Romans 4:25
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who was delivered for our offenses - Who was delivered up to death as a sacrifice for our sins; for in what other way, or for what other purpose could He, who is innocence itself, be delivered for our offenses? And was raised again for our justification - He was raised that we might have the fullest assurance that the death of Christ had accomplished the end for which it took place; viz. our reconciliation to God, and giving us a title to that eternal life, into which he has entered, and taken with him our human nature, as the first-fruits of the resurrection of mankind. 1. From a careful examination of the Divine oracles it appears that the death of Christ was an atonement or expiation for the sin of the world: For him hath God set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in His Blood, Rom 3:25. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ Died For the Ungodly, Rom 5:6. And when we were Enemies, we were Reconciled to God by the Death of his Son, Rom 5:10. In whom we have Redemption Through His Blood, the Forgiveness of Sins, Eph 1:7. Christ hath loved us, and Given Himself for Us, an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour, Eph 5:2. In whom we have Redemption Through His Blood, the Forgiveness of Sins, Col 1:14. And having made Peace Through the Blood of his Cross, in the Body of His Flesh, through Death, Col 1:20, Col 1:22. Who Gave Himself a Ransom for all, Ti1 2:6. Who Gave Himself for Us, that he might Redeem us from all iniquity, Tit 2:14. By which will we are sanctified, through the Offering of the Body of Jesus Christ, Heb 10:10. So Christ was once Offered to Bear the Sins of many, Heb 9:28. See also Eph 2:13, Eph 2:16; Pe1 1:18, Pe1 1:19; Rev 5:9. But it would be transcribing a very considerable part of the New Testament to set down all the texts that refer to this most important and glorious truth. 2. And as his death was an atonement for our sins, so his resurrection was the proof and pledge of our eternal life. See Co1 15:17; Pe1 1:3; Eph 1:13, Eph 1:14, etc.,etc. 3. The doctrine of justification by faith, which is so nobly proved in the preceding chapter, is one of the grandest displays of the mercy of God to mankind. It is so very plain that all may comprehend it; and so free that all may attain it. What more simple than this? Thou art a sinner, in consequence condemned to perdition, and utterly unable to save thy own soul. All are in the same state with thyself, and no man can give a ransom for the soul of his neighbor. God, in his mercy, has provided a Savior for thee. As thy life was forfeited to death because of thy transgressions, Jesus Christ has redeemed thy life by giving up his own; he died in thy stead, and has made an atonement to God for thy transgressions; and offers thee the pardon he has thus purchased, on the simple condition, that thou believe that his death is a sufficient sacrifice, ransom, and oblation for thy sin; and that thou bring it as such, by confident faith, to the throne of God, and plead it in thy own behalf there. When thou dost so, thy faith in that sacrifice shall be imputed to thee for righteousness; i.e. it shall be the means of receiving that salvation which Christ has bought by his blood. 4. The doctrine of the imputed righteousness of Christ, as held by many, will not be readily found in this chapter, where it has been supposed to exist in all its proofs. It is repeatedly said that Faith is imputed for righteousness; but in no place here, that Christ's obedience to the moral law is imputed to any man. The truth is, the moral law was broken, and did not now require obedience; it required this before it was broken; but, after it was broken, it required death. Either the sinner must die, or some one in his stead: but there was none whose death could have been an equivalent for the transgressions of the world but Jesus Christ. Jesus therefore died for man; and it is through his blood, the merit of his passion and death, that we have redemption; and not by his obedience to the moral law in our stead. Our salvation was obtained at a much higher price. Jesus could not but be righteous and obedient; this is consequent on the immaculate purity of his nature: but his death was not a necessary consequent. As the law of God can claim only the death of a transgressor - for such only forfeit their right to life - it is the greatest miracle of all that Christ could die, whose life was never forfeited. Here we see the indescribable demerit of sin, that it required such a death; and here we see the stupendous mercy of God, in providing the sacrifice required. It is therefore by Jesus Christ's death, or obedience unto death, that we are saved, and not by his fulfilling any moral law. That he fulfilled the moral law we know; without which he could not have been qualified to be our mediator; but we must take heed lest we attribute that to obedience (which was the necessary consequence of his immaculate nature) which belongs to his passion and death. These were free-will offerings of eternal goodness, and not even a necessary consequence of his incarnation. 