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Rom. 1:1 Paul, a bondslave of Christ Jesus, called [to the spiritual office of] an apostle, having been appointed [divine summons] because of the good news from God,

 

Rom. 1:2 Which He Himself [God the Father] had previously promised [salvation in the OT was also through faith in Jesus Christ] through His prophets in the Holy Writings,

 

Rom. 1:3 Concerning His Son [deity of Christ] Who was born out from the seed of David [physical descent] according to the flesh [humanity of Christ], 

 

Rom. 1:4 Who was marked out by divine decree the Son of God [the declaration of His deity in time was planned in eternity past], by means of miraculous power [omnipotence], according to the spirit of holiness [divine essence], by means of resurrection from deaths [first spiritually, then physically], 

 

Rom. 1:5 Through Whom we have received grace and apostleship [the apparatus and means of instruction] for the purpose of obedience to doctrine [occupation with Christ through His Word] among all nations [not just Israel], for the sake of His Name,  

 

Rom. 1:6 Among whom you [Romans] also are called [elected by the Father] to Jesus Christ.   

 

Rom. 1:7 To all those who are in Rome, beloved by God, called saints: Grace and prosperity from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.   

 

Rom. 1:8 First of all, I am continually thanking my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith [positive volition towards the Word of God] is being constantly proclaimed with commendation and celebration [their spiritual progress is widely known] throughout the entire world.   

 

Rom. 1:9 For God is my witness [at the Supreme Court in heaven], Whom I continually serve with my spirit [new nature] by means of the gospel of His Son [Paul served by studying and teaching doctrine], how without ceasing, I am continually making mention of you always in my prayers,   

 

Rom. 1:10 When offering a petition, that if somehow at last [Paul was looking forward to this visit], I might have a successful journey by the will of God [as opposed to Paul’s will] to come unto you.   

 

Rom. 1:11 For I am longing to see you, in order that I may impart to you some spiritual [communication] gift, so that you might begin to be stabilized [strengthened by doctrine],   

 

Rom. 1:12 For this [communication gift] must be added, so that I may receive encouragement together with you [Paul is encouraged when a congregation is growing in grace and knowledge] through doctrine [communication of Bible doctrine is the glue that holds them together] in each other [mutual benefit], both yours [doctrine in their souls] and mine [doctrine in Paul’s soul].   

 

Rom. 1:13 Moreover, I do not wish you to be ignorant [they need to progress from the basics to advanced doctrine], beloved, since frequently I myself intended [planned] to come face-to-face to you, but was forbidden until now, that I also might begin to bear some fruit [divine production] among you [Romans], (just as among the rest of the Gentiles).   

 

Rom. 1:14 I am under obligation [sense of honor toward God, duty toward man] to the Greeks [civilized] and to the barbarians [uncivilized], both to the wise [maturing believers] and the unwise [reversionistic believers],   

 

Rom. 1:15 But in this situation [waiting for God’s permission], on my part [personal preference], I am eager to proclaim the good news [teach Bible doctrine] even to you who are in Rome.   

 

Rom. 1:16 For I myself am not ashamed [not wimpy or cowardly] of the good news [Bible doctrine in general], for it [Bible doctrine] is the power [sanctifying daily process] of God with reference to salvation [experiential sanctification] to each person who continues to believe [living the life of faith], to the Jew first [in priority], and then to the Greek;

 

Rom. 1:17 For by this [daily believing in Bible doctrine], the righteousness of God is revealed [presented in Scriptures, but revealed when a believer lives it] from faith [justification] to faith [glorification], just as it stands written [in Habakkuk 2:4]: But, the righteous one [mature believer] shall continually live [experiential walk] by means of faith [sanctification].

 

Rom. 1:18 For the just anger [divine wrath] of God is being revealed from heaven against all categories of heathenism [ungodliness] and unrighteousness of mankind, of those who make it a habit to reject the Truth [Gospel] for unrighteousness,

 

Rom. 1:19 Because what is known about God [that He is the Creator] is manifest inside of them [in their consciences], for God has revealed Himself [by faith, rationalism and empiricism] to them [the entire human race],

 

Rom. 1:20 For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes [the divine essence of God] have been and are still being clearly seen [general revelation], perceived [comprehended by the intellect] through the things created, namely, both His eternal omnipotence [divine creative power] and divinity [divine nature and personality], so that they [the entire human race] are without excuse [no defense against the justice of God].

 

Rom. 1:21 Because when they knew God [by observing His creation], they did not honor Him as God [worship Him as Creator], nor did they feel obligated to thank Him [ungrateful for His blessings]; in fact, they became vain [empty] in their rationalizations [ridiculous notions] and their ignorant minds [having rejected divine truth] received darkness [blackout of the soul].

 

Rom. 1:22 Although they claimed to be wise [false profession], they became fools [deluded morons].

 

Rom. 1:23 In fact, they exchanged [decision made from arrogance] the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the likeness of corruptible man [self-worship] and birds and quadrupeds and reptiles [especially snakes].

 

Rom. 1:24 Therefore, God turned them over [gave them up to their own preferences] to the lusts [degenerate cravings] of their hearts to immorality of which [type or category] their bodies might be disgraced [degraded] among themselves [they dishonored one another through perverted sex].

 

Rom. 1:25 Who were of such a character [apostate heathens] that they exchanged the Truth of God for a lie, and worshipped [inward reverence] and served [outward rituals] the creation [radical environmentalists] rather than the Creator, Who will be praised unto the ages [forever]. Acknowledge it.

 

Rom. 1:26 Because of this [heathenistic worship of the creation], God turned them over to disgraceful passion [sexual immorality and perversion], for not only have their females exchanged their natural sexual function [heterosexuality] for something contrary to their natural disposition [lesbianism],

 

Rom. 1:27 But also in the same [sexually perverted] manner, even the males after they have abandoned [an act of deliberate volition, not something they were born with] their natural [instinctive] sexual function for females [heterosexuality], burned with sexual desire in their lust one for another, males with males [homosexuals], carrying the shameless deed to its ultimate conclusion in themselves [homosexuality leads to blackout of the soul] and receiving in return the penalty [payback, retribution, sexually transmitted diseases] which was fitting to the circumstances [inevitable, ordained by divine law], due to their wandering [being led astray] among themselves.

 

Rom. 1:28 Even after examining and putting God to the test [they listened to the Truth, thought about its implications, but rejected it anyway], for the purpose of retaining Him in full practical knowledge [epignosis: a thorough investigation], God turned them over to a reprobate mind [gnosis: nothing of true value was retained], so that they might continue to practice those things [sexual perversions] which are not fitting and proper [contrary to God’s will and creative intention].

 

Rom. 1:29 Being filled to the point of overflowing [satiated] with every category of unrighteousness: depravity [wickedness], inordinate desire [greed], the function of evil [inflicting misery on others], full of jealousy [envy], full of murder [homicidal], full of strife [quarrelsome], full of deceit [treachery], full of spite [malicious], gossips [talking behind people’s backs],

 

Rom. 1:30 Slanderers [defamation of character], God-haters, arrogant [treats others with contempt], proud [haughty], braggarts [boasters], evil schemers [fabricators], disobedient to parents [authority arrogance],

 

Rom. 1:31 Foolish [senseless, ignorant], contract-breakers [no honor, integrity, or sense of responsibility], devoid of the instincts of love [no sense of justice], merciless [unforgiving and implacable],

 

Rom. 1:32 Such are those who, though fully knowing [total cognizance] the legal requirement of the justice of God, (that those who continually practice such things [categories of evil] are deserving of death), not only are they continually doing these same things [function of evil], but they also give hearty approval to those [degenerates] who continually practice them [public opinion is utterly worthless].

 

Rom. 2:1 Therefore, you [self-righteous unbeliever who claims he hasn’t done any of the terrible things listed] are without excuse [no defense before the Supreme Court of heaven], O man, every one of you when you judge [judging others draws attention to yourself], because whenever you pass judgment upon another of a different kind [one of the obvious sinners from the previous verses], you are actually condemning yourself, because you who keep judging practice the same things.

 

Rom. 2:2 But we [mature believers] have come to know beyond any shadow of a doubt [optimistically] that the judicial verdict from God according to the Truth [Bible doctrine] is against those who practice similar things [self-righteous arrogant people also commit mental, verbal and overt sins].

 

Rom. 2:3 And do you presume [calculate] this, O man, who condemns those who practice similar things [different category, still sin] when you also [behaving like self-righteous hypocrites] commit the same category of things [hiding behind a façade of legalism], that you will escape the judicial verdict from God?

 

Rom. 2:4 Or do you continue to treat with contempt [despise] the wealth of His kindness [based on His integrity] and forbearance [clemency] and longsuffering [restraint], being ignorant of the fact that the benevolence of God is trying to lead you to repentance [change your mind about living a life of sin]?

 

Rom. 2:5 But according to your stubborn and unrepentant heart [hardening of the spiritual arteries due to scar tissue of the soul], you are storing up [accumulating] wrath for yourself on the day of wrath [Great White Throne judgment], even revelation [disclosure] of the righteous judgment from God [shock of the unbeliever when he sees his human righteousness discarded from the proceedings],

 

Rom. 2:6 Who will render judgment [reimburse] to each person [believer and unbeliever] according to his works [rewards and torment are levied by degrees].

 

Rom. 2:7 On the one hand, to those [believers with positive volition towards Bible doctrine] who on the basis of spiritual fortitude [perseverance] characterized by good of intrinsic value production [meets divine standards] are continually striving for glory [sharing His attributes] and honor [obtaining rewards] and incorruptibility [resurrection body]: a spiritually rich life;

 

Rom. 2:8 On the other hand, to those [extremely sinful unbelievers] who out of contentiousness [virulent antagonism] are both disobedient to the truth [reject the gospel] and are constantly being misled by unrighteousness [slaves to Satan’s cosmic system]: anger [divine judgment in time] and indignation [divine judgment in eternity].

 

Rom. 2:9 There is personal stress [pressure and anguish from the inside] and historical trouble [difficulties and calamities from the outside] for every soul of mankind [primarily unbelievers] who continues to produce evil [rotten fruit from Satan’s cosmic system], first to the Jew [race is not an issue] and then the Greek [culture is not an issue].

 

Rom. 2:10 But there is glory and honor and prosperity for each one [positive believers] who continues to produce good [according to divine norms and standards], first to the Jew and then to the Greek.

 

Rom. 2:11 For there is no partiality [preferential treatment] with God [He never makes exceptions for anyone].

 

Rom. 2:12 For as many as sin without the law [Gentiles], shall also perish without the law; and as many as sin under the law [Jews only], shall be judged by the law.

 

Rom. 2:13 For those hearers of the law [students who never apply what they learn] are not just before God; however, those doers of the law [who continually apply what they learn] will be declared righteous.

 

Rom. 2:14 For every time that Gentiles, who do not have the law, instinctively practice doing those things characterized by the law, those ones not having the law, are a law unto themselves,

 

Rom. 2:15 The very ones [Gentiles] who continually demonstrate that the accomplishment characterized by the law is written upon their hearts [mentality], their conscience [norms & standards] bearing witness to the testimony [confirming the law without having the law]; in fact, their thoughts [reasonings] alternately accuse [prosecute] and excuse [defend] one another,

 

Rom. 2:16 In the day [Great White Throne judgment] when God will judge the secret thoughts [hidden plans] of men according to my gospel [as opposed to the false teachings which were rampant in Rome] through Jesus Christ.

 

Rom. 2:17 Now assume you classify yourself as a Jew [an illusory superiority], and your peace rests [blind, mechanical reliance] in the law [distorted into salvation by works], but you make it a practice to boast in God [brag about your assumed relationship to Him because of the law],

 

Rom. 2:18 And you have an intimate knowledge of His will [misplaced confidence], and you have examined and approved the teachings that are superior [the self-righteous, arrogant person thinks his brand of legalism is equivalent to the holiness of God], since you have been instructed [sarcastic statement] by the law [in the synagogue],

 

Rom. 2:19 And have convinced yourself [to the point of inflexibility] that you are a guide of the blind [actually the blind leading the blind], a light to those in darkness [though you yourself are walking in darkness],

 

Rom. 2:20 A corrector [disciplinarian, trainer] of the foolish [immature], a teacher of novices, having a superficial framework [outline] of the knowledge [rudimentary principles] and the truth [doctrine] in the law.

