Grace Gosple of Christ Romans

Righteousness = (equity (just, right) (of character or act) just character, right act, acts, steps, unmeritorious works)

Faith = Strong’s Concordance 4102. persuasion, credence; mor. conviction of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or religious teacher)

Gospel of Christ, Power of God unto Salvation

Good News of Christ, power of God unto salvation, therein is the righteousness.

Rom 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel (good news) of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness (equity (just, right) of character or act, right acts, steps, unmeritorious works) of God revealed from faith (God's persuasion) to faith (God's persuasion): as it is written, The just shall live by faith (God's persuasion).

Wrath of God is Revealed Against All Men
Who Hold (possess) the Truth in Unrighteousness

In Roms 1:18, Paul selects the word hold, in the Strong's Exhaustive concordance its rendered either suppress or possess.

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (possess) the truth in unrighteousness

Hold = Strongs concordance 2722, to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively):--have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold.

Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest (actions, teachings of the old testament, in prophets, messengers of God) in them (unto them in other translations, among them in the Geek interlinear ); for God hath shewed it unto them.

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

    The King James version ( original version) bible allows the reader to discern which word usage is used. In the New King James Version, they have taken away from the reader, his options to choose which word usage Paul is using in Romans 1:18, by replacing the word "hold" with the word "suppress" in the verse. Many have taken Romans 1:18 using the word suppress written in more modern day translations, skipped over the words which may be known of God is manifest in them (actions, teachings of the old testament, in prophets, messengers) for God hath shewed it unto them, and only perceive in their minds the words the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse. Instead of seeing Paul was describing a combination of truth, they only put their sights on the latter. In so doing they jumped early on, to a mere appearance of free will, from the beginning of Romans, and ran with it through the rest of the letter.
    They reason to themselves and others that men suppress the truth that comes from observing creation alone, that all men are without excuse for not believing and obeying God. They reason further to themselves and others there must be "free will" being all men were given a chance to choose God, by simply only seeing evidence of God in creation.
    If this was the case, then people 1500 or 3,000 years ago in china, in North America and South America, all by simply looking at creation, could of known God, his truth (knowledge, grace, judgments), to be saved. That if they would of simple choose God, by only knowing him through seeing creation, they would be saved. Which by itself observing creation, without the combination of the word of God (grace, election) manifested in them, to be saved wasn't a reality, they could not be saved simply by observing creation.
    Paul is not teaching a concept of free will, instead Paul is describing the man who possess the truth, such as himself had, and men of Israel who held, possess the truth in unrighteousness, (word of God) manifest in them, of the old testament, that the wrath of God is revealed against. An exhortation for both Jew and gentile who been giving the truth, manifest in them the gospel.

First Category Men Possess Truth in Unrighteousness

We will notice Paul mentions homosexuality, some jump to the false thinking Paul must be speaking of Gentiles.

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Instead we find all the types of sins mention above including homosexuality in Jewish history when the Jews possess the truth (word of God) manifest in them, in unrighteousness. Where in the old testament the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of Jews, who hold (possess) the truth in unrighteousness. Also the wrath of God will come upon men (gentiles) who hold (possess) the truth in unrighteousness, which is known of God is manifested in them, combined with seeing the invisible things of him from creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things are made, his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Why did Paul use the word " men" instead of the word "Jews" my best guess is Paul didn't want the Jews and gentiles to see this exclusive to Jews, but an exhortation, a rebuke for all men. To the Jew who read this of Paul, the Jew knowing Jewish history of sin, would of been humbled and exhorted, to the gentile who read this, would of seen such sin in his society, would been exhorted.

I Kings 14:22: And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done. 23: For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. 24: And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. 25: And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem: 26: And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

I kings 15:9: And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah.

I kings 15:11: And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father. 12: And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.

I kings 22:41: And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.

I kings 22:43: And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places. 44: And Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.

I kings 22:46: And the remnant of the sodomites, which remained in the days of his father Asa, he took out of the land.

II Kings 22:8: And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it.

II Kings 22:10: And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. 11: And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. .

II Kings 23:1: And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. 2: And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD.

II Kings 23:7: And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove.

II Kings 23:20: And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem.

The verses Roms 1:18-32 does not bear out an observation supporting free will, instead Paul will give a detailed explaintion on predestination later in the book of Romans. The usage Paul used is "possess", Paul is describing people who possess the word of God particularly when the Israelites, Jews, who had the written accounts of the old testament in their hands to read and heard, in the prophets, messengers manifesting his will, his knowledge and judgments (law of sin and death), combined with the persuasion by the things that God made, his eternal power and Godhead, these people are the ones without excuse. This is a warning for the newly welcomed gentiles in the spiritual kingdom, new convenant of God, if gentiles do the same as the Israelites who held, possess the truth in unrighteousness, they will also fall under the wrath of God. Which becomes one of the themes in the book of Romans, shall we continue in sin that grace increase? God forbid. To show further evidence this is the situation, notice verse 28 and 32, where it shows they had God in their knowledge and who knowing the judgment of God.