5. This doctrine of the imputed righteousness of Christ is capable of great abuse. To say that Christ's personal righteousness is imputed to every true believer, is not Scriptural: to say that he has fulfilled all righteousness for us, or in our stead, if by this is meant his fulfillment of all moral duties, is neither Scriptural nor true: that he has died in our stead, is a great, glorious, and Scriptural truth: that there is no redemption but through his blood is asserted beyond all contradiction; in the oracles of God. But there are a multitude of duties which the moral law requires which Christ never fulfilled in our stead, and never could. We have various duties of a domestic kind which belong solely to ourselves, in the relation of parents, husbands, wives, servants, etc., in which relations Christ never stood. He has fulfilled none of these duties for us, but he furnishes grace to every true believer to fulfill them to God's glory, the edification of his neighbor, and his own eternal profit. The salvation which we receive from God's free mercy, through Christ, binds us to live in a strict conformity to the moral law; that law which prescribes our manners, and the spirit by which they should be regulated, and in which they should be performed. He who lives not in the due performance of every Christian duty, whatever faith he may profess, is either a vile hypocrite, or a scandalous Antinomian.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Who was delivered for--"on account of." our offences--that is, in order to expiate them by His blood. and raised again for--"on account of," that is, in order to. our justification--As His resurrection was the divine assurance that He had "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself," and the crowning of His whole work, our justification is fitly connected with that glorious act. Note, (1) The doctrine of justification by works, as it generates self-exaltation, is contrary to the first principles of all true religion (Rom 4:2; and see on Rom 3:21-26, Note 1). (2) The way of a sinner's justification has been the same in all time, and the testimony of the Old Testament on this subject is one with that of the New (Rom 4:3, &c., and see on Rom 3:27-31, Note 1). (3) Faith and works, in the matter of justification, are opposite and irreconcilable, even as grace and debt (Rom 4:4-5; and see on Rom 11:6). If God "justifies the ungodly," works cannot be, in any sense or to any degree, the ground of justification. For the same reason, the first requisite, in order to justification, must be (under the conviction that we are "ungodly") to despair of it by works; and the next, to "believe in Him that justifieth the ungodly"--that hath a justifying righteousness to bestow, and is ready to bestow it upon those who deserve none, and to embrace it accordingly. (4) The sacraments of the Church were never intended, and are not adapted, to confer grace, or the blessings of salvation, upon men. Their proper use is to set a divine seal upon a state already existing, and so, they presuppose, and do not create it (Rom 4:8-12). As circumcision merely "sealed" Abraham's already existing acceptance with God, so with the sacraments of the New Testament. (5) As Abraham is "the heir of the world," all nations being blessed in him, through his Seed Christ Jesus, and justified solely according to the pattern of his faith, so the transmission of the true religion and all the salvation which the world will ever experience shall yet be traced back with wonder, gratitude, and joy, to that morning dawn when "the God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran," Act 7:2 (Rom 4:13). (6) Nothing gives more glory to God than simple faith in His word, especially when all things seem to render the fulfilment of it hopeless (Rom 4:18-21). (7) All the Scripture examples of faith were recorded on purpose to beget and encourage the like faith in every succeeding age (Rom 4:23-24; and compare Rom 15:4). (8) Justification, in this argument, cannot be taken--as Romanists and other errorists insist--to mean a change upon men's character; for besides that this is to confound it with Sanctification, which has its appropriate place in this Epistle, the whole argument of the present chapter--and nearly all its more important clauses, expressions, and words--would in that case be unsuitable, and fitted only to mislead. Beyond all doubt it means exclusively a change upon men's state or relation to God; or, in scientific language, it is an objective, not a subjective change--a change from guilt and condemnation to acquittal and acceptance. And the best evidence that this is the key to the whole argument is, that it opens all the wards of the many-chambered lock with which the apostle has enriched us in this Epistle. Next: Romans Chapter 5
Romans 4:25
Abraham Receives the Promise
24but also for us, to whom righteousness will be credited—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.25He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Genesis) Genesis 24:59-67
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K06:00GenesisGEN 22:9GEN 24:60GEN 24:64GEN 24:67ROM 4:25EPH 1:13EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Rebekah and Isaac from the Bible. Rebekah asks the servant to tell her about Isaac again, specifically about his birth and how his father offered him on the altar. The servant tells her the old, old story of Jesus and his love. Rebekah is eager to know who Isaac is and when she sees him, she is filled with joy and gets off the camel to meet him. Isaac takes Rebekah into his mother's tent and they get married, and Isaac loves her deeply. The preacher emphasizes that just as Isaac longed for Rebekah, Christ longs for the church and gave himself for it. The sermon concludes with the idea that Christ gains a great deal in our salvation and encourages the listeners to be faithful to him.
