Romans Structure - Corps Notes - 2
Publication Date: 1973
Victor Paul Wierwille was a Bible scholar and teacher for over four decades.
By means of Dr. Wierwille's dynamic teaching of the accuracy and integrity of God's Word, foundational class and advanced class graduates of Power for Abundant Living have learned that the one great requirement for every student of the Bible is to rightly divide the Word of Truth. Thus, his presentation of the Word of God was designed for students who desire the in-depth-accuracy of God’s Word.
In his many years of research, Dr. Wierwille studied with such men as Karl Barth, E. Stanley Jones, Glenn Clark, Bishop K.C. Pillai, and George M. Lamsa. His formal training included Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Theology degrees from Mission House (Lakeland) College and Seminary. He studied at the University of Chicago and at Princeton Theological Seminary from which he received a Master of Theology degree in Practical Theology. Later he completed his work for the Doctor of Theology degree.
Dr. Wierwille taught the first class on Power for Abundant Living in 1953.
Books by Dr. Wierwille include: Are the Dead Alive Now? published in 1971; Receiving the Holy Spirit Today published in 1972; five volumes of Studies in Abundant Living— The Bible Tells Me So (1971), The New, Dynamic Church (1971), The Word's Way (1971), God's Magnified Word (1977), Order My Steps in Thy Word (1985); Jesus Christ Is Not God (1975); Jesus Christ Our Passover (1980); and Jesus Christ Our Promised Seed (1982).
Dr. Wierwille researched God's Word, taught, wrote, and traveled worldwide, holding forth the accuracy of God's "wonderful, matchless" Word.
Romans Structure
Lesson 2
Want you to turn to the Gospel of John. In John 16:12 it says:
John 16:12:
I have yet many things to say unto you but you cannot bear them now.
But he is literally saying to them that there are many things that he would – yet may
things to say unto you but the time is not yet. You can’t bear it now. He could not reveal it
yet. The time had not come for the revelation of it, because verse 13 explains it.
John 16:13:
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, [which happened on the day of
Pentecost. It or], he [it] will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of
himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and [it] will shew you
things to come.
Now, the all truth of this thirteenth verse, as far as I understand the Word, is the
Revelation that was given to the apostle Paul, which begins with the book of Romans and
terminates with Thessalonians. There is no stone left unturned and there is no more
knowledge available of truth then the book of Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians,
Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Everything, everything is taught in those seven
epistles. That’s the all truth that the spirit would lead into. Those seven church epistles,
now of course you’ve got them divided in 1st, 2nd you get more but they’re really one.
Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians:
those seven are the complete curriculum of everything necessary for anybody to
understand their standing and their state. It’s all there. The standing in the walk. There’s no
question left if you master them. Handles it from every angle in detail. Now, in the book of
Romans and I’m just going to give you some facts and truths concerning the background of
this thing tonight. Simply to set even more deeply than I set it for you last week (because I
began directly in the Word), because I wanted to show you the slave situation and the
marking that we have, and how he sets this, right at the beginning in the introduction.
The book of Romans will get into what we are in Christ and what Christ is unto us. In
the one element is be in Christ. The other is Christ to be unto us. What he is unto us while
we are in him. Two major divisions in the book of Romans. The first one begins with
chapter 1:16 and terminates with chapter 8:39. Those first eight chapters of the book of
Romans are all doctrinal. You see in verse one it said, “separated unto the Gospel of God.”
The whole book of Romans is the explanation of that Gospel of God. And those first eight
chapters set the doctrinal side of it. And present the knowledge to you, regarding sin and
sins. And because they have never separated those two words they never understood the
Book of Romans. Then, with the ninth chapter, the explanation of the Gospel of God
begins. As it relates itself to the knowledge of God and His purpose in Christ, begins with
the ninth chapter. It’s interesting that in Romans, we are going to see that we are dead and
risen in Christ. That when Christ died, we died with him. When he rose, we rose with him.