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Second Category Men Possess Truth in Unrighteousness

Paul then shows another type of man, who thinks if he judges another, he will escape the judgment while doing the same sins he condemns in others. That God will be pleased with him. Instead of repenting of his sin, he despises the riches of God's goodness and forbearance and long-suffering, this goodness of God is to lead him to repentance. Instead the man is only treasuring up the wrath of God that will eventually come upon himself.

Romans 2:1: Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2: But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3: And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4: Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5: But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6: Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

Third Category Men Possess Truth Seeking Eternal life

Romans 2:7: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

No Respect of Persons In Respect to Law

As for how God held people who had absolutely no knowledge of his word, judgments, the law of Moses. These people will still be condemned, even though they weren't aware of knowledge of his word, judgments, Moses Law. Paul writes these are condemned by their very laws they do by nature, same as also contained in the law of Moses. This is not saying anyone is justified to the point of fully righteous in God's eyes, salvation, but only that the gentile nations had laws unto themselves, that equaled to the law of Moses. Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. The gentile with his own law can be justified over the Jew who rest in and violates the law (Moses law of sin and death).

Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons (meaning it's not by class, prominence one has reached, own will, own devised works, person, nationality, God will judge either who breaks the law of sin and death.) with God.

Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another; 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Paul's Summary, Men Possess Truth in Unrighteousness

Paul in his writings, has a way of summing up the things he just written, to clarify. Where their may be questions, he writes in a more condense way, slightly different from the first but meaning the same thing, adding a few more pieces of information. In Romans 3:1-4 Paul writes of the Jew, his advantage they were given the oracles of God. Even so its an advantage and some Jews are unfaithful, don't make the faith (God's persuasion) of God without effect. This is further clarification that Paul in Romans 1:18 is speaking about Jewish history, who the Jews had the truth of God, which may be know of God is manifest in them, combined with seeing the invisible things of him from creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things are made, his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 3:1: What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2: Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3: For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4: God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Paul again returns to the second category men in unrighteousness, the man who condemns others, while doing the same sins.

Romans3:5: But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6: God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7: For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8: And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

       It is interesting to note, that in 100-300 years, the very think Paul warns of possessing the truth in unrighteousness, will come true among the gentiles, particularly the Romans. When one particular group will begin to set up without biblical authority an earthy centralized religious headquarters in Rome, returning to a literal priest system from the old testament (introducing a concept forbidding them to marry, not even contained in the old testament priest) and proclaim one man as supreme leader, the pope, surrounding him with a mesmerizing part temple, part palace, throne to rule supreme, outside of the authority of Christ and his apostles. Where the priest and pope will establish conjured up traditions, precepts of man, making void the word God.
    Then another particular group to counteract the first unauthorized group, will also set up a centralized religious hierarchy, called themselves protestants, who will also establish conjured up traditions, precepts of man, making void the word of God.
    Each of these two groups will attack independent congregations having no centralized religious hierarchy, but claiming Christ alone and his apostles teachings, as their authority and guidance in the spiritual matters of the church.

Law of Works (Moses) None Righteous, No, Not One

Either having the law of Moses or Gentiles having their own law, either Jew or Gentile can be justified to a point over one another in God's eyes, the doer of the law on either side. Even so either one is never justified to the point that they are fully righteous in God's eyes by any law of sin and death. The Jew or Gentile by any law of sin and death, can never achieve full justification, to be reckoned alive to God, for through the law (Moses law) cometh the knowledge of sin, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.
There is none righteous, no, not one, no flesh can boast, glory in self, saying I by Moses law defining sin and death, works of the law or laboring of man's devising, to be justified in his sight.

The nation of Israel

1. Laws define sin and death, these laws made no man righteous, instead revealed all men as sinners deserving death.

Rom 3:10-20 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips: Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet [are] swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery [are] in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law (Moses Law) saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin. For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.

When Paul says in Romans we are not justified, saved by works, the works Paul is describing are concerning primarily the works from laws of Moses defining sin and death, and any works conjured up, these works, no man is justified in God's sight.

2. Laws (righteousness) concerning sacrifice, combined with faith and repentance, forgave sin, but had no long term purging of sin, to keep men from sinning later. Then later more Grace (unmeritorious provisions, righteousness) abound in Prophets, they who had faith (God's persuasion) and repentance, walked in the Prophets righteousness were justified.

Heb 10:1-4 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins (as to take away sins permanently, sins returned year after year).

3. Laws related to circumcism, was only a sign, seal that many times was false, many Israelites had not have faith (God's persuasion) had not repentance, combined with sacrifices to justify them of their sins.

