Publisher's Synopsis
This is an in depth verse by verse study of the last 8 chapters of the Epistle to the Romans. It begins with a thorough examination of what is actually written there, including studying the key words in the original Greek. Emphasis is placed on keeping every word and every verse in context, both the immediate context and the broader context of all the rest of scripture. That involves a fairly exhaustive study of cross-references for every subject addressed, in the interest of letting scripture interpret scripture. It involves a painstaking effort to examine this author's own presuppositions and biases, coming largely from previous indoctrination. It also begins with the assumption (presuppositions) that what is written in the original Greek text is verbally inspired by God, and is supernaturally revealed infallible truth. That means that what we find there must be allowed to speak for itself, taken literally in the most natural sense - the assumption being that God was fully capable of choosing the exact words that best convey what He was trying to communicate, and He did so perfectly. While the use of figurative and symbolic language and analogies and metaphors are not uncommon, their interpretations are either obvious, or explained either in the text itself, or elsewhere in scripture. This means that the works of men, including renown and highly respected Theologians and Bible scholars, are examined critically - especially when they resort to very unnatural, often forced interpretations, even changing the literal wording of scripture, or manipulating the meaning of words to conform to their doctrinal presuppositions.This epistle to the Romans embodies the essential doctrinal truths of the true Christian faith. It is foundational to almost everything else in the rest of scripture, especially the New Testament. There is also considerable emphasis on application once the literal meaning is ascertained - answering the "so what" question - how does this apply to us today in our "modern" world, and in our every-day lives, and in our relationships with God and others in the Body of Christ, and the world in general. The truths articulated and explained therein are indeed profound, and life changing, when accurately understood, and accepted, embraced by faith, and put into practice.However, accurate understand and appropriate application of these truth articulated therein, does involve the disciplined application of objective rules of interpretation (Hermeneutics), exegesis, and logic.. Insights into not only the meaning of some truths articulated in this letter to the Romans, but also the essential significance of those truth, is facilitated by an understanding of psychology - that based on objective observation of human traits and behavior (not secular theories which abound). Theologians tend to develop interpretations of scripture to fit their templates and models, which reflect their virtual ignorance of the psychological power of some of the supernatural truths revealed in this amazing treatise. Truths which have to be taken by faith that goes beyond our understanding, are often reduced to fit the limited understanding of such men. This is one of the problems with relying on such men, their commentaries and teachings, to determine what God is saying. A very central element in the approach taken in this study is to rely only on the Holy Spirit to guide and enlighten, depending solely on scripture as the source, letting God's Word speak for itself, and letting scripture interpret scripture. The reader needs to take the same approach, with dependence upon the Holy Spirit in critically evaluating this author's interpretations and understandings - let God speak!