Doctrinally, Ephesians begins after the eighth chapter of the book of Romans, should tell
you that. Because, Ephesians, begins with our being seated in the heavens. Romans, with
his death and the resurrection, first eight chapters. Then at the end of the eighth chapter
you start reading the book of Ephesians, doctrinally, and you’re seated in the heavenlies in
Christ Jesus. Blessed with all spiritual blessings. And the last book of course of the epistles
is Thessalonians, where it gets to the teaching or to the position of our –with Christ in
glory forever. Those are the only three great teaching epistles in the Word. Now, I am
speaking of revelation teaching understand? I have already told all of you in the
Foundational Class, Romans is the revelation. And then, Corinthians corrects the practical
era. Galatians corrects the doctrinal era. Then comes Ephesians, Philippians corrects the
practical era. What’s next? Colossians – doctrinal. Then, Thessalonians stands alone. So,
the Romans trip – death and risen with Christ. In Romans, seated with Christ in Ephesians.
And with Christ in glory forevermore in Thessalonians. That’s how it works.
Now, the first six verses of the first chapter, which I went through last week, are
simply the introduction to the whole book. I told you that I believe. And that’s the whole
subject – is God’s gospel. It says that in the first verse, right? “Separated on the Gospel of
God.” In verse 16 of the first chapter it says: for I am not ashamed of the gospel of God.
Can’t be, it isn’t. You see, the words “of Christ” are deleted. Scratch them out in the
text. I’m in Romans 1:16. Because he just tells us it’s the Gospel of what?{God.} But
because the translators thought what? {Christ.} And Christ is God, they added it. Nice trip
isn’t it? 1611 boys. Sure, by that time the whole devilish teaching of the trinity was so
totally ingrained, because, they all came from Rome, right? Boy, when you see this stuff,
everything just fits like a hand in a glove and you get understanding. The Gospel of God, is
not the Gospel of Christ. Christ has no Gospel, God has a Gospel. Christ made known God,
he declared Him; God is the good news. He just declared Him, diēgeomai or whatever that
word is.
Now, in chapter 1:7-15 is simply what you call in academic circles Epistolary. It’s an
epistle the thesis set up, you know. You know what a corollary is in Math or Geometry,
whatever it is. But this is an Epistolary and it’s verse 7-15.
Like in verse 7, he says, “To all who in Rome, [you know,] beloved of God, called to
be...grace...peace...[so forth.]”
Verse 8, he says, “...I thank my God,...” that’s prayer.
Verse 10, you get to his journey. He wants us to travel on.
Then in verse 11, he says, “...that I impart a spiritual gift,...” – where he’s talking
about the ministry.
Keep your finger here and go to chapter 15:12:
Romans 15:12:
...There shall be a root of Jesse, and he shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him
shall the Gentiles...
What? {Trust.} Right. There you have the ministry of Paul to the people.
Romans 15:16:
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,... [verse 16, see.]
In verse 22:
Romans 15:22:
For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. [Here’s the
journey trip.]
It’s just in the reverse order. The close of Romans is just in the reverse order of the
opening that I gave you. See, I told you in chapter 1:7-15 you had the greeting or the
salutation, then the prayer, then the journey, then the ministry. Now here, in the end of the
book of Romans it’s just reversed order. You got the ministry, starting in verse 12 and in
verse 22 and 23 there you get to the journey, see it backed up. Boy, order like this, just
doesn’t happen. It’s heavenly designed. Holy men of God spake, moved. In verse 30, he
gets to prayer. And in chapter 16 he just gets all back to the salutations. He wants Priscilla
and Aquila greeted.
Romans 16:5:
Likewise, greet the church that is in their house....[in verse 5.]
That’s how this book is put together like a vice. You know what a vice is. Truth at this
end, truth at that end, in between sits the meat, just terrific.
Now, I will give you a few more facts concerning the case. The words “righteousness
of God” are only used eight times in the book of Romans. And they’re all used in chapter
1:16 – 8:39 in the teaching section, never after. Because, I told you it was doctrinal
teaching of what we are in Christ. Righteousness of God, never used as far as I know. I’ll
be looking for it again, but I think I’m right. And the usage of this is sort of significant in
the light of again symbolism and truth. Whenever “eight” is used it always indicates
resurrection perfection. There’s another word, it’s a single Greek word, it’s used 12 times
in the book of Romans, that I think is significant. I want to call it to your attention.