Moses circumcision was only a sign, seal, witnessing, with hands written with a knife the removal of a part of flesh of 8 day old boys (not having faith), of possible future removal of sins, forgiveness of sins, through steps of faith (God's persuasion). The primary purpose witnessing their children of the faith of Israel (previously named Jacob) and Abraham. However, most were not children of faith, of God, they did not develop the faith (God's persuasion), spiritual circumcision, of Israel (previously named Jacob) and Abraham.
Circumcision done by hands, was a witness, written on the flesh, but not the actual spiritual circumcision, removal of sins, justification for forgiveness of sins, as with Abraham's walk, through steps of faith (persuasion) was circumcised without hands, removal of his sins, justified, reckoned righteousness years before. Abraham received his circumcision of his flesh, to witness he was spiritually circumcised earlier. The nation of Israel was established by God, contained both types, some who would walk in steps of faith (God's persuasion) and some who would not walk in steps of faith. Both type of infants were circumcised, to witness they were of Israel and that the sin's hardness would be removed from hearts, but only the ones who would develop faith (God's persuasion), walked in the steps of faith (God's persuasion), had their sins removed. These were the true children of God, children of the faith (God's persuasion) of Israel and Abraham. Only a remnant, small group, had faith (God's persuasion).

Rom 9:6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Rom 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

Roms 9:27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

Many of the leaders of the nation of Israel and men under them, claimed they were circumcised children of Abraham , but had not the faith (God's persuasion), did not walk in the steps of faith (God's persuasion) of Israel (previously named Jacob) and Abraham, the hardness of sin remained upon their hearts, they killed the prophets and eventually they would kill Jesus Christ, for they wanted an earthy kingdom having earthly boundaries, adoration from people, not the adoration from God. This earthly kingdom and sacrifices was a temporary covenant of God with man.

The savior Jesus christ, his kingdom was confirmed, establish on the day of Pentecost, a spiritual kingdom only, having no earthly boundaries, but spiritual laws of faith (God's persuasion), to justify men through the act of baptism (water immersion) in the name of Jesus, a step of faith (God's persuasion), for forgiveness of sins. A spiritual circumcision, once for all through the perfect sacrifice to justify and to purify, purge them from continuing sinning. Jesus a perfect high priest forever sitting at the right hand of God, providing to them who walk in the steps of faith (God's persuasion), justification for sins and empowering men in his spiritual teachings, in the life of christ, how not to sin, maturing, so there be no more continually sinning year after year and sacrifices over and over .

The covenant of faith (God's persuasion) is to bring an end to sin in christians.

Heb: 7-21 Then said I, Lo, I am come (In the roll of the book it is written of me) To do thy will, O God. Saying above, Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein (the which are offered according to the law), Heb: 9 then hath he said, Lo, I am come to do thy will. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest indeed standeth day by day ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, the which can never take away sins: but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; henceforth expecting till his enemies be made the footstool of his feet. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also beareth witness to us; for after he hath said, This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws on their heart, And upon their mind also will I write them; then saith he, And their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Heb: 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a great priest over the house of God;

I John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

God brought an end to the first convenant sacrifice of animals and establish a second covenant, righteousness, an exceedingly abounding of Grace, Christ as the perfect sacrifice and his commands, steps of faith, working of God, to receive his justification in baptism (water immersion) Roms 6:7 for we who hath died, is justified from sin.

Grace God Set Forth
(unmeritorious provisions, righteousness, acts, steps)

Rom 3:21-23 But now the righteousness of God without the law (Moses Law of sin and death) is manifested (through Jesus), being witnessed by the law and the prophets; the righteousness of God by faith (God's persuasion) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Paul's readership are Romans who already stand in Grace, walked in unmeritorious provisions of righteousness, steps, believed, confessed, repented, and immersed (water) in Christ for forgiveness of sins, is justified from sins, through faith (God's persuasion) of the working of God (grace).
Paul writes about being Justified freely by his Grace (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness, steps) particularly when God set forth, his working began, first loved, by Christ innocent shed Blood. Looking carefully at these verses, will show God first loved, working in men while in sin, his grace, by Christ innocent shed Blood.

Rom 3:24-26 Being justified freely by his grace (unmeritorious provisions) through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God set forth (began, God first loved us) to be an propitiation (appeasement) through faith (God's persuasion), in his blood to declare (proclaim) his righteousness (just, right of character or acts) for the remission (toleration, passing over) of sins that are past, in the forbearance of God 26 to declare (proclaim) at this time his righteousness (equity (just, right) (of character or act) just character, right act, acts, steps, unmeritorious works) that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Christ innocent shed blood:

declare Christ righteousness for the toleration, passing over of our sins, in the forbearance of God

The word "remission" used here is Strong’s Concordance #3929 means toleration, passing over, letting pass, disregarding.

