like] a tender plant, & [like] a root, out of dry ground. He [has] no [pleasant] form, nor [attractiveness.] And when we shall see Him, there is no beauty, that we should desire Him. *He is despised & rejected [by] men. A man of sorrows, & acquainted with grief. And we hid [like] it were, our faces, from Him. He was despised, & we [didn't hold] Him [in high regard.] *Surely, He [has] borne our griefs, & carried our sorrows, [still] we [didn't respect] Him, [suffering, struck,] & afflicted [by] God. *But He was wounded for our [sins,] & He was bruised for our iniquities. The [discipline] for our peace was upon Him. And with His stripes, [a.k.a. whip marks,] we are healed. *All we, like sheep, have gone astray. We have everyone, turned to his own [ways;] & the Lord has laid on Him the [sin] of us all.]

So then, faith [comes through] hearing, & hearing [comes] [through] the Word of God. But I say, Haven't they heard? Yes, [truly] their [voices] went into all the earth, & their Words [went] unto the ends of the world. [Acts 1:6-8 Therefore, when they [came] together, they asked Him, saying, Lord, [will] You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel again? And [Jesus] said to them, It isn't for you to know the times, or the seasons, which the Father [has] put [within] His Own power. But you shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost, [a.k.a. Holy Spirit, comes] upon you. And you shall be [My] witnesses both: in Jerusalem, in all Judaea, [a.k.a. Judea,] & in Samaria, & to the [furthest parts] of the earth.]

But I say, Didn't Israel know? [Previously,] Moses [said,] I will provoke you to jealousy by [those, who] are [not a] people, & I will anger you by a foolish nation. [Romans 11:11 Then, I say, Have they stumbled, [so] that they should fall? [Let it not be so.] But [instead,] through their fall, Salvation [has] come to the Gentiles, to provoke them, [a.k.a. Israelites,] to jealousy.]

But [Isaiah] is very bold, & [said,] I was found [by those, who didn't seek] Me. [Isaiah 65:1 I am sought [by those, who didn't ask] for Me. I Am found [by those, who didn't seek] Me. I said, [See] Me, [See] Me, to a nation that wasn't called by My Name.]

I was made manifest, [a.k.a. apparent,] to [those, who didn't] ask [about] Me. But [God said] to Israel, All day long, I have stretched [out] My hands to a disobedient, & [contrary] people.

Romans 9:1-33 The Adoption of the Children of God isn't by Flesh & Blood

 

The Adoption of the Children of God isn't by Flesh & Blood

Romans 9:1-33       The Epistle [a.k.a. Letter] of Paul to the Romans [in Smaller Chunks]

I say, my conscience bears me witness, [a.k.a. testifies, through] the Holy Ghost, [a.k.a. Holy Spirit,] & I [tell] the truth in Christ & [don't] lie, that I [continually] have [a] [heavy] heart & great sorrow.

I could wish, [a.k.a. desire, on behalf of] my [Israelite] brethren & my [relatives,] according to the flesh, that I [was cursed,] & [away] from Christ. [For they are] whom the adoption [as the children of God,] [pertains, a.k.a. relates] to, [as well as these:] the glory [of the Lord;] the Covenants, [a.k.a. contracts;] the giving of the Law [of Moses;] the service, [a.k.a. worship] of God; & the promises, [which belonged to] the [forefathers.]

[Deuteronomy 10:14-15 [See,] the heaven & the heaven of heavens, & also the earth, with all that [are in it, are] the Lord's, your God. Only the Lord had a delight in your [forefathers] to love them, & even you above all people & [God] chose their seed, [a.k.a. descendants,] after them, as it is this day.]

Christ, Who is over all [was brought forth in] the flesh, [through their descendants,] & [is the] blessed [of] God forever. Amen. [Luke 3:22-24 And the Holy Ghost, [a.k.a. Holy Spirit,] descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon [Jesus] & a voice came from heaven, which said, You [are] My beloved Son. I Am well pleased in You. And Jesus, Himself, began to be about 30 years of age, being (as was [thought]) the son of Joseph; [who] was the son of Heli; [who] was the son of Matthat; [who] was the son of Levi; [who] was the son of Melchi; [who] was the son of Janna; [who] was the son of Joseph.]