 

Rom. 2:21 According to these assumptions, when you are continually teaching another, are you not teaching yourself [Do you practice what you preach]? When you continually preach in a loud voice against stealing, do you steal?

 

Rom. 2:22 While you [the self-righteous, legalistic Jew] are speaking against adultery, are you committing adultery? While you are expressing disgust at idolatry, are you robbing temples [stealing from heathen banks & treasuries]?

 

Rom. 2:23 You [Judaizers] who are constantly boasting in the law [promoting themselves], do you dishonor God by breaking [violating] the law?

 

Rom. 2:24 Consequently, because of you [Jewish hypocrisy], the reputation of God is being blasphemed among the Gentiles, just as it stands written [in Isaiah 52:5].

 

Rom. 2:25 So, on the one hand, circumcision is beneficial if you accomplish [keep] the law [hypothetical impossibility]; but on the other hand, if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision [without spiritual circumcision, physical circumcision is useless].

 

Rom. 2:26 Therefore, if the uncircumcision [Gentile] continues to observe [keep] the righteous requirements of the law, shall his uncircumcision [physical] not be counted as circumcision [spiritual]?

 

Rom. 2:27 Furthermore, shall the uncircumcision [Gentiles], by instinctively keeping the law, judge you [Jews], a transgressor of the law, with the advantage of the letter [books of Moses] and the circumcision?

 

Rom. 2:28 Consequently, a person is not a Jew outwardly [receiving the surgical procedure does not make you a proselyte Jew], neither is the circumcision [spiritual] outwardly in the flesh [not due to a surgical procedure]. 

 

Rom. 2:29 Instead, a person is a Jew inwardly [by instinctively keeping the law]; furthermore, circumcision [spiritual] is in the frontal lobe of the soul, in the spirit [as opposed to flesh], not by the letter [books of Moses], whose recognition is not from men, but out from God. 

 

Rom. 3:1 What, therefore, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what profit is circumcision?  

 

Rom. 3:2 Much, in every way! Most important, to be sure, is that they [Israel] were entrusted with the oracles [Old Testament canon] of God.  

 

Rom. 3:3 For what if some people will not believe [reject the gospel]? Will not their unbelief cancel [nullify] the faithfulness of God?  

 

Rom. 3:4 May it never happen! Rather, let God continue to be proved true [reliable], though every man is a liar [basically dishonest], just as it stands written: So that You might be demonstrated righteous by Your doctrines and so You will prevail [win the lawsuit] when You are being judged by it [the law & promises].  

 

Rom. 3:5 But if our unrighteousness [wrongdoing] promotes the righteousness [divine integrity] of God, what shall we say [to what conclusion are we forced]? Is the God Who inflicts judgment unrighteous? I am speaking as [according to the standards of] a man [debater’s technique: as a self-righteous straw man].  

 

Rom. 3:6 May it never happen [God forbid]! Otherwise, how shall God judge the world?  

 

Rom. 3:7 For if the Truth of God has greatly abounded [become more prominent] unto His glory by means of my lying, why am I in particular still being judged as a sinner?   

 

Rom. 3:8 In fact, not true, as we have been slandered and as some [self-righteous, arrogant legalists] continually insist that we are saying: Let us do evil things, so that good things may come [accused Paul of teaching “the ends justify the means”]. Their condemnation is deserved.  

 

Rom. 3:9 What then? Are we better [superior]? Not by any means! For we have already proved all Jews and Greeks to be under sin [both have sin natures and are spiritually dead],  

 

Rom. 3:10 Just as it stands written [in Psalm 14:3]: There is none righteous, not even one.  

 

Rom. 3:11 There is none [unbelievers] who understands [comprehends the essence of Bible doctrine]; there is not one who seeks after the God [unbelievers have no spiritual momentum in the right direction].  

 

Rom. 3:12 Everyone [unbelievers] has turned aside [avoided the truth]. At the same time, they have become depraved. There is none [unbelievers] who attains integrity [according to divine standards], not even one.  

 

Rom. 3:13 Their [unbelievers] vocal chords [words] are a tomb which has been opened [verbal sins]. They repeatedly practice deceit with their tongues [maligning, slandering]. The venom of cobras [deadly verbal toxin] is upon their lips,  

 

Rom. 3:14 Whose mouth is full of cursing [hatred and revenge motivation] and bitter words [verbal animosity and harshness].   

 

Rom. 3:15 Their feet are swift to shed blood [commit murder].   

 

Rom. 3:16 Historical disaster [ruin] and personal suffering [misery & distress] are in their paths [their journey in life].   

 

Rom. 3:17 In fact, they have not understood the way of prosperity [peace, intimate relationship with God].   

 

Rom. 3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.    

 

Rom. 3:19 Now we understand that what the [Mosaic] law says, it communicates to those under the jurisdiction of the law [Jews], so that every mouth [including Gentile legalists] might be stopped, and all the world might become accountable to God.    

 

Rom. 3:20 Therefore, by the works [deeds] of the law, no flesh [person] shall be justified at His presence [at the Great White Throne], for the full knowledge of sin is through the law.    

 

Rom. 3:21 Now, as a matter of fact [real, not hypothetical], the righteousness of God [justification as the free gift of eternal life] apart from the law has been revealed, having been witnessed by the law and the prophets [OT canon],     

 

Rom. 3:22 That is, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ [Who voluntarily submitted to the humiliation of the cross] to all those who believe (for there is no distinction [between Jew and Gentile],      

 

Rom. 3:23 Because everyone has sinned and continues to come short of [fails to pass the divine standards of] the glory of God),      

 

Rom. 3:24 Being justified [judicial, forensic] without payment [received as a gift] by His grace through redemption [bought from the slave market of sin by paying a ransom], the one in Christ Jesus [the only qualified kinsmen-redeemer],       

 

Rom. 3:25 Whom God [the Father] appointed by His blood [representative analogy for Christ’s spiritual death on the cross] a mercy seat [a gift to procure expiation or propitiation] through faith [reconciliation for those who believe: the elect, His sheep], for a demonstration of His righteousness [God the Father demanded the atonement and then provided it] for the remission of sins [imputation of our sins to Jesus Christ] which were committed in former times [before the cross of Christ] under His clemency [delay of judgment],        

 

Rom. 3:26 For the demonstration of His righteousness at this present time [during the Church Age], so that He might be just [displaying perfect integrity] even when He justifies someone [emphasis on the sovereignty of God in justification] by means of the faithfulness of Jesus [emphasis on Christ’s voluntary acceptance of the cross].        

 

Rom. 3:27 Consequently, where is boasting [self-righteousness]? It has been eliminated. By what kind of principle? Of works? No, rather by the principle of faith.        

 

Rom. 3:28 Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from [without the assistance of] the works of the law.        

 

Rom. 3:29 Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, even of the Gentiles.        

 

Rom. 3:30 Since it is one and the same God, Who shall justify the circumcision [Jews] by faith [source] and the uncircumcision [Gentiles] through this same faith [intermediary instrument],        

 

Rom. 3:31 Do we then make the law invalid [nullified] through faith? On the contrary! Rather, we confirm the law [it fulfills its intended purpose: to make sin exceedingly sinful].        

 

Rom. 4:1 Therefore, to what conclusion are we forced? That Abraham, our forefather, obtained [justification] on the basis of the flesh [by human means only]?

 

Rom. 4:2 For if [assume it’s true] Abraham had been justified by means of works [although works have never entered into the principle of salvation in any dispensation], then he would have reason to boast [before men], but not before God [God is not impressed with human works, human personality or human good].

 

.Rom. 4:3 For what does the Scripture [Genesis 15:6] say? Abraham believed God and it was credited to him [put on his ledger account] because of [the imputation of Christ’s] righteousness.

 

Rom. 4:4 Now to the one who works [for justification]: a reward not credited according to grace [God’s gift], but according to debt [obligation].

 

Rom. 4:5 But, to the one who does not continually work [relinquishes all human effort in obtaining justification-salvation], but who believes [an instantaneous activity] on Him [Jesus Christ] Who justifies the ungodly: his faith is credited because of [the imputation of Christ’s] righteousness.

 

Rom. 4:6 As it were [for example], even David [in Psalm 32] confirmed the divine blessing [happiness] upon the man to whom God credited [imputed] righteousness apart from works:

 

Rom. 4:7 Happinesses [divine favor] to those [all believers] whose iniquities have been forgiven [imputation of the sins of the elect to Jesus Christ on the cross] and to those whose sins have been covered [reference to the blood covering the mercy seat].

 

Rom. 4:8 Happiness [divine favor] to the man to whom the Lord will never, ever reckon sin [the sins of the believing sinner were imputed to Jesus Christ on the cross].

 

Rom. 4:9 Therefore, is this happiness [divine favor] for the circumcision and the uncircumcision as well? For we quote: Faith was credited to Abraham because of [the imputation of Christ’s] righteousness.

 

Rom. 4:10 How then was it [God’s righteousness] credited? When he was in the status of circumcision [Jewish status] or in the status of uncircumcision [Gentile status]? Not in the status of circumcision [he was 99 years old when he was circumcised], but rather in the status of uncircumcision [he believed God and was justified when he was 75 years old].

 

Rom. 4:11 In fact, he received the physical sign [distinguishing ritual mark] of circumcision, a confirming seal of righteousness by faith, while in uncircumcision [Gentile status], so that this same one [Abraham] might be the pattern [father] of all those who believe while in the status of uncircumcision [Gentiles], so that righteousness is imputed to them [Gentiles] as well,

 

Rom. 4:12 And the pattern [father] of circumcision [spiritual: by faith] not only to those from circumcision [physical: by race], but also to those advancing in rank [following his footsteps] according to faith, like our ancestor Abraham in the state of uncircumcision [while in Gentile status].

 

Rom. 4:13 For the promise to Abraham concerning his seed [Jewish believers only], to be heir of the world [blessings from the Abrahamic covenant], was not through the law [Abraham lived 430 years before the law was given], but through the [imputed] righteousness of faith [unconditional covenant].

 

Rom. 4:14 For if they [Abraham’s seed] are heirs through the law, that faith has been voided with the result that it is permanently invalidated [justification by faith is destroyed] and that promise [unconditional elements of the Abrahamic covenant] is cancelled.

 

Rom. 4:15 For the law brings about wrath [divine punishment]; but where there is no law [among Gentiles], there is no distortion of the law [transformation of law into a system of self-righteousness].

 

Rom. 4:16 For this reason, it [the promise] is out of faith [as opposed to the law], so that it [the promise] is according to grace [as opposed to works], so that in the end the promise might be secure [permanent & reliable] to all [both Jew & Gentile] the seed, not only to those from the law [Jews], but also to those [Gentiles] from the faith of Abraham, who is the pattern [father] of us all,

 

Rom. 4:17 Just as it stands written [in Genesis 17:5]: “I have appointed you a father of many nations,” (in the midst of which [nations] he [Abraham] came to believe the God Who brings life [regenerated sexual apparatus] to the dead ones [dead phallus of Abraham and dead womb of Sarah], and Who designated [called] the things [sexual apparatus] which did not exist [inability to function properly] as though they existed [their sexual capabilities came back to life again during old age]),

 

Rom. 4:18 Who [Abraham] beyond hope [unable to impregnate Sarah], believed in hope [trust in God’s promise], in order that he might become father [the pattern] of many nations, according to that which was spoken [in Genesis 15:5]: “So shall your sperm [offspring] exist.”

 

Rom. 4:19 And so without becoming weak [fainthearted] in faith, he considered his own body [sexual apparatus] which was already as good as dead [unable to properly function], (now that he was approximately a hundred years old), and also the deadness of Sarah’s womb [unable to bear children].

 

Rom. 4:20 Moreover, he [Abraham] did not doubt the promise of God through unbelief, but became strong through faith, giving glory to God,

 

Rom. 4:21 While being fully convinced that what He [God] had promised, He was also able [and willing] to accomplish.