In the N.T. where the word "remission" is used in other places of the KJV, is a different meaning Strong’s Concordance #859 means pardon, deliverance, forgiveness

Ever heard the expression if it bleeds it leads in news, blood shed (especially innocent) has power, to declares, to proclaim a message of persuasion. God loves, works (grace) by way of his son's Jesus' shed blood declares, proclaims righteousness. When anyone in the world hears for the first time of Christ died on the cross for their sins, God has first loved, shows toleration, passing over, letting pass of their pass sins, justified to the extent of toleration (but not forgiven, as yet in sin) in the forbearance of God, to receive the message of hope. For we all deserve death, to even hear from God in this way means toleration, a state of forbearance.

declare Christ righteousness (equity (just, right) (of character or act) just character, right act, acts, steps, unmeritorious works), that he is just and for us to walk in, justifier of him which believeth in Jesus, forgives our sins, saves:

Step of faith (God's persuasion) 1: believe Jesus is the Christ
Step of faith (God's persuasion) 2: confess Jesus is the Christ
Step of faith (God's persuasion) 3: repent (turn from sin)

(still toleration, in the forbearance of God, not forgiven, as yet in sin)

Step of faith (God's persuasion) 4: Pentecost, Acts 3:38, baptized (immersion, water) for forgiveness of sins.

Romans 6: 1-7 Baptized into his death (water immersion burial) the likeness of his death, into Christ body, with him buried, in him died our old man crucified (old man nailed to the cross, blood shed) with Christ, for he that hath died with christ, is justified (innocent, guiltless, forgiven, be righteous) from sin, coming out of the water burial resurrected in newness of life.

Christ life, manifestations, teachings, we walk in, also saves us (keeps us in Christ, in the state of salvation)

Law (unmeritorious provisions, righteousness, acts, steps)
of Faith (God's persuasion)

Romans 3:27 Where then is the glorying? It is excluded. By what manner of law? of works ((Moses law)? Nay: but by a law (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness, steps) of faith (God's persuasion). 28 We reckon therefore that a man is justified by faith (God's persuasion) apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God [the God] of Jews only? is he not [the God] of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also: 30 if so be that God is one, and he shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make the law (righteousness, right acts) of none effect through faith (God's persuasion)? God forbid: nay, we establish the law (unmeritorious provisions, righteousness, right acts of faith).

Abraham's Steps (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness)
of faith (God's persuasion)
430 years before Moses law

Paul shows us an example in Abraham the father of Faith, through steps of faith, God justified him

Rom 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, hath found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works (his own devised steps of righteousness or of the law of Moses which came 400 years later, neither from faith), he hath whereof to glory; but not toward God. 3 For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned as of grace (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness, steps), but as of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not (his own devised steps of righteousness or the law of Moses), but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 7 [Saying], Blessed [are] they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness (equity (just, right) (of character or act) just character, right act, acts, steps, unmeritorious works) of the faith (God's persuasion) which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness) of that faith (God's persuasion) of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised.

Abraham at age 75 was quickened to walk in steps (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness) of faith (God's persuasion, believed):

Gen 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Gen: 4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

Abraham continued walk in steps (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness) of faith (God's persuasion, believed), God says again:

Gen 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, [then] shall thy seed also be numbered. 17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. Gen 18 Then Abram removed [his] tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

Abraham walked (after many years) in steps (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness) of faith (God's persuasion, believed) God speaks to him again, but this time, God chooses a moment after many years, reckons, counts him righteous:

Gen 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. Gen 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. 7 And he said unto him, I [am] the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

Rom 4:7 [Saying], Blessed [are] they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Rom 4:8 Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Rom 4:10 How was it then reckoned?

Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness) of that faith (persuasion) of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised.

Abraham was circumcised his flesh many years later as a seal, written certificate on his flesh, that witnesses he was previously spiritual circumcised, justified by his walk in the steps (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness) of faith (God's persuasion), his iniquities were forgiven, and sins are covered, was reckoned unto him for righteousness.

Paul's Second Summary, Grace Where in We Stand

(unmeritorious provisions righteousness, steps)

Paul's readers Romans who already stand in Grace (unmeritorious provisions righteousness, steps), being they believed (Jesus is the Christ, confess his name, repented, and were buried with Christ in baptism, united in christ death (crucified, buried) justified from sins, through faith (God's persuasion) of the working (righteousness, step, unmeritorious provisions) of God.

Rom 5:1 Being therefore justified by faith (God's persuasion), we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 2 through whom also we have had our access by faith (God's persuasion) into this grace (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness) where in we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Rom 5:5 Hope putteth not to shame, because the love of God shed his love abroad in their hearts through the holy spirit. For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly in that

Rom 5:8 God commendeth his love toward them while they were yet sinners (as yet not fully justified, God looked passed their sins, had forbearance) Christ died (shed blood) for them.

Paul summarizes how God first set forth in Christ shed blood, Romans who because the love of God shed his love abroad in their hearts, through the holy spirit (undefiled mental disposition), God send forth (proclaim, declared) his love toward them while yet sinners, when Christ died (shed blood) for them. The blood 's message of love had quicken them to believe, confess, repent and be baptized (water immersed) in Christ for forgiveness of sins, is justified from sin Roms 6:7 ASV, through faith the working of God (grace).

Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Paul exhorts now since they are justified from the blood, through his death, they are to be saved by his life (principles of Christ teachings of daily living) will save them. Even so they may rejoice they received the atonement.

Baptism (water immersion) burial with Christ, Justified from Sin

Romans Chapter 6, written by the Apostle Paul, is a continuation of thought from Romans Chapter 5, a retrospective for immersed Romans and (indirectly to anyone who will be immersed) about Grace (unmeritorious provision of righteousness) did much more abound by Jesus Christ, directs their attention in their past immersion (water) in Christ, that no other grace will abound to them if they were to continue in sin, expecting some other grace, besides in immersion.

Romans 5:20: Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness (equity (just, right) (of character or act) just character, right act, acts, steps) unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein?
3 Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have become united with [him] in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of his resurrection;
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin;
7 for he that hath died is justified from sin.
8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him;
9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death no more hath dominion over him.
10 For the death that he died, he died unto sin once: but the life that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11 Even so reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus.

Paul says himself and these Romans, all we who were immersed (water) in the death of Christ were immersed into his death, buried with Jesus in the likeness of his death. Knowing this, our old man was crucified (death, died, shed blood) with Christ, and Paul continues, for he that hath died, is justified (just, innocent, righteous) from sin.

The King James version Bible, in Rom 6:7 have used the word "freed', however the the Strong's concordance number is #1344:

Strongs Concordance #1344 (show or regard) just or innocent, justify, be righteous.

37 times #1344 is used in the NT it's render just (show or regard) just or innocent, justify, be righteous.

KJV Roms 6:7 they rendered it as freed (mistranslating the word). Not that KJV is a bad version, its an excellent translation, except for a very few places they ventured into perhaps interpreting, instead of simply translating as in other versions

American Standard Version, For he that hath died is justified from sin.
Darby's english translation, For he that has died is justified from sin.
Douay Rheims,For he that is dead is justified from sin.
Greek interlinear by Alfred Marshall, also has the word justified, the word Paul did pen.

Everyone should be knowledgeable of this particular mistranslation in the KJV, because its very assuring to know the word Paul by the Holy Spirit did penned justified. Paul wanted everyone to know when exactly one is justified from sin, at the moment of their immersion (water). If you have been justified from sin, you can conclude as a result, Paul further writes expectations, exhortations you are to be freed from sin, however to remove Paul's penned word justified, and place the word "freed" would be extremely down playing, denying Paul's use of the word Justified, and as many have done denying the justification from sin, which happens at the moment of immersion.
Paul could of used the word "freed" if that was all he intended, instead he used the particular word justified. To give men assurance of how God's grace (an unmeritorious provision of righteousness) abound exceedingly, reign through righteousness, all we who were immersed into death, hath died, is justified from sin. No other grace will abound if they continued to sin. This grace (unmerited provision of righteousness) in the form of water immersion, justified them from sin and suppose to result, in not sinning anymore.

Dead Unto Sin, Alive unto God in Christ

Paul commands to count yourself by immersion (water), a spiritual resurrected state, alive unto God in Christ Jesus.

Rom 6:11 Even so, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto God in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

Law of the Spirit
(unmeritorious provisions, righteousness, acts, steps)

Roms 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law (unmeritorious provisions, righteousness, acts, steps) of the Spirit (mental disposition) of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.

Christ innocent shed blood, proclaims, declares

Christ righteousness, for the passing over of our sins, toleration, in the forbearance of God

Christ righteousness (equity (just, right) (of character or act) just character, right act, acts, steps, unmeritorious works), that he is just and for us to walk in, justifier of him which believeth in Jesus, forgives our sins, saves.

Christ life, manifestations, teachings, we walk in, also saves us (keeps us in Christ, in the state of salvation)

The old testament had grace (unmeritorious provisions, righteousness, acts, steps) in the prophets exhorting them and in animal sacrifices to justify, forgive the people, even though they were weak to purge their conscious (awareness) of more sinning. We today, both Jew and gentile have Christ an exceeding abundant of grace (unmeritorious provisions, righteousness, acts, steps) as our perfect sacrifice and his teachings to believe, repent, confess and baptism (water immersion) to justify, forgive us our sins and his life (principles of daily living every man and woman has to study in the bible, meditate upon, learning, practicing) of Christ.