Not as though the Word of God, [has been ineffective.] For they aren't all [Israelites, who] are [from] Israel. [John 8:39-40 They answered & said to Him, Abraham is our [forefather.] Jesus [said] to them, If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works, [a.k.a. deeds,] of Abraham. But you now seek to kill Me, a Man, [Who] has told you the Truth, which I have heard [from] God. Abraham didn't [do] this.]

Neither are they all children [of God,] because they are the seed, [descendants,] of Abraham. But [the Scriptures say,] In Isaac, your seed shall be called, [a.k.a. your lineage will be through Isaac.] That is, [Those who] are the children of [sinful] flesh, aren't the children of God. But the children of the promise are [considered] [as] the seed, [a.k.a. descendants of Abraham.]

For this is the Word of promise, At this time, I will come, & Sarah shall have a son. [Genesis 18:14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time, I will return to you, & Sarah shall have a son, according to the time of life, [a.k.a. even at Sarah's age of 90.]

And not only this; but when Rebecca, [a.k.a Rebekah, was pregnant,] even by our [forefather,] Isaac. (For the children, [who hadn't been] born yet, having done neither: any good or evil, [so] that the purpose, [a.k.a. plan,] of God might stand, not [by] works, [a.k.a. deeds,] but [by the Lord God, Who calls,] according to His election, [a.k.a. selection.])

It was said to [Rebekah,] The elder shall serve the younger. [Genesis 25:23-24 And the Lord said to [Rebekah,] Two nations are in your womb, & two [types] of people shall be separated from your bowels. And one people shall be stronger than the other people. And the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were [finished, saw,] & there were twins in her womb.]

As it was written [in the Scriptures,] Jacob I have loved, but Esau, I have hated. Then, what shall we say? Is there unrighteousness [within] God? God forbid. [Deuteronomy 32:3-4 Because I will [proclaim] the Name of the Lord: & you, [attribute] greatness to our God. He Is the Rock, & His work is perfect. For all His ways are judgment, [a.k.a. justice.] A God of Truth, without iniquity & He is, just, [a.k.a. fair or impartial,] & right.]

For [the Lord God said,] to Moses I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. And I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then, it's not [from] him, [who] wills [things,] nor [from] him, [who runs] [the fastest,] but [it's] [from] God, [Who demonstrates] mercy.

For [in] the Scripture [God] [says] to Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose, I have raised you up, [so] that I might [demonstrate] My Power in you, & that My Name might be declared throughout all the earth. [Exodus 9:15-16 For [truly] now, I will stretch out My hand, [so] that I may [strike] you & your people with pestilence. And you [shall] be cut off from the earth. And I have raised you up, for this [reason], for, [a.k.a. in order,] to [demonstrate,] My Power. And that My Name may be declared throughout all the earth.]

Therefore, [the Lord God has] mercy on whom He will have mercy. And whom He [wants,] He [hardens.] [Exodus 8:15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, [a.k.a. a break,] He hardened his heart, & [didn't pay attention] to them, [like] the Lord had said.]

Then, you will say to me, Why [does the Lord God still] find fault? For who [has] resisted His will? [No,] O man, but who [are] you, [who answers] [back] against God? Shall the formed thing say to Him, [Who] formed it, Why [have] You made me [like this?]

[Hasn't] the potter power over the clay, to make one vessel [for] honor [from] the [same] lump, & [make] another to dishonor, [a.k.a. disgrace?] What if willing to [display] His wrath, &  to make His power known, God endured, [a.k.a. put up with,] [the clay] vessels of wrath, [determined for] destruction, with much [patience?]

