Romans 1: The Gospel of Christ is The Power of God Unto Salvation

For this assignment, I draw upon some past observations to help answer this question. First, when speaking of Jesus Christ as the heir to the throne of David, he was rightfully so through his mother’s lineage being descended directly through King David’s line. Joseph’s lineage would only reinforce this thought, and if anyone disputed it through the male line it would have been equally relevant to still say he was the rightful King. But even further, as the son of the eternal God, Israel is God’s people, and God is truly their king beyond the line of earthly kings (after all, they only had judges early on, and God was seen as the true King). In that sense, Jesus is more truly King of Israel being both the earthly king, and the King by being God also and thus establishing multiple lines of legitimacy. John 10:17-18 points out that being immortal, only Christ had truly the power to resurrect, and initiate that resurrection for the rest of mankind.

Paul felt that the gospel of Christ was a blessing, and something not to be ashamed of, a blessing unto salvation. He felt it was for all people, but clarified that it was for the Jew first, and the Greek second distinguishing that there was a difference in when it would be receieved. In reviewing Pauls words, I think we too can be unashamed of the Gospel of Christ by being willing to discuss it no matter where we are. Paul felt it was for all people, and what is more important in each daily life than the Gospel? So many say it’s not politically correct to talk about those things, but really that’s an excuse to avoid talking about a difficult subject that many try every day without true success to block out.

The sins mentioned of Paul that people who are reprobate include: fornication/adultery, envy, murder, debate?, deceit, vengeful, boasters/prideful people, disobedient to parents, ignorant, without natural affection, covenant breakers, and the stubborn. Of all these sins, every one is present in our society today! I found debate to be interesting: why should a person who debates all the time be wicked? Perhaps it refers to constantly challenging the system, like how Congress may get stuck over trying to change laws for the worse all the time, or trying to force your own views on others? The people came to be this way according to the scriptures because they chose to accept lies as truths desiring it to be so, and further, and since they refused to remember God, the Lord allowed them to forget Him, so they could become what they desired. Also, they were highly vain, and allowed their pride to continue this way.

I believe where it says they worshipped the creature more than God, they are referring to how they emphasized the love of the flesh over the spirit itself, or spiritual things. I think they failed to consider spirituality as important, and placing emphasis on personal and physical freedom deluded themselves into thinking an abhorrent lifestyle was acceptable to live.