Confidence
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.9K20:42ConfidencePSA 91:7ISA 37:14LUK 24:25JHN 14:1ROM 4:251CO 10:13EPH 3:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God as the great pilot who can bring things into existence and command the hosts of heaven. The preacher encourages the listeners to have confidence in God and to draw near to Him. He mentions that although there may be challenges and trials, God will defend His people and they can find refuge in Him. The preacher shares a personal testimony of how God transformed his circumstances and provided for him when he was sick, highlighting the faithfulness and friendship of God.
The Reality of Human Action and the Power of Contrary Choice
By John Murray1.2K51:48ChoiceGEN 3:15ROM 1:28ROM 4:251CO 10:31EPH 2:10JAS 1:172PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker begins by praising and blessing God for His greatness and the hope found in Jesus Christ. The sermon then delves into the topic of freedom and the relationship between human action and God's judgment. The speaker emphasizes that although humans have the ability to make choices, their actions are ultimately determined by their character and heart. The sermon concludes by discussing the responsibility and accountability that comes with free agency, highlighting the importance of self-determination in aligning with God's will.
The Cross of Christ - Part 3
By Paul Washer1.1K1:03:06Cross of ChristPSA 2:6ACT 2:25ACT 2:36ROM 1:4ROM 4:25In this sermon, the speaker uses an ancient Greek cultural reference to illustrate the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ. He describes a scenario where a small, powerless nation receives news of an army intent on destroying them. The people anxiously wait for updates, knowing that if their army loses, they will lose everything. The speaker then transitions to discussing the concept of judgment and the deceptive nature of human standards. He references passages from the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation to emphasize the idea of divine justice and the consequences for those who oppose God.
What Is the Gospel? - Part 2
By Paul Washer96352:06GospelEXO 34:5MAT 6:33ROM 3:24ROM 4:7ROM 4:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the love of God in the context of our own sin and darkness. He uses a simple illustration of giving a piece of bread to illustrate how the value of a gift is perceived differently depending on the recipient's need. The preacher then delves into the heart of the gospel, explaining the dilemma of God being just and yet justifying wicked men. He poses the question of how God can forgive sinners and still maintain His justice. The preacher suggests that only the gospel can answer this question and encourages the audience to explore this further by examining the book of Exodus, where God reveals His glory to Moses.
(Genesis) Major Divisions
By J. Vernon McGee96209:30GEN 1:1GEN 12:1MAT 6:33MAT 28:1JHN 1:1JHN 3:16ROM 4:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the last part of the Bible, which focuses on man, nation, and the person of Jesus Christ. He highlights that God values individuals more than the entire physical universe. The preacher also discusses the emphasis placed on the last eight days of Jesus' life in the four gospels, which highlight his death, burial, and resurrection. He explains that the purpose of the gospels is to convey the message of redemption through Christ's sacrifice. Additionally, the preacher mentions that the first eleven chapters of Genesis serve as an introduction to the Bible, with the main focus being on God's dealings with man and sin, rather than a scientific account of creation.
(Pdf Book) Perfect Security
By Bakht Singh93900:00Spiritual SecurityEbooksFaith in GodPSA 18:2PSA 119:165ISA 26:3LUK 6:49JHN 10:17ROM 4:251CO 10:4PHP 3:101JN 1:7REV 1:18Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of recognizing the Lord as our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, and God, illustrating how these attributes provide spiritual security and strength in life's trials. He draws parallels between the experiences of David and the believer's journey, highlighting the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to experience true peace and deliverance from sin. Singh encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to rely on Him as their source of strength and guidance, especially during difficult times.