[2 Peter 3:9-10 The Lord is not slack, [a.k.a. slow, about] His promise, [like] some men [consider slackness;] but is [patient toward] us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. *But the day of the Lord will come [like] a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, & the elements shall melt with fervent heat, & also the earth & the works, [a.k.a. things made,] that are [in there] shall be burned up.]

[So] that [God] might make known the [richness] of His glory, on the vessels of mercy, which He had [previously] prepared [for] glory. [Is it] even [for] us, whom He [has] called, not only [for] the Jews, but also [for] the Gentiles?

As [God said] to [Hosea,] I will call them My people, [who] weren't My people; & [call] her beloved, [who] wasn't beloved. And it shall [happen,] that in the place where it was said to them, You aren't My people, they shall be called, The children of the Living God, there.

[1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, [a] holy nation, & [special] people, [so] that you should [declare] the praises of [the Lord God,] Who [has] called you out of darkness, into His [marvelous] Light, which in [previous times,] weren't a people, but now are the people of God. Who had not obtained, a.k.a. acquired,] mercy, but have now [acquired] mercy.]

[Isaiah] also [cried] [out,] [about] Israel, [Although] the number of the children of Israel [are like] the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved. [Isaiah 10:22 For [although] your people, Israel, [are like] the sand of the sea, [still] a remnant of them shall return. The decreed consumption, [a.k.a. destruction,] shall overflow with righteousness.]

For [God] will finish the work, & cut it short, [through] righteousness, because the Lord will make short work upon the earth. And [like Isaiah previously said, Unless] the Lord of [Sabbath,] had left us a seed, [a.k.a. descendants,] we had been [like Sodom,] & been made [similar] to [Gomorrah.] [Isaiah 1:9 [Unless] the Lord of Hosts had left a very small remnant to us, we [would] have been [like] [Sodom,] & been like Gomorrah.]

Then, what shall we say? That the Gentiles, [who didn't follow] after righteousness, have attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is [from] faith. But Israel, [who] followed, [according to] the Law of righteousness, [hasn't] attained the righteousness of the Law. [Galatians 5:4 Christ [has] become [ineffective] to you, [whichever] of you are justified by the Law; you [have] fallen from grace.]

[Why?] Because they [didn't search] [for] it through faith, but [like] it were by the works, [a.k.a. deeds,] of the Law. For they stumbled [on] that stumbling-stone. [1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ, [Who was] crucified, [which is] a stumbling-block [to] the Jews, & foolishness to the Greeks, [a.k.a. Gentiles.]

As it is written [in the Scriptures,] I lay in [Zion,] a stumbling-stone & a rock of offence. And [whoever believes in Jesus Christ,] shall not be ashamed. [1 Peter 2:6-8 *[For this reason, it is also contained in the Scripture, [Watch,] I lay a chief corner stone in [Zion,] elect, [a.k.a. chosen,] & precious. And he, [who believes in] Him, shall not be confounded, [a.k.a. embarrassed or ashamed.] *Therefore to you, [who] believe, [Jesus] is precious. But to [those, who are] disobedient, the stone [that] the builders [rejected,] the same [has] [been] made the head of the corner. *And a stone [causing] stumbling, & a Rock [causing] offence, even to [those who] [are] disobedient, & stumble at the Word [of God,] [to which] you were appointed [to share.]

Romans 8:1-39 Following the Spirit of Sin Leads to Death, but the Holy Spirit Leads to Eternal Life

 

Following the Spirit of Sin Leads to Death, but the Holy Spirit Leads to Eternal Life

Romans 8:1-39       The Epistle [a.k.a. Letter] of Paul to the Romans [in Smaller Chunks]

Therefore, there is no condemnation now to [those, who] are [united] in Jesus Christ, & who [don't] walk, [a.k.a. follow,] after the [sinful desires of the] flesh, but [follow] after the Spirit.

For the Law of the [Holy] Spirit, [about] the Life [for those who believe] in Christ Jesus, [has] made me free from the law of sin & death. For what the Law couldn't do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God [sent] His Own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and [because of] sin, condemned sin in the flesh. [Galatians 3:13 Christ [has] redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone, [who hangs] on a tree.]