Adoption, Predestined, God's Elect

Paul's explains God's love in adoption, predestined, God's elect who had through God's grace (unmeritorious provisions, righteousness, acts, steps), work in them to believed (acknowledge and trusted in their hearts and minds Jesus is Christ, son of God, repented from sin, confess Jesus as the Christ, and were baptized (water immersed) in Christ for forgiveness of sins), in Roms Chapters 8-12

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit (mental disposition) of God, these are sons of God. 15 For ye received not the spirit (mental disposition) of bondage again unto fear; but ye received the spirit (mental disposition) of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit (mental disposition of God) himself (personified) beareth witness with our spirit (mental disposition), that we are children of God:17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified with [him]. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for [our] adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth? 25 But if we hope for that which we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for it. 26 And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for [us] with groanings which cannot be uttered; 27 and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. 28 And we know that to them that love God (consideration, in the Greek reads "And we know that to the loving God" may be describing God's nature towards his elect) all things work together for good, to them that are called according to [his] purpose. 29 For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained (predestined) [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: 30 and whom he foreordained (predestined), them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [is] against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth; 34 who is he that condemneth? It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Even as it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Purpose of God According to Election Of Him That Calleth

Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren's sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises; 5 whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. 6 But [it is] not as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel: 7 neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. 9 For this is a word of promise, According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac-- 11 for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,

Mercy On Whom I Have Mercy Standpoint

Romans 9:12 it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.

Not Wills or Runs, But Mercy

Salvation is from mercy standpoint, not by free will, effort, meritorious works, but grace, unmeritorious works of God working in his elect. When one is adopted in the family of God, their not adopted based upon what he wills (free will) or has done (effort, meritorious works), but mercy from the adopter, which is God. Remember everyone except Jesus, deserves death instantly, God could destroy everyone right now if he chooses, he would be justified, instead God's adopts, elects, based solely on mercy on a few, according to his purpose and pleasure.

Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth (free will), nor of him that runneth (effort, meritorious works), but of God that hath mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth. 18 So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will be hardeneth.

Vessels of Mercy

19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he still find fault? For who withstandeth his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why didst thou make me thus? 21 Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? 22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction: 23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory, 24 [even] us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Hosea, I will call that my people, which was not my people; And her beloved, that was not beloved. 26 And it shall be, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, There shall they be called sons of the living God. 27 And Isaiah crieth concerning Israel, If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that shall be saved: 28 for the Lord will execute [his] word upon the earth, finishing it and cutting it short. 29 And, as Isaiah hath said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, We had become as Sodom, and had been made like unto Gomorrah.

Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith: 31 but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not arrive at [that] law. 32 Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling; 33 even as it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame.

Israel Might be Saved, Unto (leads to) Salvation

Warning, beware of the NIV New International version bible written in 1973, mistranslated Romans 10:10 had change the words "unto salvation" to "are saved" to falsely support the doctrine save by faith alone, confessing Jesus lord and leaving out the atonement of sin that occurs in baptism ( water immersion) in Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

We will find in the King James Version, American Standard Version, have the correct translation:

KJV Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
ASV Romans 10:10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Paul's audience in Romans 10, people who already believed on (Jesus is the Christ, his teaching to confess him before men, his teaching to repent and his teaching to be baptized (immersed in water) in his name to be saved), and in the earlier chapter 6, Paul had just exhorted these people, they were immersed (water) into his death, they were buried, old man was crucified, died with Jesus, is justified form sin, and commanded to count themselves alive to God in Christ, due to submitting to being immersed in Christ.

Paul writes of Israel his heart's desire Israel Might be Saved

Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

Paul in Romans 10 explains how particularly many men of Israel, many Jews are not able to do the first steps of the salvation plan, to believe and confess Jesus as the Christ, which if they did, would be unto (leads to, submitting to the remainder righteousness of God, these romans would quickly understand meaning repentance and immersion) salvation.

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4: For Christ is the end of the law (Moses' law) for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5: For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law (Moses' law), That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Where the righteousness (Jesus' character, right acts of himself and for us to walk in) of faith (God's persuasion) says to the wise :

Romans 10:6: But the righteousness which is of faith (God's persuasion) speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

Romans 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

These mental dispositions in the minds of the Jewish people, are stumbling blocks, denying Jesus' claim he is the son of God, denying Jesus came from heaven, denying Jesus risen from the grave, which causes many of them, not to believe and confess, which leads unto, not to repentance, not to be immersion for forgiveness of sins, ends in spiritual death.

The word of faith which we preach man believeth, the mouth confession is made "unto":

Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith ( God's persuasion), which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10 was written to understand what hindered many Jews, from being saved, doubts that kept rising in them, counteracting the doubts, if they would walk in the first two steps believe, the righteousness confess Jesus is the Christ, they then would easily do the remainder steps, righteousness repent and be baptized for forgiveness of sins. Which the word "UNTO" was short for the rest of the salvation plan, not a detailed explanation of all steps of faith (God's persuasion) for salvation, believe, confess, repent and be immersed, this was already understood by Paul's audience, without any doubts. So Paul used the word "unto" a summation of the remainder righteousness, steps to be saved, writing to his audience what they already know, their level of knowledge.