 

Rom. 4:22 For this reason, therefore, it [faith] was credited to him [Abraham] because of [the imputation of Christ’s] righteousness.

 

Rom. 4:23 Now it was not written [by Moses] for him [Abraham] only: “It was imputed to him,”

 

Rom. 4:24 But also for us [believers only], to whom it was destined [by divine decree] to be imputed when we believe on Him [God the Father] Who raised up Jesus [humanity of Christ] our Lord [deity of Christ] from deaths [Jesus died twice: first spiritually, then physically],

 

Rom. 4:25 Who was delivered over to judgment because of our transgressions [justification was accomplished by His death on the cross] and was raised because of our justification [salvation was accomplished by His resurrection life].

 

Rom. 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith [positional truth], may we [let us] keep on having spiritual prosperity [experiential truth] face-to-face with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

Rom. 5:2 Through Whom we should also continue to obtain access [approach] by faith into this grace in which we stand [we should be attempting to bring our experiential state up to our positional standing], and so let us boast [espirit de corps] in the confidence of the glory of God [His purposes will stand].

 

Rom. 5:3 And not only this [boasting in the confidence of the glory of God], but also let us boast in pressures [espirit de corps during adversity], knowing that pressure [adversity testing] may bring about fortitude [spiritual self-esteem],

 

Rom. 5:4 And fortitude [spiritual self-esteem] may bring about character [spiritual autonomy], and character may bring about confidence [spiritual maturity],

 

Rom. 5:5 And the confidence [spiritual maturity] never disappoints [is not illusory] as long as the love [mental process] for God is continually being poured out [consistent daily fellowship] in our hearts [mentality of the soul] by means of the Holy Spirit [Who converts application of doctrine to wisdom] Who was given to us.

 

Rom. 5:6 Yet [even though I’m now emphasizing spiritual growth], in fact, while we were spiritually disabled [depraved & spiritually impotent], Christ still died at the appointed time as a substitute for the ungodly [He died for us even if we never grow spiritually].

 

Rom. 5:7 For only rarely will a person die [perhaps on impulse] on behalf of a righteous man [scrupulously just]; indeed, perhaps someone might even have the courage to die on behalf of a good man [beneficent & kind],

 

Rom. 5:8 But God demonstrated His own love [distinguishing & redemptive] toward us [the elect], in that while we were yet sinners [rebels], Christ died as a substitute for us [His sheep].

 

Rom. 5:9 Much more [it follows a fortiori], therefore, being now justified [forensic] by means of His blood [representative analogy for the spiritual death of Christ on the cross], we shall be saved from the wrath [last judgment & the Lake of Fire] through Him.

 

Rom. 5:10 For if while we were enemies [sinners estranged from God], we were reconciled to God by means of the death of His Son, much more [a fortiori], having been reconciled [now saints], we shall be saved [ultimate sanctification] by His life [resurrection].

 

Rom. 5:11 And not only this [being reconciled by His death and saved by His life], but we are also constantly boasting [espirit de corps] in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received the reconciliation [as a gift from God].

 

Rom. 5:12 For this reason, just as the [original] sin [of Adam] entered into the world [invaded humanity] through one man [1st Adam], and so the [spiritual] death by means of the sin nature, indeed, in this manner, the [spiritual] death spread to all mankind, because all have sinned [by genetic propagation] against Him,

 

Rom. 5:13 For until the law was given, [personal] sin was in the world, but [personal] sin was not imputed while there was no law.

 

Rom. 5:14 Nevertheless, the [spiritual] death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of Adam’s transgression [federal headship is the issue, not personal sin], who was a type of the One [Jesus Christ] Who was to come [at the 1st advent].

 

Rom. 5:15 Not like the [Adam’s original] transgression is also the gracious gift [redemption]; for if by the sin of one man [Adam] many [the entire human race] have died, much more [to a greater degree] shall the grace of God, even the gift by grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abundantly flow out upon many [the elect].

 

Rom. 5:16 In fact, the gift [justification] is not like [the type is not perfect] through the one [Adam] who sinned. On the one hand, the judicial verdict after one transgression [Adam’s original sin] resulted in condemnation; but on the other hand, the gracious gift [saving work of Christ on the cross] because of many transgressions [personal sins] resulted in justification.

 

Rom. 5:17 For if by one man’s transgression [Adam’s original sin] the [spiritual] death ruled through the one [Adam], much more [to a greater degree] may those [supergrace believers] who receive in life the surplus from grace [abundant blessings] and the gift of righteousness [special award in eternity], rule [only mature believers will reign] through the One, Jesus Christ.

 

Rom. 5:18 So therefore, as through one transgression Adam’s sin was imputed to all men whom he represented [representative union: the entire human race] resulting in condemnation, in this manner also, through one sentence of condemnation [righteous act: imputation of our sins to Christ on the cross] God’s righteousness was imputed to all men whom he represented [representative union: God’s elect] resulting in justification to life.

 

Rom. 5:19 For just as through the disobedient act of one man [Adam] many [those whom he represented: the entire human race] were appointed sinners, in the same manner also [by judicial imputation], through the obedient act of One [Jesus Christ] many [those whom He represented: the elect] will be appointed righteous ones.

 

Rom. 5:20 Moreover, the law came in as a side issue [it was never the center of God’s plan or purpose], so that the transgression [Adam’s original sin] might abound [become exceedingly sinful]. But where personal sin has abounded [on top of Adam’s original sin], grace has superabounded [exists in greater abundance].

 

Rom. 5:21 So that just as the old sin nature has ruled unto [spiritual] death, in the same manner also, grace might rule [potential] through righteousness because of eternal life [we have the option of bringing our experience of life in time up to our position of life in eternity] through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Rom. 6:1 What then, shall we conclude? Shall we continue having cordial relations with sin [like we were still unbelievers], so that grace may abound?

 

Rom. 6:2 Definitely not! Since we have died to the sin nature [positionally], how can we still keep on living in it [experientially]?

 

Rom. 6:3 Don’t you understand that as many as were placed into vital union with Christ Jesus [elect in Him in eternity past] were placed into vital union with His spiritual death [His sheep were united with Him on the cross]?

 

Rom. 6:4 Therefore, we [the elect] have been buried with Him [intimately united] through the vital union [baptism of the Spirit] into His physical death, so that just as Christ was raised [resurrection] from deaths [both spiritual & physical] by the glory [integrity & omnipotence] of the Father, in the same manner also [by the integrity & delegated omnipotence of God], we might walk [conduct ourselves] in newness of life [believers have the option of living a supernatural life here and now].

 

Rom. 6:5 For if we have become intimately united [retroactive positional truth] to the likeness of His spiritual death, then we shall also be intimately united to the likeness of His resurrection [as we walk with Him in time and receive our resurrection body in the future].

 

Rom. 6:6 Be knowing this [by comprehension of doctrine]: Our old man [sin nature] has been crucified together with Him, so that the human body of sin [the sin nature dwelling in every cell of the physical body] might be rendered powerless, so that we might stop serving our sin nature like a slave.

 

Rom. 6:7 Consequently, the one who has died to the old man [retroactive positional truth] has been set free [positional sanctification] from the power of the sin nature.

 

Rom. 6:8 Now since we have died together with Christ [retroactive positional truth], we should also understand that we will live in association with [derive our spiritual life from] Him [current positional truth],

 

Rom. 6:9 Knowing that Christ, having been raised from deaths [both spiritual & physical deaths], can never die again, death no longer ruling [having dominion over] Him.

 

Rom. 6:10 For the [spiritual] death He died [retroactive positional truth], He died for sin once and for all [one time only, never again]; but the [resurrection] life He lives [in hypostatic union], He lives [current positional truth] for God.

 

Rom. 6:11 Likewise, you also consider yourselves on the one hand to be dead to the sin nature [mortification], but on the other hand, continually living for God [vivification] in the Person of Christ Jesus.

 

Rom. 6:12 Therefore, stop allowing [emphasis on your volition] the sin nature to rule in your mortal body [old sin nature in the cell structure of your body], so that as a result you obey it [the sin nature in the cell structure of your body] with its trends [lust patterns].

 

Rom. 6:13 Stop placing your members [faculties of the body & soul] as weapons of wickedness [good & evil] under the orders of [yielding to] the sin nature, but place yourself completely under orders [yielding] to God as those who are alive [retroactive positional truth] from deaths [identified with Christ in His spiritual & physical deaths], and your members [faculties of the body & soul] as weapons of righteousness to God [our positional victory gives us the potential for experiential victory],

 

Rom. 6:14 For the sin nature must not be allowed to rule over you, because you are not under the authority of the precepts of the law [pertinent to Israel only], but under the authority of the principles of grace [plan of God for the Church Age].

 

Rom. 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the authority of the precepts of the law, but under the authority of the principles of grace? May it never happen!

 

Rom. 6:16 Don’t you know that to whom [sin nature or God] you place yourselves under orders to as slaves by way of obedience, you are slaves to the one whom you habitually obey: either to the sin nature resulting in [spiritual] death or obedience [to God] resulting in righteousness?

 

Rom. 6:17 Now thanks [gratitude] belongs to God, that you used to be habitual slaves to the sin nature, but you have begun to obey from the mentality of your soul the system of doctrine into which you were handed over.

 

Rom. 6:18 And after being freed [liberated] from the sin nature [positional sanctification], you have begun to become slaves to righteousness [experiential sanctification].

 

Rom. 6:19 I am speaking with a human illustration [slavery] because of the weakness of your flesh [the sin nature still has a firm grip on them]: for just as you put your members [faculties of the body & soul] under orders as slaves to impurity [trend towards sin] and to transgressions [trend towards human good] resulting in lawlessness [trend towards evil], in the same manner, now begin putting your members [faculties of the body & soul] under orders as slaves to the righteousness [by metabolizing and applying Bible doctrine] resulting in sanctification [execution of the spiritual life].

 

Rom. 6:20 For as long as you were slaves to the sin nature, you were free from righteousness [no potential for spiritual growth].

 

Rom. 6:21 What benefit, therefore, did you have at that time [when you were a slave to the sin nature] over which you are now ashamed [ashes in your teeth]? For the end of those things [benefits from the lust pattern of the sin nature] is spiritual death.

 

Rom. 6:22 But now, having been freed from the sovereignty of the sin nature and having become slaves to God, you have the opportunity to produce your fruit with respect to [experiential] sanctification, and toward the goal of eternal life [supergrace life here on earth].

 

Rom. 6:23 Certainly the subsistence allowance [base pay] from the sin nature is spiritual death, but the grace benefit from God is [positional & future] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Rom. 7:1 Or are you ignorant [yes, they are], brethren, (for I am communicating to those [legalists] who know [are misapplying] the law), that the law lords it over mankind [rules as an additional, illegitimate authority] for as long a time as he lives?

 

Rom. 7:2 For a wife under the authority of her husband [old sin nature] stands permanently bound by the law [as marriage counselor] to her husband as long as he is living. But if the husband [old sin nature] should die [by divorce or physical death], she is released by the law [marriage counselor] from the husband.

 

Rom. 7:3 Consequently, therefore, while her husband [old sin nature] is living, she will be classified as an adulteress [out from her proper authority and underneath somebody else], if she has become [intimate with] another of a different kind of man [illegitimacy]; but if her husband [old sin nature] has died [through divorce or physical death], she is free from the law [as marriage counselor], so that that same one is not an adulteress, even though she has become [married to] another husband [Jesus Christ as her 2nd husband] of a different kind [spiritual as opposed to carnal].

 

Rom. 7:4 Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die [through the baptism of the Spirit] to the law [as the marriage counselor] through the person of Christ [2nd husband], so that you might belong [at the point of salvation] to another of a different kind [spiritual as opposed to carnal husband], to Him [Jesus Christ] Who was raised up [resurrected] from deaths [both spiritual & physical], so that we might bear fruit [spiritual production from the 2nd marriage] unto God.

 

Rom. 7:5 For while we [as believers] were in the flesh, the passions [impulses, trends] of sin, which were through the law [as marriage counselor], operated in our members [both internal & external parts of the body] so that we produced fruit associated with spiritual death [carnal production from our 1st marriage].