[So,] that the [Law's] righteousness might be fulfilled [within] us, who [don't follow] after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For, [those, who] [follow] after the [sinful] flesh, do [pay attention to] the things of the flesh, but [those, who] [follow] after the Spirit, [pay attention to] the things of the Spirit.

For to be carnally minded, [a.k.a. focused on worldly desires,] is [what leads to] death; but to be spiritually minded, is [what leads to Eternal] Life & peace. Because the [worldly,] carnal mind [causes hostility] against God: for it isn't [under] the Law of God, & indeed, neither can [it] be.

So, are [those] then, [who] [follow] in the [sinful] flesh, can't please God. But you aren't [following] in the [sinful] flesh, but [follow] in the Spirit. It [that's] so, the Spirit of God [dwells within] you.

Now, if any man [doesn't] have the Spirit of Christ [within him,] he [isn't] [one of] [Christ's] [followers.] And if Christ [is within] you, the body [shall die,] because of sin; but because of [the] righteousness [of Jesus Christ, those in] the Spirit [shall have Eternal] Life.

But if the Spirit of [God, Who] raised up Jesus from the dead, [dwells within] you, [God, Who] raised up Christ from the dead, shall also [give renewed life to] your mortal, [a.k.a. perishible,] bodies [through] His Spirit, that [dwells within] you.

Therefore brethren, we are [indebted,] [but] not to the flesh, to live [according] [to] the [desires of sinful] flesh. For if you live [according] to the [desires of sinful] flesh, you shall die. But if you [live] through the Spirit, [you] mortify, [a.k.a. put to death,] the [sinful] deeds of the body, & you shall live.

For [like] many are led by the Spirit of God, they are, the sons of God, a.k.a. children of God.] [Philippians 2:13-15 For it is God, [Who works within] you, both to do His will, & good pleasure. Do all things without [grumbling & disputes, so] that you may be blameless, & [without] [causing] [harm,] the sons of God, [beyond reproach,] in the midst of a crooked & [wicked] nation, among whom you shine [like] lights in the world.]

For you haven't received the spirit of bondage, [a.k.a. slavery] to [sin ] again, to [live in] fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, [by which] we cry [out] Abba, Father. The Spirit, Itself, bears witness, [a.k.a. testifies,] with our spirit, that [through faith in  Jesus Christ,] we are the children of God.

[Ephesians 1:12-13 That we, who 1st trusted in Christ, should be [for] the praise of His glory. In Whom, you also trusted, after you heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel, [about] your Salvation. In Whom, after you believed, you were also sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.]

And if, [we who believe in Christ are] children [of God,] then [we also are] heirs of God, & joint-heirs with Christ; if [this is] so, that we suffer with Him, [so] that we also may be glorified together. [Philippians 1:29 For it is given unto you [on] behalf of Christ, not only to believe [in] Him, but to also suffer for His sake.]

For I [don't] [consider] that the sufferings of this time [now,] are worthy to be compared with the glory [that] shall be revealed [to] us. [1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, [in that, since] you are [participants] of Christ's sufferings; that, when [Christ's] glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad, with exceeding joy.]

For the [sincere] expectation, [a.k.a. hope,] of [God's] [creatures, a.k.a. mankind, waits] for the [appearance] of [God's children.] [Revelation 21:3-7 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, [Look,] the tabernacle of God is with men. And He will dwell with them, & they shall be His people. And God, Himself, shall be with them, & be their God. *And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes. And there shall no [longer] be death, neither sorrow, nor crying. Neither shall there be anymore pain: for the [previous] things [have] passed away. And He, [Who] sat upon the throne said, [Look,] I make all things new. And He said to me, Write: for these Words are True & faithful. And He said to me, It is done. I Am [the] Alpha & Omega, the Beginning & the End. I will freely give to him, [who] is [thirsty, from] the Fountain of the Water of Life. He, [who overcomes,] shall inherit all things. And I will be his God, & he shall be My son, [a.k.a. [child.]

