_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 5:1.—We have peace, for Christ is our peace. Several manuscripts translate, “Let us have peace,” adopted by the R.V. Justification here spoken of as an act already done—_i.e._, when we laid hold of Christ by faith. Faith is the key of knowledge, and makes us children of God... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 5:5.—The love of God has been poured forth as in a stream (Wordsworth). _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Romans 5:5_ A hope without shame.—The Christian never finds this world to be his rest. But he has a hope full of immortality. This enlightens his darkness and allevi... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 5:6.—ἀσθεν indicates man’s necessity, ἁσεβ his unworthiness. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Romans 5:6_ The fourfold aspect of Christ’s work.—Death is always a solemn event, and casts its dark shadows over the spirit. A silent dread holds the soul in check when one en... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 5:7. RIGHTEOUS AND GOOD.—That is, the one righteous; the other good, merciful, benevolent. Romans 5:8.—Christ’s death a vicarious death, but not necessarily expressed by the preposition here used. Divine love compared with human. The latter infinitely below the former. _MA... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 5:10. WHEN WE WERE ENEMIES.—Indicates relation to God rather than conduct. But Flatt says, “Resisting God’s will, and so liable to punishment.” Romans 5:11.—The at-one-ment. Article points out only one way of salvation, through faith in Christ. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARA... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 5:12.—Adam the head of a race whose transgressions lead on to condemnation. Christ the ancestor of a seed whose faith and obedience culminate in eternal life. Rabbis spoke of a double death of the soul and of the body, and thought that but for Adam’s sin man would not have d... [ Continue Reading ]