 

Rom. 7:6 But now we have been released [by divorce or physical death] from the law, having died to that [1st marriage] by which we were bound [under the authority of the old sin nature], so that we might serve Him [Jesus Christ as our 2nd husband] as slaves with a new Spirit [the Holy Spirit as our new marriage counselor] and not with the old letter [the law as our old marriage counselor].

 

Rom. 7:7 What, then, shall we say? Is the law sin? May it not be so [definitely not]! On the contrary, I was not cognizant of the sin nature except through the law [the law as our marriage counselor demonstrated the failure of our 1st marriage to the old sin nature]. For instance, I would not have recognized the lust pattern [trend of the old sin nature] except the law kept on saying, “You shall not lust.”

 

Rom. 7:8 But the sin nature, by holding a base of operations [seizing the opportunity] through the [10th] commandment, produced every category of lust in me, because without the law, the sin nature was dead.

 

Rom. 7:9 Now at one time I lived without the law [totally ignorant about the old sin nature and its marriage counselor], but when the commandment appeared [entered the conscience for the 1st time], the sin nature became invigorated, and I died [spiritually],

 

Rom. 7:10 Because that commandment which was being examined for life [the law promises an elusive form of abundant life], the same resulted in [spiritual] death for me.

 

Rom. 7:11 For the sin nature [1st husband], having seized the opportunity through the commandment [marriage counselor quoting the 10th commandment], deceived me [used the old sin nature to arouse corruption], and through the same [10th commandment: You shall not lust] killed me [spiritual death in the soul].

 

Rom. 7:12 As a matter of fact, therefore, the law [as marriage counselor] is holy [perfect integrity]; also the [10th] commandment is holy and righteous [just] and absolute good.

 

Rom. 7:13 Therefore, did the absolute good [10th commandment] become [spiritual] death to me? May it not come to pass! But the sin nature [the 1st husband is the real culprit], in order that sin might be revealed through the absolute good [10th commandment], made [spiritual] death a reality to me, so that through the [10th] commandment the sin nature might become utterly [beyond measure] sinful.

 

Rom. 7:14 Certainly we know that the law is spiritual [according to divine norms & standards], but I am carnal [controlled by the sin nature], when I have been led astray [sold into slavery] under the authority of the sin nature [when we go chasing after our 1st husband].

 

Rom. 7:15 For what I accomplish [under the control of the old sin nature], I do not understand [my spiritual perception is dulled by sin], because I am not practicing the things [mechanics of the spiritual life] which I desire, but I keep doing the very things [pattern of sinning] which I utterly detest.

 

Rom. 7:16 Now if I keep on doing this thing [continual pattern of sinning] which I do not desire to do [against my better judgment], I agree with the law [its divine norms & standards] that it is good.

 

Rom. 7:17 But as the case stands, I [using better judgment in the filling of the Spirit] am no longer performing the same, but the sin nature [following the bad judgment of the 1st husband] which keeps on dwelling in me.

 

Rom. 7:18 In fact, I know that nothing of intrinsic value [meeting divine norms & standards] resides in me, that is, in my flesh [home of the sin nature], for to will [desire] is present in me, but to perform the noble [divine production] is not present.

 

Rom. 7:19 For I do not consistently perform the intrinsic good which I desire, but I keep practicing the evil which I do not desire.

 

Rom. 7:20 Now if I am habitually practicing what I do not desire [pattern of the reversionist], I am no longer the one performing it [my primary personality is out of control], but the sin nature [1st husband] which continues to reside inside of me [my secondary personality is in control].

 

Rom. 7:21 Consequently, I discovered this principle: that when I desire to do the honorable thing [from the filling of the Spirit], the principle of evil [old sin nature] resides in me.

 

Rom. 7:22 By all means, I joyfully concur with the law of God [Bible doctrine] with reference to the inner man [my primary, spiritual personality],

 

Rom. 7:23 But [after studying the matter] I see another principle of a different kind [carnal as opposed to spiritual] in my members [the sin nature in the cell structure of the body], constantly fighting [carrying on an aggressive campaign] against the principle of my mind [the old sin nature wages war against Bible doctrine in the soul], and so constantly making me a prisoner [POW] to the principle of the sin nature which is in [takes captive of] my members.

 

Rom. 7:24 I am a stressed-out [tormented, anguished] person! Who will rescue me from the body of this death [old sin nature control]?

 

Rom. 7:25 Thanks be to God [Who delivers me] through Jesus Christ our Lord. Consequently, therefore, on the one hand, I myself serve the law [principles & objectives] of God with my mind, but on the other hand, with my flesh the law [dictates] of the sin nature.

 

Rom. 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation [penal servitude to sin] to those in Christ Jesus.

 

Rom. 8:2 For the principle of the Spirit [the new marriage counselor] Who is the source of eternal life [by imputation] has set you free in Christ Jesus [the 2nd husband] from the law [the old marriage counselor] of the sin nature [the 1st husband] and the spiritual death.

 

Rom. 8:3 For what was impossible from the law [the 1st marriage counselor was not an instrument of salvation or spiritual growth], in that it was weak [disabled] through the flesh [due to the indwelling sin nature], God, when He sent His Own Son [deity of Christ] in the likeness [in the form of flesh, but not sinful flesh] of sinful flesh [humanity of Christ], for the purpose of taking away sin, judged the sin nature [1st husband] in the flesh,

 

Rom. 8:4 So that the legal requirement of the law might be filled up [completed] in us, who keep walking [experiential sanctification] not according to the flesh [old sin nature], but according to the Spirit.

 

Rom. 8:5 For those who are dominated by the flesh [old sin nature] keep thinking about the things [sin, human good, evil] of the flesh [human viewpoint], but those dominated by the Spirit the things [Bible doctrines] of the Spirit [divine viewpoint].

 

Rom. 8:6 Consequently, the carnal thought pattern [sin nature way of thinking] leads to spiritual death [through progressive stages of divine discipline], but the spiritual thought pattern [doctrinal way of thinking] leads to capacity for life [supergrace quality] and prosperity [blessings from God].

 

Rom. 8:7 Because the carnal thought pattern [sin nature way of thinking] is hostile towards God, for it is not subordinate to the divine policy of God [Bible doctrine as our way of life], because it is not able [doesn’t have the capacity to do so].

 

Rom. 8:8 Moreover, those [carnal & reversionistic believers] who are continually in the flesh [under the sin nature’s control] are not able to please God.

 

Rom. 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh [divorced from the old sin nature, positionally], but in the Spirit [baptism of the Spirit, positionally], assuming that the Spirit of God dwells in you. In fact, if a person does not possess the Spirit [indwelling] from Christ, this one does not belong to Him [is an unbeliever].

 

Rom. 8:10 In fact, if Christ is in you [indwelling of Christ], on the one hand, the body is [spiritually] dead because of sin [carnality or reversionism], but on the other hand, the [human] spirit is alive [energized by the Holy Spirit] because of [His imputed] righteousness.

 

Rom. 8:11 Now if the Spirit [God the Holy Spirit] from Him [God the Father] Who raised up [resurrected] the Jesus [God the Son] from deaths [both physical and spiritual] indwells you, He [God the Father] Who raised up Christ from deaths shall also quicken your mortal bodies [future resurrection] by means of His Spirit Who indwells you.

 

Rom. 8:12 Consequently, therefore, brethren, we are debtors [under obligation] not to the flesh so that we habitually live according to the standards of the flesh [follow the lust pattern of our old sin nature].

 

Rom. 8:13 Indeed, if you continually live according to the standards of the flesh [dictates of the old sin nature], you will inevitably die [self-destruction and maximum divine discipline leading to the sin unto death]; but if by means of the Spirit you make it a practice to recognize as dead [condemn] the functions from the body [any system of human good or self-righteousness], you will live [abundant life].

 

Rom. 8:14 For as many as are continually led by the Spirit of God [divine guidance], these are the mature [high quality] sons of God.

 

Rom. 8:15 For, you have not received a spirit [disposition] of slavery resulting in a state of fear, but rather you have received the Spirit of adult sonship [spiritual toga virilis], by Whom we may shout: Father, Father!

 

Rom. 8:16 The [Holy] Spirit Himself testifies with our [human] spirit that we are children [students] of God,

 

Rom. 8:17 Now if we are children [born of God], then we [believers] are heirs [our spiritual heritage depends on Whom we are related to]: on the one hand we are heirs of God [by the 1st birth]; on the other hand we are joint-heirs with Christ, if after this [becoming heirs of God], we [undeservedly] suffer together; then we will also be glorified together [rewards & blessings for winner believers].

 

Rom. 8:18 For I  conclude that the sufferings of this present period of time [the Church Age] are not comparable to the glory [eternal honor, rewards & blessings] which is intended to be revealed to us.

 

Rom. 8:19 Moreover, the confident expectation of the creation [material universe] waits eagerly for the manifestation [at the 2nd advent] of the adult sons [winner believers] of God,

 

Rom. 8:20 For the creation [material universe] became subject to the vacuum [shared in Adam’s sin, futility, and emptiness], not voluntarily, but because of Him [God the Father] Who subordinated it [the material universe] in the time of hope [at the Fall],

 

Rom. 8:21 Therefore, the creation itself [material universe] shall also be delivered [set free at the 2nd advent] from the bondage of corruption [ruin & destruction] into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

 

Rom. 8:22 Moreover, we know that the entire creation [material universe] has been groaning together [shares in the condemnation of mankind] and suffering agony together [travailing in childbirth] until now,

 

Rom. 8:23 And not only nature [the material creation], but also ourselves [mature believers], although we possess the firstfruits from the Spirit [blessings imputed to the believer at the moment of salvation]; even we ourselves groan from time to time [complain] within ourselves, waiting expectantly for the adoption [ultimate sanctification], i.e., the redemption of our body [resurrection].

 

Rom. 8:24 So then, we [mature believers] are delivered with reference to that future expectation [we were saved for a future purpose]. However, when a hope is seen, it is not a hope, for who hopes for what he sees?

 

Rom. 8:25 Now if we continue to hope for what we do not see [modus vivendi of the mature believer], we stand with eager anticipation [confident in the promises of God].

 

Rom. 8:26 And in the same manner, the Spirit also helps us [positive believers only] through our spiritual weakness [during periods of undeserved suffering], for we do not know, as is our duty, what we should be praying for [lack of advanced doctrine hinders our prayers during times of adversity]. But the Spirit Himself intercedes on our behalf [during periods of undeserved suffering] from time to time with inexpressible groanings [which are accepted at the Supreme Court of heaven].

 

Rom. 8:27 Furthermore, He [God the Father] Who continually scrutinizes our mentality [right lobe of the soul] knows what the thinking of the Spirit is, because He [the Holy Spirit] intercedes according to God’s policy on behalf of the saints.

 

Rom. 8:28 In fact, we know with an absolute knowledge that for those who love God [limited to mature believers], He [the Father] works all things [including undeserved suffering] together for good, to those who are the elect [called-out ones] according to a predetermined plan [divine decree].

 

Rom. 8:29 Moreover, those He [God the Father] loved before time [in eternity past], He also predestined [determined in advance] to a form [ultimate resurrection body] similar to that of the image of His Son, so that He [Jesus Christ] might be the firstborn among many brethren [the royal family of God shares in His birthright].

 

Rom. 8:30 Moreover, those He [God the Father] has predestined [determined beforehand in eternity past], these same ones He also elected [effectually called in time], and those He has elected, these He also justified [at the moment of conversion], and those He justified, these same ones He also glorified [positionally in the heavens].

 

Rom. 8:31 What, therefore, shall we conclude about these things [doctrines concerning suffering and the divine decrees]? If God is for us [acting on our behalf], who can be against us?

 

Rom. 8:32 Indeed, He Himself [God the Father] did not spare His Own Son, but delivered Him up on behalf of [substitutionary atonement] all [believers outside of Rome] of us [those who meet the qualification in the previous verse]. So how is it possible that He [God the Father] together with Him [God the Son] will not also graciously provide for us [the beneficiaries] the all things [positionally: the benefits of the divine decrees; experientially: prosperity from undeserved suffering]?