For [God's human] creature was not willingly made subject to [sinful] vanity, but [because] of [the Lord God,] Who [created] [them all] with the same hope [of Eternal Life in heaven.]

Because the creature, itself, shall also be delivered from the bondage, [a.k.a. slavery,] [to the sinful desires that lead to death &] corruption, [a.k.a. decay,] & [instead proceed] into the  glorious liberty, [a.k.a. freedom, for] the children of God.

For we know that [God's] whole creation groans & [travails, a.k.a. works hard,] until now, together in pain. Not only [them,] but also ourselves, [who] have the firstfruits of the Spirit, [a.k.a. early converts who received the Holy Spirit,] & even we groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [that is,] the redemption of our body. [Luke 21:27-28 And then, they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud, with power & great glory. And when these things begin to [happen,] then look up, & lift up your heads. For your redemption [draws near.]

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is [easily] seen, isn't hope. For why [does] a man [still] hope for what he [sees?] But if we hope for [what] we [don't] see, then we do [so] & wait for it with patience.

[The same way] the Spirit also [helps] our infirmities, [a.k.a. weaknesses.] For we [don't] know what we should pray for [like] we [should.] But the Spirit, Itself, makes intercession, [a.k.a. advocates,] for us, with groanings, [a.k.a. complaints,] that can't be uttered.

And [the Lord God, Who] searches the hearts, [knows] what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession [on behalf of] the saints, [a.k.a. those who believe in The Lord God,] according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for the good [of those who] love God, & to [those] who are called according to [God's] purpose. For Whom, [the Lord God knew beforehand, a.k.a. before the earth's creation,] He also [predestined, a.k.a. predetermined,] to be conformed to the image of His Son, [Jesus Christ,] [so] that [Christ] might be the firstborn among many brethren.

[Also,] [those] whom [believe in Jesus Christ,] [the Lord God predetermined,] He also called them. And whom [the Lord God] called, He also justified them. And whom [the Lord God] justified, He also glorified them.

Then, what shall we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who can be against us? [God the Father didn't] spare His Own Son, but delivered Him up, for all [of] us. How shall [God the Father, & also with Jesus Christ,] not freely give us all things? [Romans 5:10-11 For when we were enemies, if we were reconciled, [a.k.a. reunited, with] God [through] the death of His Son, [but] being reconciled [with God,] we shall be saved much more [through Jesus'] Life. And not only [this,] but we also have joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom, we have now received the atonement.]

Who shall [accuse] any of God's elect, [a.k.a. chosen?] It's God, [Who justifies.] [Acts 13:38-39 Therefore, [let] it be known to you, men & brethren, that through this Man, the forgiveness of sins is preached to you. And all, [who] believe, are justified [through Jesus Christ,] from all things, [that] couldn't [justify] you, by the Law of Moses.]

Who is He, [Who] condemns? It is Christ, [Who] died & is risen again, Who is even [sitting] at the right hand [side] of God. [Revelation 3:2 I will grant to him, [who overcomes,] to sit with me [on] My throne, even [like] I also overcame, and Am [sitting] down with My Father [on] His throne.]

Who also [makes] intercession, [a.k.a. pleads our case] for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, [a.k.a. troubles;] distress; persecution; famine; nakedness, [a.k.a. lack of adequate clothing;] peril, [a.k.a danger;] or [the] sword?

As it is written [in the Scriptures,] We are killed all day long for Your sake. We are [considered like] sheep for the slaughter. [Not so.] In all these things we are more than [just] conquerors, through [Jesus Christ, Who] loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death; nor life; nor angels; nor principalities; nor powers; nor things present, [a.k.a. now;] nor things to come; nor height; nor depth; nor any other creature, [a.k.a. being;] shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is [through] Jesus Christ our Lord. [Ephesians 6:12 For we [don't] wrestle against flesh & blood, but [we wrestle] against principalities; against powers; against the rulers of darkness of this work; & against spiritual wickedness in high places.]