GRACE UNVEILED: “All Under Sin,” #7 | Jim Hammond
Recap
Pastor Jim delivered his seventh installment in his series on the book of Romans, entitled, “Grace Unveiled.” The first three chapters of Romans focus explicitly on the definition of sin. “Because,” as Pastor Jim says, “if you don’t understand what sin is, you will not understand the solution to the sin problem.” Paul wanted them to understand that all of mankind has a sin problem, and no matter who you are, you will never, ever be able to achieve righteousness through your own merit. If doesn’t matter if you’re a secular pagan who worships Zeus or a religious Jew who strictly follows the law, God will never see you as righteous through your own effort.
Dive Deeper
Scholars think the first three chapters of Romans are the most complete description and explanation of sin in the whole Bible, giving a detailed definition of what sin is exactly and then gives a remedy for our sin nature.
Brief outline of Romans:
Chapters 1, 2, and 3 give a detailed description of sin.
Chapters 4 and 5, Paul is working up to the subject of salvation.
Chapters 6, 7, and 8 deal with sanctification, as in what does it mean and what it has to do with salvation.
Chapters 9, 10, and 11 are dispensational and demolish the heresy called “Replacement Theology.”
Before the Holocaust, Germany was consumed with Replacement Theology. It was the key component to how they ended up murdering Jewish people. Replacement Theology has to do with the idea that the Jewish people lost their place in God because they rejected their Messiah and crucified Him; therefore, they lost the promises of God. Churches in America believe the church has replaced the Jewish people. However, the book of Romans demolishes that belief.
Chapter 9 covers Israel’s past. Chapter 10 is about the present. Chapter 11 is about the future.
The book of Romans was written around 56 or 57 AD. The Jews were caught up in the activity of “working” religion. For the first century Jews, any desire to have a relationship with God was pushed aside in their desire to fulfill traditions and rituals.
Rom. 3:1–2, “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.”
In regard to verse 2, commentators interpret it to mean that because we got the Word of God through the Jews, they are advantaged. Which is true, but that is not what this verse means.
The Greek word for “oracles” is logian. It means “promises that are divine.” The meaning is further expounded to say the promises cannot be taken back. Meaning, no matter what the Jews do, the promises of God to them are irrevocable. This one verse of scripture alone knocks down the Replacement Theology.
Replacement Theology is also referred to as Reconstruction Theology or Kingdom Now. Some call themselves Dominionists.
“…to them were committed the oracles of God.” It was committed to the Jewish people to keep and record the oracles of God. Their ability to preserve and record the Word of God is breathtaking. A testament to their record-keeping skills is evidenced in the “Dead Sea Scrolls.” These ancient scrolls of the book of Isaiah were placed in caves over a thousand years ago. When found, the scrolls were compared to the modern-day King James translation, and there was only a three-letter difference.
Read About It
Rom. 3:1–5, “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, and may overcome when You are judged.”
Discussion Questions
If someone were to ask you to define sin, how would you describe it.
Why does God reject the idea that we can be righteous through our own works?
What is Replacement Theology and why should we reject it?