Because every time we read them, we’re going to mark them when we study Romans, if
we can think about it. It’s translated imputed, reckoned and counted. The word is spelled in
the Greek logizomai. And I said it’s translated imputed, reckoned, counted. And this usage
of this word is used 12 times in the book of Romans and that alone again, should make
anybody who knows anything really pay attention. Because, the figure 12 is always the
figure of the perfection of divine righteousness to the sinner. Perfection of divine
righteousness to the sinner, that’s why Jesus Christ had how many apostles? {Twelve.}
Right. And another truth regarding it, 12 is the figure of governmental perfection on a
horizontal plain. Twelve tribes of what? {ISRAEL.} That’s how it works kids.
Now, I want to divide that first doctrinal section to you very minutely. That first part
that I gave you the division of to divide it minutely, ends with 5:11. You know, I gave it to
you; 1:16 through 8:39, remember? All right it’s 1:16 to 5:11. That’s the first part, that’s
where it ends. And that whole section basically deals with the product or products of sin.
The product of sin, the fruit of sin. The second section there begins with 5:12. And
terminates with 8:39. And because they have never rightly divided the Word between 11
and 12, they never understood Romans for one reason and about three other reasons, I
think. Because with verse 12, it deals with sin itself, not sins, not the product of sin. But
with sin itself, the old nature. That’s what it deals with. Everything before that deals with
the product of sin, or the products of sin, the fruit of sin. But, beginning with verse 12 it
deals with sin itself, the old nature. Where is sin? In the old nature, and it deals with the old
nature. And you’ll have to note that carefully when you read it and when you study it. 5:11
closes the section dealing with the natural condition of man in the flesh. The natural
condition of man in the flesh, 5:11. 5:12 begins the new position of the man in Christ,
there’s your division. And that new position in Christ is a change of standing only, not
nature. Before 5:12, we are children of wrath. When you’re born again, you change
positions you are child of who? {God.} Right, but that changes only your standing, not
your nature. You’re still meaner than hell. I mean man, right? The thing that changes man
is the renewed mind. His standing has changed. But, not his nature. The nature – the state
of man is changed by the renewed mind. Standing changed by birth.
Now, in verse 16 of chapter one:
Romans 1:16:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel...for it is the [what?] power of God....
You see? What gospel? Gospel of God verse one. And that Gospel of God is the power.
The Gospel of God, God’s gospel is the power. Not V.P. Wierwille’s little idiosyncrasies;
his thinking or his theology isn’t the power. Not my vocabulary, not my graduation. Gospel
of God is the what? {Power.} That’s the key – the Word, the Word, the Word, the Gospel of
God, God’s Gospel, that’s the power, that’s right.
Romans 1:17:
For therein [therein, what? {The gospel.} The gospel of what? {God.} Right.] is
the righteousness of God revealed....
What did I tell you about righteousness of God?
[Students:] Only used 8 times.
There it is. And without that Gospel of God, you’ll never know the righteousness of
God, see? It’s the Gospel of God that declares the righteousness of God. It’s that Gospel of
God. Man has always gone for his own righteousness outside of the Gospel. Or, he’s going
down for his own negatives, you know. Either feels like a heel, or he feels so darn good
that he doesn’t need a savior. One of the two: his own righteousness or his own defeat. The
Word says it’s the Gospel of God that’s the power of God and therein, in the Gospel of God
is revealed the righteousness of God. Then, in verse 18:
Romans 1:18:
For the wrath of God is revealed...
There you’re dealing with wrath. And really you ought to underscore the word
“wrath,” or you ought to mark it to emphasize it, as you ought to emphasize the word
power in verse 16. Now, in verse 19:
Romans 1:19 (not KJV):
Because, that which may be known of God is manifested, for God showed it unto
them.
All the way through chapter 3:20:
Romans 3:20:
Therefore by the deeds of the law...shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by
the law is the knowledge of sin.
Deals exclusively with the wrath of God. Now, with verse 21, it deals with the power
of God which is there described and set forth through chapter 5:11. You talk about design,
fantastic. In verses 16 and 17 the power of God, right? In verse 18, what? {Wrath of God.}
Wrath of God. From verse 19 to 3:20 it’s what? {Wrath.} Wrath of God. And 3:21 to 5:11?
