An Exposition of Pauls Epistles, Letter 1
THE EPISTLE of PAVL to the ROMANS, Analytically Expounded.
THE SUMME OF THE EPISTLE.
THe Apostle determined to visit the Romans, that hee might by his presence confirm them in the faith. In the mean time when hee observes his coming delayed, being moved by the Spirit of the Lord, hee writes this famous Epistle unto them.
The parts of the Epistle, besides the beginning and conclusion, are two. The first shewes the onelyonly and spiritual ground of sinners Iustification by faith in Christ, to Chap. 12.
The other part treats concerning the holy course of life, which justified persons should live; to the end of the Chapter.
That which appertains to the first part, presently after the beginning of the Epistle, the Apostle undertakes to prove, THAT NO MAN CAN BE IUSTIFIED BY INHERENT RIGHTEOUSNESSE, BUT BY THE RIGHTEOUSNESSE OF CHRIST ONLY, APPREHENDED BY FAITH ALONE, AND FREELY OF HIS GRACE IMPUTED, BY GOD, TO US THAT BELEEVE.
This Position hee proves by ten Arguments; whereof the two first are in the first Chapter. The third in the second Chapter; the seven other in the third Chapter.
To the further fixing of these Arguments, hee sub-joyns a sevenfold proof of this doctrine
The FIRST is, That Abraham was justified by Faith alone. Chap. 4.
The SECOND is, That this onelyonly reason of our justification, affords us comfort against the just anger of God, and original sin, the poison which Adam derived upon us. Chap. 5.
The THIRD is, That this ground of our justification very much conduces to promote sanctification in them that are justified. Chap. 6.
The FOURTH is, That this ground of our justification onelyonly yeelds comfort to the afflicted consciences of them that are justified upon their imperfect obedience, and the reliques of sin dwelling in them. Chap. 7.
The FIFTH is, That this ground of our justification fenceth those that are justified, and sanctified, not onelyonly against condemnation, or all the evils to bee feared after this life; but also confirms and comforts against all the troubles and afflictions, to which the Children of God are obnoxious in this life. Chap. 8.
The SIXTH proof is, That by experience it is found, that the Iews seeking righteousness from their works, fall short of it; and that the Gentiles, destitute of all shew of inherent righteousness, by faith in Iesus Christ, have obtained true and saving righteousness. Chap. 9. Where, from occasion of the Iews cutting off, election and reprobation is handled.
The which rejection of the Iews, being apparent and manifest to all the Churches, (because of their foolish incredulity and obstinacy) hee proves to bee just. Chap. 10.
Yet all the Iews not to bee despised, because the obstinacy of that Nation is to last but for a time, which hee shews. Chap. 11.
In the other part of the Epistle, wherein hee treats of sanctification in the lives of all those that are justified, (1) After a serious obtestation, that all who are justified should consecrate themselves unto God, and all the Ministers of the Gospel, maintaining peace amongst themselves, every one according to his ability should promote the sanctification and salvation of the faithful; Hee gives general Precepts about Sanctity. Chap. 12. (2) Hee descends to more special duties towards the Magistrate, and their neighbours of all degrees, according to the Law of Charity. Chap. 13. (3) Hee handles the mutual duties of the faithful, in a prudent use of their Christian liberty. Chap. 14. and in the former part of Chap. 15.
Lastly, Assuring the Romans of his love, and authority, in the remaining part of Chapter 15. with salutations of the Saints, hee concludes his Epistle. Chap. 16.