Pristine Church Age Regarding One Salvation Plan

In Paul's day his audience the church was pristine, regarding there was only one salivation plan existed, was an already well established mindset, spirit (mental disposition) of the first century Christians, once someone believes on Jesus is the Christ, it will be unto (leads to) righteousness, believes on his teaching to confess him before men, and afterwards a cake walk in knowing to walk in the remainder righteousness, unto salvation, easily believe on Jesus' teaching to repent (turn form sins) and believe on Jesus' teaching to be baptized (water immersed) in Christ for forgiveness of sins, all in the same hour sometimes, ends with salvation.

Scripture qualified salvation plan: http://www.christjustified.com/vitalchristian.html

Today, Two Man Conjured Up Salvation Plans

Today, 2,000 years later, is not a pristine age of the church regarding the only one true salvation plan, instead what sadly happens is someone believes that Jesus is the Christ but they are not told how Paul in romans 10 was explaining the first two steps to believe and confess, if done in the first century was a forgone conclusion "unto" in Paul's spirit (mental disposition) meant they would repent and be baptized for their sins to be forgiven. Especially in a time and age their was no other salvation plan to complete with it. Today their seduced, by two man conjured up salvation plans that pop up through the centuries.

Catholics change scriptural baptism (immersion, water) from must have accompanied faith (God's persuasion, men had to comprehend, believe Jesus is the Christ, confess, repent from sin, this canceled out infants as candidates) to an old testament practice similar to infant circumcision (which was of a sign only, the individual not having faith), conjuring up an unscriptural infant baptism without any biblical authority from Christ or his Apostles.

Protestants, contemporary evangelical movement, who many were once Catholics, or people came before them came out of Catholicism, due to Catholics have many conjured up works of man, have a further spirit of stupor in regards to misperceiving Paul's words about works (regarding works of the law of Moses and conjured up works of man, Paul says no man is justified). They are so anti Catholic, that not just throwing out the conjured up works of Catholicism, they even throw out the grace (unmeritorious righteousness, works of God that are written in the new testament that saves). They tell their listeners to counteract infant baptism, to think baptism is a meritorious work, righteousness of man (not perceiving scriptural baptism (water immersion) accompanied with faith (God's persuasion, men had to comprehend, believe Jesus is the Christ, confess, repent from sin, this canceled out infants as candidates), is an unmeritorious work, righteousness of God working in men, God's own grace. They throw out the spirit (mental disposition) in baptism that it saves, replacing it with the spirit (mental disposition) of man, for a sign only. They then turn to further rational of man outside of the New testament, they went from one extreme a conjured up work of man infant baptism, to another extreme a conjured up work of man a prayer, referred to as the sinner's prayer, saying this is when sins are forgiven. Their rational is built upon mere appearances, they use Romans 10 outside of the spirit (mental disposition) of the word "unto" used by Paul with his audience of first century christians. Then they direct men towards the thief on the cross, which not one conversion recorded in the New testament, since the establishment of the church on Pentecost, was ever persuaded to be as the thief on the cross. The thief on the cross situation is explained further, in another article.

By appearances of zeal, excitement, emotions, in large gatherings of people and especially by TV preachers, diverted, redirected, hoodwinked, keeping their hearers blind to the true Holy Spirit (holy mental disposition, mindset) of the first christians, deceiving many using Romans 10, outside of Paul's' spirit ( mental disposition) saying their saved at the moment of believing and confessing Jesus only. This becomes a powerful delusion, false salvation plan, that many fall into, lead there by blind leaders. Never becoming saved, instead they becomes enemies of Christ salvation plan, which includes all four steps believe, confess, repent, and immersed (water) in Christ so one's sins can be forgiven.
Even the new modern translations have altered their text, to go along with the deception, especially in the NIV, change the original word "UNTO" to "ARE" and in the NASV change the word "UNTO" to "RESULTING IN".

Whosoever Believeth on, Whosoever Call upon

The two phrases have both one thing in common the word "whosoever" this one word was world shattering, to particularly the Jewish world. The previous age, time was for the longest period, only Jews were the chosen people of God. God has now given his blessings of adoption to men of all nations.

    "Whosoever believeth on", and "whosoever call upon" are short phrases spoken and written two thousand years ago during a pristine age when there was only one salvation plan being taught. They are brief summations, you can call them the first slogans of Christianity for the purpose of exhorting the spirits (mental dispositions, mindsets) of men living to reach out to Christ and obey his will. If they reached out to Christ in belief and voice, especially in this pristine age, they would of been directed towards repentance and baptism to forgive their sins.
    The first phrase whosoever believeth on, shows continue movement as on a path. The path has steps of belief, God decrees the steps of belief to be taken. We are shown by Jesus and his Apostles their are four particular steps of belief, they are acknowledgment within Jesus is the Christ, confess Jesus is the Christ, repent of sin, and baptism, (immersion, water) in Christ for forgiveness of sins. God has decreed at baptism, a step of belief, through Jesus and his apostles is the exact moment sins are forgiven, not before in some conjured up prayer or infant baptism not having accompanied faith.
     The second phrase whoever calls upon, we can find examples of Jews calling on God which happen in the old testament. In the new testament Jesus is the new avenue to God, all men from every nation had to be told, learn, declare Jesus Christ is the lord, having the authority of God, whom all men will rest in Jesus' authority, a "very new event". Men from every nation will be calling upon Jesus, in prayer and voice seeking Jesus' will to be done in them, submitting to his will to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, confess Jesus as Lord, repent of sin, and finally baptized (immersed, water) for their sins to be forgiven.

