The Re-formation of Paul II 

IV. The Rhetoric of Romans (cont.)

C. Arguments

1. Justification is by Faith: The Judicial or Sacrificial Model of Reconciliation (3:21—5:11)

a. The Human Problem: Sin as Deadly Disobedience (3:23)

 

b. The Divine Solution: Grace expressed through the Atoning Death of Jesus (3:24)

 

c. The Appropriation: Faith, i.e. Trusting Acceptance (3:25)

 

d. The Results (3:25–31)

(1) God is just (the penalty for sins is paid not pardoned)

 

(2) No grounds for boasting

 

(3) Jew and Gentile justified on the same basis

 

(4) Faith upholds the law

 

e. Example: Abraham was justified by faith (chap. 4)

 

f. Summary and Transition: Believers are justified by Christ's death; they will be saved by his life (5:1–11)

 

2. Salvation is through Union with Christ: The Participationist or Mystical Model of Salvation (5:12–6:14)

a. The Human Problem: Sin and Death as Enslaving Forces (5:12–14; 6:6,12-13,17-18,21)

 

b. The Divine Solution: Grace expressed through Union with the Living Christ (6:1–11)

 

c. The Appropriation: Baptism (6:4)

 

d. The Results (6:12–14): Freedom from Sin and the Law

 

3. The Just Requirement of the Law Must be Fulfilled (Rom 6:15—8:8)

a. From Slaves of Sin to Slaves of Righteousness (6:15–23)

 

b. From Slaves of the Law to Slaves of the Spirit (7:1–6)

 

c. The Law is not Sin, but Sin uses the Law (Rom 7:7–21)

 

d. The "Law" of the Spirit of Life sets one Free from the "Law" of Sin and Death (8:1–8)

4. Life in the Spirit—not the flesh—leads to Salvation (Rom 8:9–39)