 

Rom. 8:33 Who shall bring charges [accusations] against God’s elect? God, the One Who justifies?

 

Rom. 8:34 Who is attempting to condemn us? Christ Jesus, Who died [as our Substitute], even greater, Who was resurrected [ascension], Who is both at the right hand of God [session], and Who continues to intercede [as defense attorney] on our behalf?

 

Rom. 8:35 Who [what: momentum and disaster tests] shall separate us from the love of Christ [His love for us, not our love for Him]? Outside pressure [affliction], or difficulty [mental anguish], or legitimate persecution [anti-Christian endeavors], or economic depression [due to liberalism or socialistic policies], or deprivation [lack of clothing], or lurking danger [historical catastrophe], or two-edged sword [military defeat and rampant crime]?

 

Rom. 8:36 Just as it stands written [in Psalm 44:22]: For Your sake [Jesus Christ] we are being murdered throughout the entire day [continuous martyrdom in Rome during the reign of Nero Claudius Caesar]; we have been evaluated [looked upon] as sheep for the slaughter [doomed to become martyrs].

 

Rom. 8:37 Nevertheless, in spite of all these things [suffering and adversities], we are winning the supreme victory [glorifying Christ by suffering] as conquerors through Him [God the Father] Who loves us.

 

Rom. 8:38 Indeed, I am fully persuaded that neither death nor life, nor fallen angels nor demon generals, nor things which are imminent [during this present age] nor things which are destined to come [in future dispensations], nor powers [human conspiracies, bad government],

 

Rom. 8:39 Nor height [nothing in heaven] nor depth [nothing in hell], nor any creature of a different kind [non-human], shall have the power to separate us from the love of God [the Father] which is in Christ Jesus our Lord [doctrine of eternal security].

 

Rom. 9:1 I am communicating doctrine in Christ (I am not lying) [intellectual honesty], my conscience [norms & standards] bearing joint-testimony with me in the Holy Spirit [divine inspiration],

 

Rom. 9:2 That great personal sorrow [legitimate burden], even constant grief, is in my soul’s mentality. 

 

Rom. 9:3 Moreover, I could almost wish that I myself would be accursed [separated] from Christ on behalf of my brethren [courageous but impossible supposition], my kinsmen [blood relation] according to the flesh [Jewish race], 

 

Rom. 9:4 Who are Israelites [from the Jewish client nation], to whom: the adoption [spiritual heritage of Israel], and the glory [Shekinah glory of Jesus Christ], and the unconditional covenants [Abrahamic and Palestinian], and the lawgiving [Mosaic law], and the ritual service [Levitical priesthood], and the promises [Abrahamic and Davidic], 

 

Rom. 9:5 From whom are the fathers [Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as our regenerate ancestors]. In fact, from whom [genetically] according to the flesh [humanity] Christ came [1st advent], the One Who is over all [divine sovereignty], the blessed God [deity of Christ] unto the ages [all dispensations]. So be it.

 

Rom. 9:6 However, the Word of God [Old Testament] has not run aground [drifted off course] because of this [setting aside of Israel and inserting the Church Age], for not all who have descended from Israel [by physical birth] are really Israel [not racial, but born-again Jews].

 

Rom. 9:7 Neither because they are the seed [descendants] from Abraham are they all [racial Jews] children [Abraham had 8 sons], but rather in Isaac [one son only] shall your seed be elected.

 

Rom. 9:8 That is, those who are  children of the flesh [racial Jews], these are not the children of God [true Jews]: but the children [heirs] of the promise [regenerate Jews] are imputed for the seed [spiritual seed of Abraham].

 

Rom. 9:9 For this is the word of promise [Genesis 18:10]: Immediately after this time [the exact prophetic moment in God’s plan], I [Jesus Christ] will return and a son will be provided for Sarah [spiritual blessing].

 

Rom. 9:10 And not only her [Sarah], but also Rebecca when she had sexual intercourse [conceived a child] with one man, i.e. [namely], our father, Isaac,

 

Rom. 9:11 For the twins, not yet having been born, neither having committed anything good or evil, so that the sovereign purpose of God according to election would stand [no changes to the divine plan], not by works [human will or effort], but by Him Who elects [the source of selection is God Himself).

 

Rom. 9:12 It was spoken to her [in Genesis 25:23]: The elder [Esau] shall serve the younger [Jacob],

 

Rom. 9:13 Just as it stands written [in Malachi 1:2-3]: I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.

 

Rom. 9:14 What, then, shall we say? There is no injustice [unrighteous prejudice] with God, is there? Let it not be so!

 

Rom. 9:15 For He said to Moses [in Exodus 33:19]: I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion [God reserves the right to exercise divine sovereignty in both election and reprobation].

 

Rom. 9:16 So then, it [election to salvation] is not by means of him [man] who wills [not by positive volition], nor by means of him [man] who exerts himself to the limits of his power in an attempt to move forward [strives to advance], but by means of God Who shows mercy.

 

Rom. 9:17 For the Scripture spoke to Pharaoh [in Exodus 9:16], that: For this very purpose I have raised you up, so that I might demonstrate [put on public display] My power through you, and so My Name might be proclaimed far and wide throughout all the land.

 

Rom. 9:18 Consequently, therefore, on whom [the elect] He wills: He has mercy on; in fact, on whom [the non-elect] He wills: He hardens.

 

Rom. 9:19 Therefore, will you ask me: Why then does He continue to find fault? For who can resist His sovereign will?

 

Rom. 9:20 On the contrary, oh man [derogatory insult], who are you who argues against [impugns the integrity of] the God? Shall the thing formed [creature] reply against Him Who did the creative forming [Creator]: Why have you made me this way?

 

Rom. 9:21 Or doesn’t the potter possess authority over the clay to make, on the one hand, out of the same lump of clay [body of believers], a vessel unto honor [supergrace believers], but on the other hand, a vessel unto dishonor [reversionistic believers]?

 

Rom. 9:22 Now suppose God, Who is willing to demonstrate wrath [divine judgment] and to reveal His power [omnipotence], endures with great patience [postpones judgment on] the vessels of wrath [unbelievers] who are fitted for destruction [eternal judgment],

 

Rom. 9:23 Also suppose that He desires to reveal the riches of His glory [grace blessings] upon the vessels of mercy [the elect] whom He has prepared beforehand for glory:

 

Rom. 9:24 Namely us, whom He has elected, not only out from the Jews, but also out from the Gentiles.

 

Rom. 9:25 Likewise, He also communicated in Hosea [2:23]: I will call [elect] them [illegitimate Gentile children of Hosea’s wife] who were not My people, My people [saved Gentiles during the dispensation of Israel], and she [Hosea’s unfaithful wife] who was not beloved [physical Israel during the “times of the Gentiles”], beloved [restored, spiritual Israel during the millennium],

 

Rom. 9:26 And it shall come to pass [at the 2nd advent of Christ when Israel is restored] in the place [land of Israel] where it was said [Hosea 1:10] to them [Jews of the Northern Kingdom]: “You are not My people – in this same place [land of Israel], they [all Jewish believers in the future] shall be called the adult sons [unique quality] of the living God.”

 

Rom. 9:27 In fact, Isaiah cried out in a loud voice [10:22] concerning Israel: “If the number of the sons of Israel [Jewish race] is as the sand of the sea [a vast earthly multitude that cannot be numbered], a remnant [of believing Jews] shall be saved [delivered through the tribulation],”

 

Rom. 9:28 For “the Lord [Jesus Christ] will execute His Word [at the 2nd advent] by completing [the remaining 7 years of the 490 years of Jewish discipline] and shortening [bringing the Church Age to a close and ushering in the 1,000 year millennium] the time on the earth.”

 

Rom. 9:29 And so, just as Isaiah [1:9] has prophesied: “If the Lord of the Armies had not left us [Israel] a seed [remnant], we would have become like Sodom [completely destroyed, 3 survivors] and we would have been made like Gomorrah [completely destroyed, no survivors].”

 

Rom. 9:30 To what conclusion, therefore, are we forced? That the Gentiles, who did not seek after righteousness, ended up attaining without effort [grace mechanics] the righteousness [of God], that is the righteousness by means of faith [as opposed to works].

 

Rom. 9:31 But Israel, who repeatedly pursued after the law for righteousness [incorrect protocol], did not overtake the law for righteousness [failed efforts].

 

Rom. 9:32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by means of faith [correct protocol], but rather by means of works [incorrect protocol]. They stumbled over [rejected] the Stone of stumbling [Jesus Christ],

 

Rom. 9:33 Just as it stands written [in Isaiah 8:14, 28:16]: “Behold, I have laid a foundation in Zion, the Stone [Jesus Christ] of stumbling [cross before the crown], even the Rock [Jesus Christ] of offense [Jews ignore the 1st advent]; nevertheless, he who believes on Him shall not be disappointed [put to shame at the Last Judgment].”

 

Rom. 10:1 Brethren [fellow Christians], on the one hand, the desire of my mentality [of the soul] and my [intercessory] prayer face-to-face to God on their behalf [Israel in the flesh] is for their salvation [deliverance from hell & restoration to Palestine],

 

Rom. 10:2 But on the other hand, I must testify against them [Israel in the flesh], for they have a zeal [arrogant motivation to keep the law] for God, but not according to a full and complete knowledge [salvation by grace through faith is missing], 

 

Rom. 10:3 For by being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and by striving to establish their own [outside of God’s plan] righteousness [glory to themselves instead of God], they have not been obedient to the righteousness of God; 

 

Rom. 10:4 For Christ is the end [termination] of the law with reference to [experiential] righteousness to each person who believes [Christians only]. 

 

Rom. 10:5 Even Moses described the righteousness [morality] which comes by means of the law, that [in Leviticus 18:5]: “The man who attempts to perform these things shall live by them [in the sphere of their operation]. “

 

Rom. 10:6 However, the righteousness by faith [from Codex II] communicates in this manner [from Deut. 30:12]: “Do not think in your mentality: Who shall ascend into heaven [to obtain salvation]? That is, to bring Christ [as the Jewish Messiah] down to earth [to provide salvation],“

 

Rom. 10:7 Or [from Deut. 30:13]: Who shall descend into the underworld [you don’t have to die to find Christ and obtain salvation]? That is, to bring Christ up from the dead [rejection of His resurrection].

 

Rom. 10:8 By contrast, what does it say [in Deut. 30:14]? “The message [salvation by grace through faith] is near you [not in heaven or hell], in your mouth [body] and in your mentality [soul],” that is, the message of faith [gospel] which we are proclaiming,

 

Rom. 10:9 Namely, if you acknowledge with your mouth [experiential activity] Jesus as Lord [deity of Christ], and of course [as a positional prerequisite] believe in your mentality [faith] that God raised Him from among the dead [resurrection], you will be continually saved [temporal & eternal].

 

Rom. 10:10 For you see, by means of the mentality it [the resurrection] is believed resulting in imputed righteousness [positional, justification], and by means of the mouth it [diety of Christ] is acknowledged resulting in salvation [experiential, sanctification].

 

Rom. 10:11 Therefore, the Scripture says [in Isaiah 28:16]: “Any person [Jew or Gentile] who believes on Him [Jesus Christ] shall not be ashamed [defeated or disappointed in life],”

 

Rom. 10:12 For there is no difference between a Jew and a Greek, for He Himself [Jesus Christ] is Lord [deity] over all [distinctions are meaningless], Who is generous [forgiving sins and delivering from enemies] to all those [Jew or Gentile believers] who make it a practice to call upon Him [confession of sin and prayer for deliverance],

 

Rom. 10:13 For each person [Jew or Gentile believer], when he calls upon the Name [Person] of the Lord [both confession of sin and prayer for deliverance], will be repeatedly saved [continual, daily deliverance from internal and external enemies].

 

Rom. 10:14 How, then, can they call upon [confess sin or pray for deliverance] the One [Jesus Christ] they have not believed [unbelievers cannot confess sin or pray for deliverance]? Furthermore, how can they believe on the One [Jesus Christ] they have not heard [faith comes by hearing]? Furthermore, how can they hear without a person who provides information [gospel truth needs a communicator]?