{Power.} See them inverted? Sort of neat, huh? I did that trip. Outside of that I don’t know
anything about the book of Romans. I’ve just given you how this stuff works, that’s right.
And the beauty of the pattern of it. See?
Now, that’s its structure, that’s how God structured it. And people think the Bible just
fell together. And here’s a book that Satan’s trying to destroy for centuries and even in the
King James I can prove that it’s still accurate. See? You know why that old bird can’t ever
destroy, it’s still God’s Gospel. Holy man of God gave it. I mean, God gave it, holy men
wrote it, I know this. And no matter what man does to screw this thing up, he can never
screw it up bad enough because man ain’t even smart enough to screw up the Word of God
bad enough that I can’t find the Word of God in it, that’s right. Even in their stupid
translations. If you just know and look. And get turned on towards the greatness of it.
Because, if holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy spirit then there has to
be sense in it. And that sense is always deeper. He magnified His Word above His name.
You see, they never – they just don’t look at the greatness of the Word. It’s that Word that’s
so fantastic. Well, if you understand a little bit of how He put this thing together, then you
know it isn’t just a haphazard job. Man uses words, you know, surreptitiously, I don’t know
if that’s a good word. You know, without rhyme or reason. But the word of God uses word
with rhyme and reason ultimately. Why does he talk about the power of God and the wrath
of God in those verses? And then he turns right around and gives the explanation. The
wrath first, of God, and then, the power of God. Has to be a design, a purpose in it. And I
gave you the salutation, what else? What is the order now? All right. Salutation, prayer,
journey, ministry, right? Then, in the bigger section, he turned it backwards. First, he went
ministry then what?
[Students:] Journey, prayer, salutation.
Closed it out. What hangs people up some times, is where sometimes there are two
verses on power of God but only one on wrath. So, they never see it. They never see it. It’s
like an interpretation, really. You speak tongues and interpret. One person interprets this
long, another person interprets this long: I will be with you even at the end of the age. I
will be with you always.
So, he takes two verses to talk about the power of God, takes one verse to talk about
the wrath. See, even in my head that’s significant. Spends less time talking about the wrath
than he does about the power. And then how he builds that whole thing, see? It just gets
real exciting when you get into this stuff.
Now, as far as I know that’s the pattern and the outline for the great book of Romans.
And of course, if I get around to it, we’ll read the whole thing. And it’s in this great book
of Romans. Some place it says the swords not given in vain (I forget where that is).
Romans 13:1:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers....
And this is the same chapter that all the people use that I know, basically outside of the
Way Ministry, to promote government men. See? And when we read it, I’m going to show
it to you, it’s got to be ministries. Has to be – even from the outline I gave you, because if
the flesh profits, nothing I want can guarantee you that the government profits less. Who in
the world could trust the government to handle the Word and tell a man of God? In the
Bible the man of God told the government. Remember Elijah? Or who was it, sent a note
down to [the] king? Said these guys are coming up that alley? Who was that? Elisha it was.
Sent Gahez out to tell him or somebody? Never the government run God. The government
runs according to God. Should. See? It’s just the opposite. We’re going to see that when we
get through with it. When we get through the book of Romans you will understand so
much about your redemption in Christ Jesus. That we died with him and that we rose with
him. Really terrific. You’ll see his flood and his resurrection. That’s why Romans doesn’t
talk about the life of Christ, you know, like the Gospels. Because man’s redemption is not
in the life, it’s in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not the life of Christ.
Because, the life of Christ was to Israel. His death and resurrection made possible the new
birth. He who knew no sin became? {Sin.} He didn’t become sins. If the Bible said sins,
your Bible would fall to pieces. He became what? {Sin.} Sin. He took upon the old nature.
If you take the bigger what happens to the lesser? The products of sin disappear, when sin
is dealt with. He dealt with sin. He who knew no sin, doesn’t say sins, he who knew no sin,
became sin so that you and I might become, what? {Righteous.} The righteousness of God
in him. Isn’t that beautiful? Well, that’s the way she’s built.