(Romans) Historical Impact of the Epistle to the Romans
By Brian Brodersen76023:45MAT 6:33ROM 1:16ROM 2:4ROM 3:23ROM 4:25ROM 5:8ROM 6:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the word of God to transform lives. He shares a story about Charles Spurgeon's response to a young man asking how to defend the faith, highlighting the idea that the scriptures do not need defending but rather proclaiming. The sermon then introduces the book of Romans, dividing it into three sections: sin and the need for justification, God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, and the victory over sin. The speaker also encourages the audience to commit key verses from Romans to memory.
Easter Behind the Iron Curtain
By Richard Wurmbrand46657:01EasterMAT 6:33MAT 28:6MRK 16:7JHN 3:3JHN 4:35ROM 4:252PE 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of looking beyond ourselves and focusing on the harvest of souls. He encourages listeners to lift up their eyes and see the field that is ready for harvest. The speaker also mentions the need to have a strong belief in the Bible and not just parts of it. He shares a personal story of his wife, who was imprisoned with him, and her faith and acceptance of her impending death. The sermon concludes with a reference to the Bible verse Romans 4:25, highlighting the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus for our justification.
Gentiles Seek Things - Sons Seek Gods Kingdom - a Single Eye
By Phil Beach Jr.2745:30Seeking God's KingdomTransformation through ChristKingdom Of GodMAT 6:19MAT 6:24MAT 6:32LUK 24:1ROM 4:25Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the distinction between what Gentiles seek—material things—and what believers should seek, which is the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. He shares his personal testimony of transformation through God's grace, highlighting the importance of having a single focus on God rather than being distracted by worldly desires. Beach encourages the congregation to evaluate their priorities and to seek God above all else, especially in light of the resurrection of Jesus, which empowers believers to live for Him. He challenges everyone to reflect on what they truly value and to align their lives with God's will.
Four Great Truths
By Harry Ironside0The Work of ChristSalvationISA 53:12LUK 23:46JHN 1:14ROM 4:25ROM 8:33ROM 10:92CO 5:19HEB 7:251JN 2:1REV 12:10Harry Ironside expounds on 'Four Great Truths' regarding the work of Jesus Christ: His incarnation, propitiation, resurrection, and intercession. He emphasizes that Christ's incarnation was essential for Him to be a sinless Savior, and His propitiation satisfied God's justice for our sins. The resurrection confirms that God accepted Christ's sacrifice, providing believers with justification and hope. Lastly, Ironside highlights Christ's ongoing intercession for believers, ensuring their restoration and communion with God. This comprehensive understanding of Christ's work is vital for grasping the fullness of salvation.
Man's Heart and Christ's Heart
By John Nelson Darby0GraceForgivenessISA 53:5JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 3:10ROM 4:252CO 5:21EPH 2:8HEB 9:281PE 2:241JN 1:9John Nelson Darby emphasizes the contrast between man's heart and Christ's heart, illustrating how humanity's enmity against God is revealed through the crucifixion of Jesus. He explains that while the law condemns, Christ's grace offers forgiveness and reconciliation, allowing believers to approach God without fear of judgment. Darby highlights the importance of recognizing our sins and trusting in Christ's sacrifice, which was made out of love for humanity. He encourages believers to understand that Christ, who bore our sins, is also our Judge, and thus we can have confidence in Him. The sermon ultimately calls for a heartfelt response to God's love and grace, urging individuals to trust in Christ for their salvation.
1 Peter 1:21
By John Gill0Faith in ChristResurrection and HopeJHN 14:6ROM 4:25EPH 2:81PE 1:21John Gill emphasizes that faith in God is centered on Christ, who serves as the mediator between humanity and the Father. He explains that Christ's resurrection is a pivotal event that not only affirms His divinity but also provides believers with assurance of their justification and future resurrection. Gill highlights that Christ's glory, bestowed upon Him by the Father, serves as a source of encouragement for believers to place their faith and hope in God. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Christ as the author of faith and the foundation of our relationship with God. Ultimately, believers are called to trust in the power of Christ's resurrection and the glory He now possesses.