 

Rom. 10:15 Furthermore, how can they provide information if they are not sent out [missionary & evangelistic ministries]? Just as it stands written [in Isaiah 52:7]: “How timely is the arrival [communicators of the gospel in action] of those who proclaim the good news!”

 

Rom. 10:16 Nevertheless, they will not all obey [embrace] the Gospel, for Isaiah said: “Lord, who has believed our report [content of our preaching]?”

 

Rom. 10:17 For you see, this faith [saving faith] comes from hearing [understanding], and this hearing [saving hearing] by means of a word [quickening word which determines who will “hear” and who will “not hear”] from Christ [emphasizes the role of sovereign grace in salvation].

 

Rom. 10:18 But I ask: Have they never heard [had the opportunity to hear]? On the contrary [from Psalm 19:4]: “Their voice [evangelists, missionaries, ambassadors] was broadcasted unto all the earth, indeed, their words of life unto the limits of human habitation [the extent of the known world at that time].“

 

Rom. 10:19 Yet, I must ask: Didn’t Israel comprehend [understand the setting aside of the Jews and the calling of the Gentiles]? First Moses said [in Deut. 21:21]: “I will provoke you [Israel] to jealousy by a non people [racially inferior]; by a foolish people [Gentile dogs] I will anger you.”

 

Rom. 10:20 Next, Isaiah was so bold as to say [in Isaiah 65:1]: “I was discovered by those [Gentiles] who were not looking for Me [Jesus Christ speaking]; I became manifest to those who did not inquire about Me.”

 

Rom. 10:21 And face-to-face with Israel He [God the Father] said [in Isaiah 65:2]: “All day long I have stretched forth My hands [imploring gesture] face-to-face to a people who are disobedient [non-persuadible] and who are obstinate [a bundle of contradictions].”

 

Rom. 11:1 Therefore, I ask: Has not God rejected His people [natural Israel]? May it never happen [Absolutely not]! For I also am an Israelite, out from the seed of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

 

Rom. 11:2 God has not rejected His people [natural Israel] whom He has foreloved. Don’t you remember what the Scripture said [I Kings 19:10, 14] about Elijah? How he appealed to God against Israel?

 

Rom. 11:3 ”Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have torn down your altars; in fact, I am the only one [prophet] left behind, and they are seeking my life.”

 

Rom. 11:4 But what divine answer [in I Kings 19:18] did He respond to him with? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand full-grown [spiritually mature] men [no one knew who they were], ones that are of such a high quality of character [due to spiritual maturity] as to have not bowed the knee before Baal.”

 

Rom. 11:5 Likewise, therefore, in the same manner [both Israel & the Church share salvation by grace through faith], at this present time [Church Age], a remnant [believers within natural Israel] according the the election of sovereign grace [Jesus Christ controls history, not man] has come into existence; 

 

Rom. 11:6 Now if [salvation is] by means of grace [producing humility in the recipient], then not by means of works [producing arrogant self-righteousness], otherwise grace itself [as a sovereign gift of God] nolonger exists as grace [loses its character and meaning]. 

 

Rom. 11:7 What then? Israel continued to seek for [pursued salvation by works] that which she did not obtain [self-effort didn’t work]; meanwhile, the election [chosen ones] obtained it [salvation by grace as opposed to works] and the others [the non-elect] were judicially hardened, 

 

Rom. 11:8 Just as it stands written [in Isaiah 6:9-10]: “God [Jesus Christ] has given to them [non-elect Jews] a stupefied state of mind [massive scar tissue of the soul], eyes so that they would not see and ears so that they would not hear [inability to understand the gospel], up to and including this very day.”

 

Rom. 11:9 Even David said [in Psalm 69:22-23]: “Let their table [false system of spirituality] become a snare [camouflauged noose], even a net [hidden trap], and a stumblingblock [hindrance to understanding], even a punishment [divine retribution] to them;”

 

Rom. 11:10 Let their eyes become darkened [organs of spiritual perception malfunction] so that they cannot see [blackout of the soul]; in the same manner, may You [the Father] constantly bend their backs [enforced humility].”

 

Rom. 11:11 I say then: They did not stumble with the result that they have fallen into ruin, did they? May it not be so! Rather, by their defection [unbelief], salvation belongs to the Gentiles [Israel’s loss of client nation status opens the door to Gentiles], for the purpose of provoking them [Israel] to emulation [antagonize them to believe in Jesus Christ].

 

Rom. 11:12 Now if their defection [sin of unbelief] has provided a magnificient spiritual benefit [gift of salvation] for the world and their failure [loss of client nation status] a magificient package of spiritual benefits for the Gentiles, how much greater will be their [Israel’s] superabundance of spiritual benefits?

 

Rom. 11:13 (I am speaking to you as Gentiles [turns his attention to Gentile believers], inasmuch as, to be sure, indeed, I am the apostle to the Gentiles [in contrast to Peter being the apostle to the Jews]; I am magnifying my ministry [rather than his person],

 

Rom. 11:14 If in some way I might stimulate to emulation [by evangelism] those who are my flesh [racial Jews] and save certain ones [the elect] out from them [the mass of unregenerate Jews]).  

 

Rom. 11:15 For if their rejection has become the reconciliation of the world [end of the Jewish dispensation and beginning of the Church Age], what shall their acceptance be [God’s grace and mercy towards Israel during the Millennium] if not life out from death?  

 

Rom. 11:16 Moreover, if the firstfruit [the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac & Jacob] are holy [saved], then also the lump [believing Jews during the Age of Israel]; and if the root [Jesus Christ] is holy, then also the branches [believing Jews during the Church Age].  

 

Rom. 11:17 Moreover, if some of the branches [unbelieving Jews] were broken off [by the sovereignty of God], and you [as a Gentile believer], being a wild olive tree [outside the covenant of God], were grafted in among them [Jewish believers] and have become fellow-partakers of the Root [Jesus Christ] and the prosperity of the olive tree [blessings reserved for Church Age believers],  

 

Rom. 11:18 Stop assuming arrogant superiority [boasting and gloating] over the branches [warning against anti-Semitism]. For when you are assuming arrogant superiority [boasting and bragging] over them, you are not supporting the Root [Jesus Christ]; actually, the Root [Jesus Christ is supporting] you. 

 

Rom. 11:19 You may then reply: The branches [unbelieving Israel] were broken off so that I might be grafted in [a position of arrogance, not genuine humility]. 

 

Rom. 11:20 Correct [true]. They [unbelieving Israel] were broken off due to unbelief, while you [as a Gentile believer] stand due to belief. Stop thinking from arrogance [superiority complex], but rather keep having respect.  

 

Rom. 11:21 For if God did not spare the natural branches [divine discipline on Israel], neither will He spare you [divine discipline on Gentiles].  

 

Rom. 11:22 Therefore, observe the benevolent kindness [blessings] and severity [discipline] of God: on the one hand, upon those [Jewish unbelievers] who fell, severity [discipline]; on the other hand, upon you [Gentile believers], the benevolent kindness [blessings] of God, if [on the condition that] you persist in the sphere of divine integrity [Bible doctrine in the filling of the Spirit]; otherwise, you [Gentile believers] may also be cut off [negative aspect of experiential sanctification: divine discipline].  

 

Rom. 11:23 And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able [divine omnipotence controls history] to graft them in again [the believing Jew is returned to his spiritual heritage, but now finds himself part of the royal family of God during the Church Age].  

 

Rom. 11:24 For since you [Gentile believers] were cut off a wild by nature olive tree, and were grafted [baptism of the Holy Spirit into the Church]  contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more shall these [Jewish believers], who are according to the natural order, be grafted into their own olive tree [returned to the forefront of God’s plan during the Tribulation]?  

 

Rom. 11:25 By all means, brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant [lack of Bible doctrine produces ignorance] of this mystery [the Church Age], with the unfortunate result that you might become wise in yourself [thinking you are better than the Jews]: that spiritual blindness [scar tissue of the soul] in part [except for a remnant] has happened to Israel until which time the full measure [from Pentecost to the rapture] of the Gentiles has come in [when the last believer terminates the Church Age],  

 

Rom. 11:26 And as follows, all Israel [true Israel, not national or racial Israel] shall be delivered, just as it stands written [in Isaiah 59:20]: He Who delivers [Jesus Christ] will come from Zion [at the 2nd advent], removing [slaughtering] the impious ones [unbelievers at the baptism of fire] from Jacob [future restoration of Israel].  

 

Rom. 11:27 Also, this is the [new] covenant from Me to them [Israel], at a time [2nd advent] when I have taken away their punishment for sin [removal of the 5th cycle of discipline during the Millennium].  

 

Rom. 11:28 On the one hand, with reference to the gospel, they [Jewish unbelievers] are hostile towards you [Gentile believers]; but on the other hand, with reference to the election, they [believing Jews] are beloved [members of the royal family of God] because of the fathers [Jewish believers during the dispensation of Israel],  

 

Rom. 11:29 For the grace benefits [blessings] and the election from God are irrevocable.   

 

Rom. 11:30 For just as you [Gentiles] did not believe God in times past, but now you have obtained mercy because of their [unbelieving Israel’s] unbelief,   

 

Rom. 11:31 In a similar manner, also, these [unbelieving Jews] have not believed in your time [during the Church Age] of received mercy, so that they also may yet [during the tribulation] receive mercy,   

 

Rom. 11:32 For God has locked them all up [both Jew and Gentile] in unbelief [total inability], so that He might have mercy [by the exercise of His sovereign will] on them all [both Jew and Gentile].   

 

Rom. 11:33 Oh the inexhaustibility of the wealth of both the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How inscrutable [beyond our comprehension] His decrees and untrackable [can’t always follow them] His policies!   

 

Rom. 11:34 For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?   

 

Rom. 11:35 Or who has given in advance to Him [giving as a form of worship], and it shall not be repaid to him?

 

Rom. 11:36 Because the all things [spiritual blessings] are from Him [the source] and through Him [the mechanics] and for Him [the ultimate end], to Whom [Jesus Christ] is the glory unto the ages. Acknowledge it.

 

Rom. 12:1 I urge you, therefore, brethren [members of the royal family], by the rational mercies [unemotional compassion] from God, to place your bodies [persons] under orders [filling of the Spirit] as a living [as opposed to animal] sacrifice, holy [spiritual], acceptable [well-pleasing] to God: your rational and spiritual [mental] worship;

 

Rom. 12:2 Also, stop being conformed [you do it to yourself] to this age [practices and thinking of Satan’s cosmos diabolicos], but be continually transformed [allow the intake and metabolization of Bible doctrine to change your thoughts] by the renewal of the mind [divine guidance through daily Bible study], for the purpose of proving what the will of God is: intrinsically good [divine attributes] and acceptable [well pleasing] and complete [nothing is missing from His plan].

 

Rom. 12:3 For I say to everyone who is among you [members of the royal family], through the grace which has been given to me: Stop thinking of self in terms of arrogance, beyond what he ought to think, but make it a practice to think in terms of sanity for the purpose of being rational without illusion [spiritual common sense], because God has assigned [allocated] to each person a standard of doctrinal thinking.

 

Rom. 12:4 For just as we [members of the royal family] have many members in one body [due to the baptism of the Spirit], and all members do not have the same function [activities and responsibilities],

 

Rom. 12:5 So we [believers in Jesus Christ], the many, are one body in Christ [the Church operating in organic harmony], and individually, parts [members], one belonging to others of the same kind [fellow believers].

 

Rom. 12:6 Therefore, we have different spiritual gifts [God-given talents or ability] according to the grace which has been given [sovereignly bestowed] to us. If public communication, then communicate publicly according to the appropriate word of doctrine;

 

Rom. 12:7 If service [most common spiritual gift], then serve by means of service [attendant, deacon]; If teaching [variations within the gift], then teach by means of accurate doctrine.

 

Rom. 12:8 If counseling [call to one’s side for the purpose of comfort], then counsel by means of encouragement [belongs to a limited group of individuals]; he who gives [pays tribute], let him give with a generous attitude [simplicity]; he who manages administration, let him manage with diligence; he who performs acts of mercy [sympathy], let him perform acts of mercy with graciousness [cheerfulness].