Tonight, I thought I’d just like to begin in here and I would just like to read it with you.
You just follow in the Word. And, I did the first seven verses for you the other night. Did
more than that, but I’d like to pick up tonight in verse 8. And I assume you have read the
book of Romans too, and therefore – kids, there’s no way to get the feel of the Word except
to read it. And just dig the Word. We were just talking about this Craig and I just at
intermission time here. That first principle of the Corps is what?
[Students:] Acquire an in-depth spiritual perception and awareness.
Right, that perception and awareness only comes with an abundance of the knowledge
of the Word. It’s like in athletics. I used to be able to just feel the ball leave my hand and I
just knew the darn basket was made. You could’ve blind folded me or anything else at that
moment. You develop something in athletics. You do this in football I imagine same thing;
track, swimming, tennis. You develop a feel for the thing that you just know it’s right on.
The Word is like that.... You finally get to the place that that Word just gels so deeply
within you that you just know, that’s the way it has to be. That in-depth spiritual awareness
and perception is there. And that’s something you just have to build in your life and the
Corps. And the only way you get to build this is it’s just like being here, we just live it. We
work but working is part of the perception. That’s how you build. I can’t teach it to you
any other way except to live it. We’re together. When you’re together long enough it rubs
off on you. See? And you get this feeling that you just are sensitive, you’re just aware of
what’s happening. And there’s just no other way to get it that I know, no easy way. It’s just
work, that’s all. He says:
Romans 1:8:
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your [believing] is
spoken of throughout the whole world.
Is it this summer we’re going to do Bible kinds of faith? {Yes.} That’s going to be a
dandy, because, we’ll go through every references on pistis in the Word of God. And then
we’ll try to work each one to see whether it’s faith of Jesus Christ or whether it’s believing
or what it is. And we’re going to really document it this summer and give people an
opportunity because some of them, I’m not sure of. Some of them could be the faith of
Jesus Christ, could be believing. They overlap like they do in the Holy Spirit book in the
appendix I’ve given you sometimes. I think two maybe even a few places three alternatives
that they could be, because either one or the other, or so forth would work. This one here
has to be believing. This faith here in verse 8, has to be believing. Do you see why? “I
thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all at your believing.” Not the faith of Jesus
Christ is spoken of throughout the whole world but it’s their believing that is spoken of.
See the context? That’s that inter-spiritual perception of awareness that you have to
develop. And the word “Jesus” comes first in this verse. See how significant these things
become? Well, anyways, that’s the way it is.
Romans 1:9a:
For God is my witness, whom I serve [in my spirit or] with my spirit in the gospel
[the good news that His son brought]...
Well, I’ll just quit expounding it, and I’ll just read it to you, how’s that?
Romans 1:9b-11:
...that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,
Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by
the will of God to come unto you. [Man, that stuff is just loaded.]
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, [that has to be the
ministry] to the end [that you] may be [what?] established;
Yeah, well, might as well teach it to you. Bless your old heart. To impart a ministry,
spiritual gift, this is the ministry side. And the ministries are what establishes the believers.
That’s right. Boy, when you have a ministry of a pastor, or an evangelist or a teacher or
whatever else, you see, that’s what establishes the body. That’s what establishes the body.
Boy, that’s really terrific in here.
Romans 1:11b-12 (not KJV):
...that you may be established;
That is, [that I may be comforted, isn’t that something?] that I may be comforted
together with you by believing. [The word “mutual” is scratched....] Now by the believing,
both you and me, [isn’t that beautiful?].
Romans 1:11b-12 (KJV):
...ye may be established;
That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and
me.
That when the people are established, who gets the comfort? The man who established
them. You see when you walk on the Word, when you love God, when you love the Word,
then I get blessed. It’s my joy, see? I live all day long, like for tonight. A lot of the bologna
stuff I go through the day, it’s just bologna. But you just, you know, you live. Because,
others live because of the Word. That’s what you’ll find. When you witness to someone
and they turn to the Word, what does it do for you? You just get blessed, right? You may
not have the words to describe how you get blessed but you know you got blessed. It’s like
when you put your dress on, you know you got one on. And when you put your shirt on,
you know you got one on. When you see the people respond to the Word then you get
comforted, you get blessed by their response. That’s what Paul’s talking about. It’s the law.