Roms 10:11: For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12: For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Rom 10:17 So then faith (God's persuasion) [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Remnant According to the Election of Grace

Romans 11:1 I say then, Did God cast off his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not cast off his people which he foreknew. Or know ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he pleadeth with God against Israel: 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, they have digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have left for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace (unmeritorious provisions, righteousness, acts, steps).

The Rest were Harden God Gave Them a Spirit of Stupor

Romand 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. 7 What then? that which Israel seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened: 8 according as it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this very day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, And a stumblingblock, and a recompense unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, And bow thou down their back always. 11 I say then, Did they stumble that they might fall? God forbid: but by their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if their fall, is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry; 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy [them that are] my flesh, and may save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them [is] the reconciling of the world, what [shall] the receiving [of them be], but life from the dead? 16 And if the firstfruit is holy, so is the lump: and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

Be Not Highminded, but Fear

Romans 11:17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree; 18 glory not over the branches: but if thou gloriest, it is not thou that bearest the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. 20 Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith (God's persuasion). Be not highminded, but fear: 21 for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. 22 Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Fulness of the Gentiles be Come In

Romans11:23 And they also, if they continue not in their unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if thou wast cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and wast grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree; how much more shall these, which are the natural [branches], be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in;

All Israel (remnant) shall be Saved

Romans 11:26 is very misused by especially Pat Robertson and many others, they misapply the verse out of context and jump to mere appearances, reading it as face value. Teaching "all" Israel, everyone of literal Israel will be saved, such as some future event, all Israel who are literal living, will be saved when Christ arrives.
Instead Romans 11:26 is speaking of the remnant (small group), elect Israelites (spirtual, having real faith in Jesus Christ) in the preceding verses, who were among the larger number of Israelites in the day it was written. Paul's intent is that the remnant (small group), the elect, by grace be converted to christianity, who are still alive in the day the letter of Romans was written. This small number, among the large number of Israelites, will "all" be saved. All Israel, is referring to the remnant (small group) that are the elect, will develop, or already developing faith (God's persuasion) in Christ when the letter of Romans was written.

Romans 11:26 and so all Israel (remnant) shall be saved: even as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer; He shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob :27 And this is my covenant unto them, When I shall take away their sins. 28 As touching the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sake. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are not repented of. 30 For as ye in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience, 31 even so have these also now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they also may now obtain mercy.

Wisdom and the Knowledge of God

Romans11:32 For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all (remnant of Israels and fullness of gentiles). 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him [be] the glory for ever. Amen.

God hath Dealt Each Man (remnant of Israel and fullness of Gentiles)
a Measure of Faith (God's persuasion)

Roms 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service. 2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man (remnant of Israel and fullness of Gentiles) a measure of faith (God's persuasion).

God Rich in Mercy

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace (unmeritorious provisions of righteousness) ye are saved;

Phi 2:13 for it is God who worketh (grace) in you both to will (grace) and to work (grace), for his good pleasure

Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith (God's persuasion) of the working (grace) of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

James 1:25 But he that looketh into the perfect law, the [law] of liberty, and [so] continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.

Objections to Predestination

Objections to predestination, a few verses particularly.

1 Timothy 2: 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle--I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying--a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Notice it says all men, again many have jump to mere appearances, face value. Not discerning the unique circumstances, the mental dispositions in the people of that time, age. It was a mental disposition, that only the Israelites, Jews were the saved, for the longest of time. Since there is a new covenant, not only for the Jews to enter, but also for the gentiles, Paul's intent when he selects the word all men, is all types and nations of men. Meaning from all classes, the poor and even KINGS, which Paul just had them pray for Kings and all who are in authority. Also all nations of men, God elect men from every nation, predestinate. No longer just the Israelites, Jews, Paul calls himself a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Another verse, notice the words "longsuffering to us-ward not willing that any should perish, but that all", usward are the elect, predestinated, that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all (elect) should come to repentance.

I Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

2 Peter 3:9-10 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (appeasement) for our sins.

1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

If you need assistance in obeying the Lord in this vital matter, please feel free to contact the Church of Christ nearest you. Also please when you contact them send along this web page , so they will know what frame of mind you coming from. They will encourage you too bible study, and to assemble in fellowship and worship with them. God Bless

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4/17/2003

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