 

Rom. 12:9 Let your virtue love be without hypocrisy [not phony]. Detest evil [Satan’s policy for this world]; adhere to the good [advance to maturity, live the royal family honor code].

 

Rom. 12:10 With brotherly love [relaxed mental attitude] be devoted one to another [fellow believers], with honor [integrity from the royal family honor code] esteeming others of the same kind [fellow believers] more highly than yourself,

 

Rom. 12:11 With reference to application [of doctrine], do not be negligent [fulfill your priestly function]; with reference to the Spirit, be eager [make the most of every opportunity]; when serving the Lord [as an ambassador of Christ],

 

Rom. 12:12 Maintain inner happiness associated with confidence; stand fast [faith rest drill] during pressure [undeserved suffering or divine discipline]; persevere in prayer;

 

Rom. 12:13 Take an interest [participate] in the things that are lacking [spiritual needs] with reference to the saints; be pursuing hospitality [refreshment].

 

Rom. 12:14 Speak well [maintain objectivity] of those who persecute [press on] you; keep on speaking well and stop cursing [sins of the tongue].

 

Rom. 12:15 Be happy with those who are happy; weep [have sympathy] with those who are weeping [hurting or suffering].

 

Rom. 12:16 Be of the same mind [similar opinions] one to another [fellow Christians], not setting your mind upon ambitious things, but become accustomed to [accommodate] inconsequential people. Stop being wise in your own estimation [arrogance].

 

Rom. 12:17 Render [pay back] to no one evil [malice] in exchange for evil. Repect honorable things [laws of divine establishment] in the presence of all men.

 

Rom. 12:18 If it is possible [if you have the capacity], that is, from within you [from the doctrinal resources in your soul], be at peace with all men.

 

Rom. 12:19 Stop avenging yourselves [seeking justice against an opponent], brethren, but give place [an opportunity] for His wrath, for it stands written: Punishment [justice] is Mine, I will repay [retribution], says the Lord.

 

Rom. 12:20 Nevertheless, if your enemy [hostile person] hungers [for spiritual food], then feed him; if he thirsts [for the Word of God], then give him a drink, for by doing this you will heap [pile up] coals of fire [burning embers] upon his head [causing him to have remorse and shame].

 

Rom. 12:21 Stop being conquered [overcome] by evil [Satan’s cosmic system], but conquer [be victorious over] evil by means of good [application of Bible doctrine].

 

Rom. 13:1 Let every soul [Christian in Rome] be under the authority of the governing authorities which are higher [ranking], for there is no authority that is not from God, and those which exist have been ordained [determined] by God.

 

Rom. 13:2 Therefore, he [reversionist Christian] who resists [Roman] authority opposes the ordinance [divine edict] of God; in fact, those who resist [oppose legitimate Roman authority] shall receive discipline [Roman judicial punishment] upon themselves;

 

Rom. 13:3 Certainly, the governing authorities [legitimate Roman officials] should never [according to the true intent of their office] be a threat to good production [free enterprise capitalism], but to evil production [socialism & the welfare state]. Therefore, you should not feel threatened by governing authorities: keep on producing good [adhering to laws of the land] and you should receive recognition from it [if the government is functioning according to divine principles],

 

Rom. 13:4 For he [the governing Roman official] is a civil servant from God to you for your benefit [protects your personal freedom]. But if you are continually producing evil, be afraid, for it [the judicial branch of government] does not wield a two-edged sword [the death penalty] to no purpose, because he is a civil servant from God, an avenger of discipline [legitimate instrument for administering punishment] upon the one [criminal] who produces evil [violates the rights and freedoms of law-abiding citizens].

 

Rom. 13:5 Therefore, you should by necessity [to avoid distress and calamity] be subordinate to the governing authorities [in Rome], not only because of the punishment [fear of reprisal], but also because of the conscience [it’s the common sense thing to do].

 

Rom. 13:6 For this reason, you should also keep paying taxes, because they are God’s delegated representatives [civil servants] who continually attend [full-time career] upon this thing [public service].

 

Rom. 13:7 Render to everyone their dues [pay your bills]: taxes to whom taxes are due; import duties to whom import duties are due; respect to whom respect is due; honor to whom honor is due.

 

Rom. 13:8 Owe no man anything [don’t be in debt to anyone], if not [except] to love one another of the same kind [friends]; moreover, he who loves another of a different kind [strangers] has fulfilled the law.

 

Rom. 13:9 For example [short list of criminal acts against freedom]: You shall not commit adultery, You shall not commit murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet, and if there is another of a different kind of mandate [Church Age mandate as opposed to Mosaic commandment], it is summed up in this principle: You shall love [tolerance and relaxed mental attitude] your neighbor [fellow man] as yourself [according to high standards].

 

Rom. 13:10 Virtue love does not produce evil towards his fellow man, therefore, the fulfillment of the law is virtue love.

 

Rom. 13:11 Also, you must have a systematic understanding of this dispensation [the Church Age], that the hour has arrived for you to be roused [reversion recovery] out of thoughtless indolence [spiritual lethargy], for at this present time [during the Church Age], salvation [glorification salvation] is nearer for us than when we came to believe [justification salvation].

 

Rom. 13:12 The night [spiritual darkness; life on earth] has advanced, furthermore,the day [spiritual light; death or the rapture] is approaching. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness [production from the cosmic system], then clothe ourselves with the armor [Bible doctrine] of light [production from the filling of the Spirit].

 

Rom. 13:13 Let us walk honorably [according to the royal family honor code] in the light of eternity, not in wild behavior [emotional revolt] or unrestrained revelry [drinking bouts], nor in illicit sexual activity or licentiousness [unacceptable flirtation], nor in quarreling or envy,

 

Rom. 13:14 But instead, clothe [empower] yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop making provision for the flesh [old sin nature] because of lust.

 

Rom. 14:1 Moreover, accept [in one’s circle of acquaintances] the person [ignorant reversionist] who is weak in doctrine [deficient due to arrogance and lack of motivation] without the intent of quarreling about opinions [avoid theological debates].

 

Rom. 14:2 On the one hand, the person [mature believer] who has doctrine [is strong in the faith] may as a result eat all things [absence of legalism], but on the other hand, the person [immature believer] because of weakness [lacks doctrine in the soul] makes it a practice to eat vegetables [presence of legalism].

 

Rom. 14:3 The person [mature believer] who eats everything must not treat with contempt the person [immature believer] who does not eat [vegetarian]; furthermore, the person who does not eat [vegetarian] must not judge the person [mature believer] who eats everything, for God accepts him [receives the meat-eater in fellowship].

 

Rom. 14:4 Who are you [weak believer] who keeps on judging another member of the same household [fellow believer]? He stands firm [advances in the spiritual life] or falls down [becomes a spiritual casualty] by means of his own Lord [Jesus Christ]. Yes, he shall be supported, for the Lord has the power to cause him to stand [He doesn’t need help from a legalist].

 

Rom. 14:5 On the one hand, a person [weak believer] may distinguish a day [designates Sunday as the “Lord’s Day”] over a day [every other day of the week]. On the other hand, a person [strong believer] may prefer all days [every day is a day for doctrine, not just Sunday]. Let each person be fully assured in his own thinking [flexibility according to one’s level of spiritual growth].

 

Rom. 14:6 The person [strong believer] who observes the day [any day] regards it unto the Lord. Moreover, the person [strong believer] who eats [all categories of meat], eats unto the Lord, for he gives thanks to God. Moreover, the person [weak believer] who does not eat [vegetarian], does not eat [all categories of meat] unto the Lord, but gives thanks unto God [for his vegetables].

 

Rom. 14:7 For none of us [believers] should live for himself [blessing by association is our goal]; moreover, none [believers] should die for himself [dying grace is our goal].

 

Rom. 14:8 For when we are living [the spiritual life] we should be living [providing blessings by association to others] unto the Lord, and when we are dying [approaching physical death], we should be dying [providing dying grace benefits to others] unto the Lord. Therefore, whether we are living or whether we are dying, we should be the Lord’s.

 

Rom. 14:9 For Christ died [spiritual death on the cross] and lived [resurrection life] towards this purpose, so that He might become Lord [the ruling power] over both the dying ones [those in dying grace status] and the ones who are living [imparting blessings by association due to momentum in their spiritual life].

 

Rom. 14:10 But you [the self-righeous, immature believer], why do you judge your brother [the strong believer]? Or you [the strong, mature believer], again, why do you treat your brother [the weak believer] with contempt? For we shall all [both weak and strong, immature and mature] stand before the judgment seat of God [for rewards].

 

Rom. 14:11 For it stands written [in Isaiah 45:23]: “As I live,” says the Lord, “every knee shall bow to Me [worship Jesus Christ], also every tongue shall confess [their sins] to God [the Father].”

 

Rom. 14:12 Consequently, therefore, each one of us shall give an account concerning himself [for the purpose of receiving rewards] to God [the Father].

 

Rom. 14:13 Therefore, let us not judge one another of the same kind [fellow believers], but instead let us consider this: Let no one put an obstacle or a distraction in front of a brother [a weak believer].

 

Rom. 14:14 I know for certain and have received confidence in the Lord Jesus that nothing [category of food] is unclean by itself, except to him [the weak believer] who presumes something to be unclean – to him it is unclean.

 

Rom. 14:15 For if your brother is distracted because of food [dietary taboos], then you are no longer walking [conducting your Christian way of life] according to the standard of virtue love. Do not contribute to the ruin [destroyed spiritual life] of a person [weak believer] on behalf of whom Christ died.

 

Rom. 14:16 Therefore, do not allow your privilege [of grace-oriented eating & drinking] to be maligned,

 

Rom. 14:17 For the royal power [essence of the Cristian way of life] of God does not consist of eating and drinking [external rituals], but righteousness [imputed at salvation] and prosperity [imputed at maturity] and inner happiness [imputed upon the attainment of supergrace status] by means of the Holy Spirit,

 

Rom. 14:18 Because the person who serves Christ in this manner [spiritual rather than material] is well thought of by God [as a result of a successful priesthood] and respected by men [as a result of a successful ambassadorship].

 

Rom. 14:19 Consequently, then, let us continue to pursue prosperous things [those that provide spiritual momentum], especially those related to the edification complex [doctrinal structure in the soul] from which comes blessing to each other of the same kind [encourage fellow believers to pursue spiritual protocol].

 

Rom. 14:20 Stop interfering with the plan of God [replacing the principles of grace mechanics with legalism] for the sake of food [unimportant external precepts]. On the one hand, all things [categories of food] are clean [sanctified by God through prayer], but on the other hand, evil for the man [strong believer] who eats with offense [flaunting his spiritual freedom in front of a weak believer].

 

Rom. 14:21 It is good protocol [beneficial to the weak believer] to abstain from eating meat, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything else [within context] by means of which your brother [weak believer] might stumble.

 

Rom. 14:22 With reference to the doctrine which you [the mature believer] possess: Keep holding it within yourself before God. The person [mature believer] who does not place a guilt complex on himself by the things he previously approved [accepts after testing] is happy [free from religious scruples],

 

Rom. 14:23 But the person [weak believer] who puts a guilt complex upon himself [over some taboo] is condemned [guilty by his own conscience] if he eats [meat], because it [eating meat] is not out from doctrine as the source [of his norms & standards] and everything [categories of food & drink] which is not eaten out from doctrine as the source [of his norms & standards] is sin [guilt as a mental attitude sin].

 

Rom. 15:1 Now, we [believers with doctrinal norms & standards], the strong ones [mature believers], are obligated [spiritual responsibility] to keep on bearing the weaknesses [immaturity] of the spiritually impotent ones [weak believers], not making it a practice to accommodate ourselves [we should forgo some elements of our spiritual freedom when around weak believers].