It’s the law of the spiritual return. The law of spiritual return is a fantastic thing. And this
becomes such a reality when the spiritual gifts, when the ministries are in operation in a
body, boy, it’s just wonderful. Verse 13, he said he would not have us ignorant. He said:
Romans 1:13:
I would not have you ignorant brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto
you, (but was [hindered, is in parentheses, you know; but was hindered; up until
now] hitherto) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other
Gentiles.
Really something. The fruit would be the result of the operation of the manifestations,
and the manifestations operate most effectively only when there are ministry gifts in
operation. Then the body is established, remember? That you may be established. That’s
when you get real fruit. You know, you get fruit on a tree, a little old apple that looks this
big. But when you go to Washington, you get big Washington apple. The Word’s like that,
when the ministries are there. Like the pastoral ministry or an evangelistic ministry or a
teaching ministry. Then the apple’s big, pretty. But if you just are alone by yourself in
Timbuktu, let’s say, there is no ministry present there, then the apple is still an apple but it
isn’t as gushy plush whatever you want to call it, pretty. Spiritually, it’s like that. Boy, this
body that God set up is just a fantastic thing. Who do you think hindered him? The
adversary, sure. Really something. The adversary hindered him because, remember he says
some place: and besides all of this, he had the care of the churches. The adversary hindered
him from going over here because he was herding the sheep over here. And therefore, in
order to take care of the believers over here that Satan was doing such a good job on he
wasn’t free to go to Rome to minister. You’ll find this in your life too. The old adversary
will get to the people. You see you can talk about believing all you want to, but you’ve got
enough to do to believe for yourself. And you’ve got a 100 people over here and you can’t
believe for every one of them so, Satan gets to some of them. But your heart as the
caretaker of that body of believers like a twig or a branch, you’re responsible for every one
of those. This is your heart, that’s your love. And therefore you are going to do your best to
get those that Satan is slapping down and build them up again and nurture them and bring
them up, right. That’s why you don’t get to go to Rome when you think you want to go.
The Lord favors his going to Rome (that didn’t bother any) but the Adversary was
obstructing, hindering.
Romans 1:14-15 (not KJV):
I am debtor [that means he is indebted] both to the [Gentiles,] Greeks, the
Barbarians; both to the wise, and the unwise.
So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome
also.
Really something.
Romans 1:16:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel...: for it is the power of God unto [what?]
salvation...
You see how that fits with Romans 10:9? Faith cometh, how? {By hearing.} What?
{The Word of God.} It is the power of God unto salvation. The Gospel, the Gospel, the
Gospel of God and the Gospel of God is to confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus,
believe God raised him from the dead. Not confession of sin. See it? And that’s the power
of God, God’s power unto salvation. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
[and] with the mouth confession is made unto salvation [Romans 10:10].” It’s really
interesting. When you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you don’t get saved. It
is he, comes in you to save you. That’s that sharp line of demarcation. The Gospel is the
power of God unto what? {Salvation.} That’s not salvation. Salvation is Christ in you.
Faith cometh, how? {By hearing.} Right. Hearing the Word. Then that tenth verse, “for
with the heart man believeth,” what? {Unto.} Unto, what? {Christ.} And with the mouth
confession made, what? {Unto.} It isn’t salvation. But when you do that then he comes in
his presence is salvation, got it? That’s why Romans 10:10 is “unto.” Got it? Yeah, sure it’s
big. That’s, that’s the line. Has to be, people. We’re not saved by works. Otherwise I’d get
saved by my confession. You see how sharply that Word is really divided? If I am saved by
my confession, then it would be works. I confess unto salvation and Christ because of my
confession by his grace saves me. That’s what he’s laying the foundation of it. And they
read that book and the commentary they just blow it. They never see it. Can only be
because the Adversary blinds their eyeballs. That’s terrific. It’s the power of God unto,
what? {Salvation.} To everyone that does, what? {Believes.} Not of works, lest any man
should boast. I tell you when you put Romans and Ephesians together, you’ve had it. You
know, it’s really beautiful.