 

Rom. 15:2 Let each one of us [mature believers] accommodate his fellow man [courtesy & good manners toward those in your periphery] for the purpose of the good [divine protocol plan] towards an edification complex [helping them build a spiritual structure in their souls],

 

Rom. 15:3 For even Christ did not accommodate Himself, but as it stands written [in Psalm 69:9]: The insults of those [unbelievers] who reviled You [God the Father] came to fall upon Me [Jesus Christ].

 

Rom. 15:4 Moreover, everything [in the Old Testament] written in earlier times [during the Age of Israel] was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and through encouragement from the Scriptures, we might repeatedly obtain confidence.

 

Rom. 15:5 Now, may the God of perseverance and encouragement reward you [members of the royal family] with the same thinking [establishment principles & doctrinal rationales] one with another [function of impersonal love] according to the standards of Christ Jesus [divine viewpoint], 

Rom. 15:6 So that with one motivation [unanimous accord] by one message [Bible doctrine from one’s pastor-teacher] you might honor God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Rom. 15:7 Therefore, keep on receiving one another of the same kind [fellow believers], just as Christ also received us: for the glory of God [the Father].

 

Rom. 15:8 For I report: Christ was made a minister to the circumcision [Israel] on behalf of the Truth [doctrine] of God, so that He might confirm [guarantee] the promises [the unfulfilled, unconditional covenants] unto the fathers [the O.T. writers],

 

Rom. 15:9 And so that on behalf of mercy, the Gentiles might praise the reputation of God [Jesus Christ], just as it stands written [in Psalm 18:49]: Because of this [deliverance from enemies], I [David] will praise You [the Father] among the Gentiles, and I will sing hymns to Your Name [the Lord Jesus Christ].

 

Rom. 15:10 And again [in Deut. 32:43] he [Moses] said: Be of good cheer, Gentiles, with His people [the Jews of Israel].

 

Rom. 15:11 And again [in Psalm 117:1]: Keep on praising the Lord, all you Gentiles; in fact, let all the people applaud [with maximum doctrine in the soul] Him [Jesus Christ].

 

Rom. 15:12 And again [in Isaiah 11:10], Isaiah said: There shall be a Rootsprout [Jesus Christ in hypostatic union] of Jesse [emphasizes His humanity], even He [Jesus Christ] Who will arise [bodily resurrection] to rule over the Gentiles [from the 2nd advent through the millennium]; upon Him the Gentiles [mature ones] will have confidence.

 

Rom. 15:13 Now, may the God [Jesus Christ] of absolute confidence [justification salvation] fill you [transfer doctrine from the left to the right lobe of the soul] to the point of overflowing [sanctification salvation] with every category of inner happiness and prosperity [as a result of spiritual advance] by means of what [Bible doctrine] we believe, so that it [every category of inner happiness & prosperity] may continue to abound to you in absolute confidence [supergrace status] by means of the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Rom. 15:14 In fact, even I myself am convinced concerning you [mature believers in Rome], my brethren, that you [positive believers] are full of goodness [fruits of the Spirit], having been filled to the point of overflowing [abundantly instructed in doctrine] with all categories of  knowledge [systematic theology], also having the ability to have a corrective influence over one another of the same kind [assisting fellow believers without invading their privacy].

   

Rom. 15:15 Consequently [because of your mature spiritual status], I write to you rather boldly on certain points, as one who is continually stirring up your minds to remembrance [repetition] because of that grace [communication gift] which was given to me by God,

 

Rom. 15:16 So that I might be a minister [spiritual communicator] of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles [primary emphasis], ministering the good news [preaching the gospel & teaching doctrine] about God, so that as a result, the offering, the Gentiles, might become acceptable, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

 

Rom. 15:17 Therefore, I continually hold my espirit de corps [reason for boasting] in Christ Jesus upon the things [doctrines] pertaining to God. 

 

Rom. 15:18 For I will not presume to speak about anything [my various missionary activities] which Christ has not accomplished through me, with a view to promoting obedience [authority orientation from Bible doctrine] to the Gentiles, by word [doctrinal communication] and occupation [professionalism in the ministry], 

 

Rom. 15:19 By the power of signs [remarkable events directed towards the Jews] and wonders [terrifying portents caused by God to impress the Gentiles] in the power of the Spirit, so that I have traveled from Jerusalem on a circuitous route, even as far as Illyricum [east of Italy], in order to bring to completion [proclaim to the remotest areas of the Roman Empire] the gospel of Christ. 

 

Rom. 15:20 In fact, in this way [operating as an itinerant preacher], I consider it an honor to proclaim the gospel, not where Christ has already been mentioned [evangelical function], so that I might not build upon the foundation belonging to another man of the same kind [policy of non-interference with other missionaries]. 

 

Rom. 15:21 Moreover, just as it stands written [in Isaiah 52:15]: They [people in remote geographical locations] shall see Him [Jesus Christ], with reference to Whom an announcement had never been made [no prior gospel preaching], and whoever has not heard [those in remote locations], will understand [comprehend the gospel and believe in Christ]. 

 

Rom. 15:22 Also, as a matter of fact, I was detained [sidetracked] many times from coming to you. 

Rom. 15:23 But now [his ministry having reached the eastern edge of the Empire], having no more place [converts] in these regions, and having a desire to come to you [for some rest & relaxation] for many years, 

 

Rom. 15:24 As soon as I depart for Spain, for I expect to see you when I pass through [only a short visit in Rome] and to be escorted to that place by you [accompanied and partially supported financially], if first [prior to his departure to Spain] I become sufficiently satisfied with you [happy with their spiritual progress], 

 

Rom. 15:25 But now [in emotional reversionism], I am going to travel to Jerusalem for the purpose of ministering to the saints [Jewish believers].  

 

Rom. 15:26 For [according to Paul’s rationalization] the Macedonians and Achaians were pleased to make a considerable contribution [charity] for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.  

 

Rom. 15:27 Indeed [Paul’s administrative distraction], they were very pleased, in so far as they [the Macedonians and Achaians] are debtors [obligated] to them [the Jews], for since the Gentiles are partakers of their spiritual blessings [from Pentecost to the rapture of the Church], they are obligated [by the royal family honor code] also to minister to them [the Jews] with material blessings.  

 

Rom. 15:28 Therefore, after I have accomplished this [charitable business transaction], and have placed in their hands [safely delivered] this sum of money [charitable fruit], I will come to [depart for] Spain for your benefit.  

 

Rom. 15:29 Then [after going to Jerusalem] I know that when I come to you, I will be coming with a full measure of the blessing of Christ.  

 

Rom. 15:30 Now I implore you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the virtue love from the Spirit: Strive together [fight alongside] with me in your prayers to God [the Father] on my behalf.  

 

Rom. 15:31 So that I may be delivered [rescued] from those [who remember his previous persecution of their friends and family when he was Saul the Pharisee] who are disobedient in Judea [hypocrisy: Paul himself is being disobedient], and that my contribution for Jerusalem may be welcome to the saints [Jewish believers].  

 

Rom. 15:32 So that by coming to you with inner happiness [presumably due to his getting his way] through the will of God [arrogant presumption], I might find rest [relaxation] together with you.  

 

Rom. 15:33 Now, may the God of prosperity be with you all. Acknowledge it.   

 

Rom. 16:1 Now, I introduce to you [vouch for] Phoebe, our sister, who is an agent [courier: she carried this epistle from Corinth to Rome] of the assembly at Kengchrea [eastern harbor of Corinth]:    

 

Rom. 16:2 Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints [according to the royal family honor code], and please assist her in whatever matter [business transaction] she might need of you, for she has also been an administrative assistant [patron] for many, even on behalf of myself.    

 

Rom. 16:3 Salute Prisca and Aquila my fellow-workers [traveling husband & wife tent-makers] in Christ Jesus,    

 

Rom. 16:4 Who on behalf of my life, risked their own necks, concerning whom not only I give thanks, but also all manner of Gentile assemblies.     

 

Rom. 16:5 Also salute their local assembly [home church]. Salute Epaenetus my beloved, who is the first-fruit [Paul’s first convert in that region] from Asia [western Turkey] for Christ.      

 

Rom. 16:6 Salute Mary, who has labored greatly [to the point of exhaustion] for you.      

 

Rom. 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my cousins, even my fellow-prisoners, who are honored among the missionaries and who became Christians [were converted] before me.

 

Rom. 16:8 Salute Ampliatus, my beloved [one of Paul’s converts] in the Lord.

 

Rom. 16:9 Salute Urbanus [city-bred, freed slave], our fellow-worker in Christ, and Stachus, my beloved.

 

Rom. 16:10 Salute Apelles [a Jew named after the famous tragic actor], approved in Christ. Salute those [slaves] belonging to Aristobulus [grandson of Herod]. 

 

Rom. 16:11 Salute Herodion [Jewish believer named after his master Herod], my fellow countryman. Salute those [slaves] belonging to Narcissus [who was put to death by Agrippa]. 

 

Rom. 16:12 Salute [twin sisters] Tryphena [dainty] and Tryphosa [delicate], who labor continuously to the point of exhaustion in the Lord. Salute Persis the beloved, who has labored to the point of exhaustion with reference to many things [multi-talented] in the Lord. 

 

Rom. 16:13 Salute Rufus [son of Simon, the man who carried the Lord’s cross], chosen by the Lord, also his mother and mine [praising her maternal care].  

 

Rom. 16:14 Salute Asyncritus [freedman of Augustus], Philegon [burning with energy], Hermes, Patrobas [former slave of Nero], Hermas, and the brethren with them.  

 

Rom. 16:15 Salute Philologus [former slave to the aunt of Julius Caesar] and Julia [his wife], Nereus [their teenage daughter] and his [Philologus’] sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them.  

 

Rom. 16:16 Salute one another of the same kind [believers] with a holy kiss [handshake and the exercise of impersonal love]. All the assemblies of Christ salute you.  

 

Rom. 16:17 Now, I urge you, brethren [mature believers], to mark [keep your eyes on] those who cause dissentions [encourage divisions] and arouse opposition [create theological problems] contrary to the doctrine which you have learned for the purpose of practicing. In fact, keep on separating from them [keep them at a distance],  

 

Rom. 16:18 For they [reversionistic false teachers] are of such a category of individuals who do not serve our Lord Christ, but rather their own emotions [base interests]; furthermore, by a smooth sales job [plausible speech] and flattery [false eloquence], they repeatedly deceive the minds of the unsuspecting [those without doctrine: the clueless].  

 

Rom. 16:19 Of course, your authority orientation [obedience] has been reported to everyone [wide distribution], therefore, I am very happy [inspired] with you; however [obedience is not enough], I want you to become wise [you must have maximum Bible doctrine in the soul] with respect to good [divine protocol], and unravaged [untouched] with respect to evil [Satan’s cosmic system].  

 

Rom. 16:20 In fact, the God of prosperity will crush Satan under your feet shortly [at the 2nd advent]. May the [victorious] grace from our Lord Jesus be with you.  

 

Rom. 16:21 Timothy, my fellow-worker, salutes you, as well as Lucius [the Cyrene from Acts 31:1], Jason [a successful businessman], and Sosipater [who accompanied Paul on his ill-designed trip to Jerusalem], my fellow countrymen [Jewish relative].  

 

Rom. 16:22 I, Tertius, who have written this epistle [as Paul’s amanuensis], salute you in the Lord.  

Rom. 16:23 Gaius, my host and of the entire assembly [his house was their church], salutes you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, salutes you, as well as Quartus his brother.  

 

Rom. 16:25 Now, to Him [God the Father] Who is able to strengthen you [logistical grace support] in accordance with my gospel [Paul’s divinely commissioned message], the proclamation pertaining to Jesus Christ, in accordance with the revelation [disclosure] of the mystery [of the Church Age] which has been concealed through times eternal [past dispensations],  

 

Rom. 16:26 But now [during the Church Age] has been revealed, through the prophetic writings [the canon at the time of Paul], in accordance with the decree of the eternal God, having been revealed to all Gentiles [in the new dispensation] for the purpose of obedience [to the plan of God] from doctrine [obedience to the Christian faith as a system of Truth].  

 

Rom. 16:27 To God, alone wise [omniscient] through Jesus Christ [the revelation of the wisdom of God], to Whom is glory unto the ages [forever]. Acknowledge it.