Romans 1:16b-17 (not KJV):
...to the Jew first, also to the Greek.
For therein [the gospel of the power of God therein; therein, in the gospel] is the
righteousness of [what?] God revealed from [which is the word ek I guess, isn’t it? Out
of.]...
[Repeats verse 17:]
For therein [the gospel] is the righteousness of God revealed from faith [or
believing, eis unto, pistis faith:] For therein, the gospel is the righteousness of
God revealed from believing [eis] unto faith:...
That could be just like that, believing from (ek) out of believing to (eis) unto faith,
believing to faith. Which would be the faith of Jesus Christ, because you confess unto
salvation. The power of God unto salvation is believing and then the faith of Jesus Christ is
the gift without works.
Romans 1:17 (continued):
...as it is written, The just shall live by [believing.]
Once you have believed and received the faith of Jesus Christ you are just. That’s
because of the righteousness of God in verse 17. The righteousness of God is what justifies
you. You have his righteousness therefore you’re justified. And now, since you are justified,
you are just. And you are now to live since you are justified by believing. Really neat.
That’s good.
Romans 1:18:
For the wrath of God [here, we turn it around.] The wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold...
What’s that word “hold”? One person tell me, whose going to tell me? Alright, Vince?
[Vince:] Down or suppress.
Do what?
[Vince:] Down, hold down, suppress.
Oh yeah. I can’t read my writing here, it’s okay. See the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in
unrighteousness. You know, that’s sort of good. You got verse 17, the righteousness of God
and here you have the unrighteousness of whom? {Men.} Yet man in his egotistical little
old self always thinks he is, what? {Righteous.}
God says he’s unrighteous. Because he has not confessed unto salvation, the natural
man. That’s why it’s the wrath of God. Boy it’s something isn’t it? Who hold, or suppress
the truth. They suppress it. Isn’t that something? Some of them don’t even really believe
that they’re hurting the true God at all. It’s on the negative side just like it is on the positive
when I described playing football or basketball, you just have the feel for it. These people,
you get so far off that you just never even consciously think that you’re obstructing the true
God at all. That’s why they suppress the truth, they suppress it in unrighteousness. By
thinking they are righteous, they are unrighteous because they’re suppressing the truth,
beautiful.
Romans 1:20:
For the invisible things of him [God is spirit.] from the creation of the world are
clearly the invisible things can be seen, [clearly seen] being understood by the
things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead;...
It doesn’t say trinity it says Godhead. And they say in the Godhead there are three.
Bologna. It literally means head God or God who is head. You know why? Because, we are
talking about the wrath of God holding – suppress the truth in unrighteousness, this is
caused by Satan, you know, the least common denominator. And the true God, the things
that He stands for can clearly be seen and understood by the things that are made, even His
eternal power. And that He is head God, God head.
Romans 1:20b-24 (not KJV):
...so, that they are without excuse.
Because, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their [reasonings,] and their foolish heart was
darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became [what?] fools.
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image [you know, a
medallion, a statue, or something.] made like to corruptible man, and to birds,
four footed beasts, and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness...
God gave them up because; God is a God of love. He is spirit. God can not possess.
Therefore when I walk away, God has to do what for me? Give me up. Don’t you
understand? Because he does not possess, he does not take over. That’s why it says:
Romans 1:24-25 (not KJV):
God gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to
dishonor their own bodies between themselves:
Since they changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is the blessed one forever.
They changed the truth of God into a lie. Man, how we’re still doing it. And they
worshipped and served the creature that they had manufactured, you know, out of their
own hands, their own theologies, their own ideology, more than the Creator, God Almighty.
Who is the Blessed One, He’s the only blessed one. The word “blessed” I guess is the same
word we use in eulogy. Comes from that word, eulogized one. Because, verse 26:
Romans 1:26-27 (not KJV):
Because, of this [where they worshipped, and served the creature more than the
creator. Because of this] God gave them up unto passions of infamy, vile
affections: [Just passions of infamy]. For even their women did change the natural
use into that which is against nature: [That means: Lesbian.]
And likewise the men also, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their
lust one toward another;[homo] men with men working that which is unseemly,
and receiving it back in full in themselves, receiving back in full in themselves,
that retribution of their wickedness which [they had coming to them] which is
meet.
That’s the law. Isn’t that something? And this is the kind of stuff we’re trying to
legislate into honesty today, you know. Really something. I never get nearly as so upset if
one guy shacks up with a dozen women or a woman with a dozen men. Woman was made
to have intercourse; man was made to give it to her. I mean that’s the way the law was built,
the physical body. But boy when you go this way. It’s just totally unnatural. This kind of
thing then leads to, you know where you beat yourself. What do you call that?
{Masochism.} Yeah. And then it leads to having intercourse with animals and all the rest of
the stuff, it’s all downhill. And the remarkable thing is when God sets it forth here in
Romans, He gives you the ultimate without telling all the little details that lead up to it.
This is the lowest state on the totem pole. Now, in the process man goes down, but when
he reaches this point, where they burn in their lusts one toward another. Men with men,
women with women, you’ve had it. It’s over with. That’s when you have a reprobate mind.
You are so sick in the head; you don’t even know you are sick anymore. That’s a reprobate
mind. Remember where he says he gives us a sound mind? See, this is just the opposite;
this is just an insane mind, that’s all. And in some of those insane minds are brilliant men
and women, you know. Sharp in the head. So, all you have to do is make up your mind. Is
God’s Word right or isn’t it right? If people don’t accept this as truth here, then you might
as well forget Romans 10:9. Then what have you left? Nothing. It’s either God’s Word, or
it isn’t, see? I don’t care how good “a fellows” they are, how beautiful “a chicks” they are.
That’s right. When it reaches this state, the word tells you the answer, you stand on the
answer. You’ll never have any friends if its contrary to the Word. Remember? The Word
stands, friends or no friends, the Word stands. And these gushy lushy people, and that’s
what they’ll be; no trip, the Word stands. They got a reprobate mind. That’s a mind that
couldn’t make a right judgment if it had to, Biblically speaking.
Romans 1:29a (not KJV):
And they’re filled with all unrighteousness...
Here we’re talking about the righteousness of God, when they reach this place
they’re filled with all, what? {Unrighteousness.}
See the opposite? The total opposite. Now, there may be stages in between. But
God, God goes from the righteousness of God to the total extreme of the wrath of
God on the unrighteousness of God when it reaches this point.
Romans 1:29b-31 (not KJV):
...wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit,
mischief, whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, insolent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things,
disobedient to parents,
Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection.
Really something. Unmerciful, is pitiless.
Romans 1:32 (not KJV):
Who knowing the righteous sentence of God, that they which practice such things
are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure, they consent in them
that do them.
Isn’t that something? That’s something. Well that is a tremendous chapter kids. And
we just need to take it apart and see it deeper and deeper. And it’s remarkable that the first
book to the church, the book of Romans, sets the righteousness of God and the wrath of
God. The righteousness of God to people who accept Him; the wrath of God to people who
don’t accept Him. And He shows the greatness of both of them. You know, the greatness of
the evil and the greatness of the goodness. Really something. The just shall live by,
what?{Believing.}
See it? That’s it, that’s the greatness of it. The other one, is just the opposite. They’re
the unjust, they believe too but they go the other route. Their understanding is darkened.
Now just because, you know, a guy would masturbate another guy doesn’t make him a
homo. Or a girl masturbating another girl or feel her breasts or kiss her doesn’t make her a
lesbian, you all know that. It’s when this becomes the joy of the relationship. And it will
always be in spirit possession. I’ve never seen it fail, always devil spirit possession.
Tremendous thing.
Well, that’s all I’m going to do with you on this tonight. Really something, isn’t that
tremendous? If you never get anything straight, get it straight tonight that when you
confess the Lord Jesus Christ it’s not your work of confession that gets you saved but it’s
your confession whereby he works within you the miracle of the new birth which is grace.
Otherwise, your confession would be works and that gets you saved and you’re not saved
by, what? {Works.}
It’s grace of God. If you don’t learn anymore tonight, try to remember that. Because
that’s just stuff you’re going to have to know as you get deeper in the Word. Because,
otherwise you end up in, still getting saved by works and it’s impossible.