The Doctrine of Justification 7. Its Objects
By A.W. Pink0JustificationGrace Of GodISA 43:25JER 31:3JHN 3:18ROM 3:19ROM 4:5ROM 4:25ROM 5:6ROM 8:33EPH 2:31TI 3:16A.W. Pink explores the doctrine of justification, emphasizing that God justifies the ungodly, not based on their works but through faith in Christ's righteousness. He clarifies that justification is a legal declaration from God, distinct from the believer's experiential state, and that all humans, including the elect, are born under condemnation until they believe. Pink highlights that justification is not about inherent righteousness but about God's grace extended to sinners, illustrating this with biblical examples like Abraham and the thief on the cross. He stresses that faith is the means by which one receives this justification, underscoring the radical nature of God's mercy towards the most wretched. Ultimately, Pink affirms that God's justification is a miraculous act of grace that offers hope to all who believe, regardless of their past sins.
"My Redeemer Liveth"
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Living SaviorHope in ChristACT 5:30ROM 4:25HEB 7:25C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the living nature of Christ, who, though He died for our sins, has risen and now intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. He encourages believers to approach Jesus as a present and powerful Savior, who is exalted above all and capable of saving to the uttermost. Spurgeon highlights that Jesus' resurrection and ascension provide hope and assurance for sinners, as He uses His authority to grant repentance and forgiveness. The preacher reminds us that Jesus is not just a historical figure but a living friend who actively works for our salvation. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls on all to trust in this exalted Savior who is committed to their cause.
The Holy Spirit the Comforter
By Roy Hession0Comfort in ChristThe Holy SpiritISA 40:1JHN 16:14ROM 4:25ROM 7:10ROM 7:24EPH 1:20Roy Hession emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter for those who repent, transitioning from conviction of sin to the assurance of Christ's sufficiency. He illustrates how the Spirit comforts the contrite by revealing the finished work of Christ, encouraging believers to rest in His grace rather than striving for self-improvement. Hession highlights that the Holy Spirit's ministry is to lead us away from despair and towards the peace found in Jesus, who is clear of judgment. The Comforter not only addresses our sin but also provides for all our needs, empowering us for service through a renewed vision of Christ. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit invites us to come to Jesus, where we find true rest and strength.
The Centrality of the Cross
By Jessie Penn-Lewis0The CrossVictory in ChristROM 4:25ROM 5:6Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the centrality of the Cross in the Christian faith, asserting that it serves as the fixed point for understanding justification, victory over sin, and reconciliation with God. She highlights that Christ's death was a substitutionary sacrifice, essential for believers to grasp their identity in Him and to experience true victory over sin, the world, and the devil. By recognizing the Cross as the pivotal aspect of their faith, Christians can find strength and liberation from the bondage of sin and the influences of the world. Penn-Lewis encourages believers to embrace the reality of their union with Christ in His death and resurrection, which empowers them to live victoriously. Ultimately, she calls for a deeper understanding of the Cross as the key to unlocking the mysteries of faith and the Christian life.
No Condemnation
By A.W. Pink0GraceAssurance of SalvationISA 53:6ROM 3:25ROM 4:25ROM 5:19ROM 6:14ROM 8:12CO 5:21GAL 2:20EPH 1:6HEB 10:17A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound truth that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, drawing from Romans 8:1. He explains that this declaration is rooted in the believer's union with Christ, which frees them from the guilt and power of sin. Pink contrasts the believer's past state of condemnation under the law with their current position of grace, highlighting the complete removal of guilt through Christ's sacrifice. He reassures that this freedom from condemnation is not based on personal merit but solely on being 'in Christ.' Ultimately, Pink celebrates the assurance that believers are eternally secure from any condemnation, as they are united with Christ in His righteousness.
The Racial Theory of Our Lord's Redemptive Work
By Olin Alfred Curtis0ROM 4:25ROM 8:34REV 21:3Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the intricate theories of atonement, expressing a deep dissatisfaction with existing theories and proposing a new 'racial theory' that emphasizes the importance of understanding the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in the context of building a new race of holy individuals. He highlights the necessity of atonement as an absolute requirement rooted in God's holiness and moral concern, culminating in the death of Christ as a racial event bearing the penalty for human sin. Curtis explores the dynamic center of the new race, focusing on the unique role of Jesus Christ as the racial center and the significance of his suffering in establishing a new redeemed humanity.
God the Son: His Substitutionary Death
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ISA 53:6MAT 20:28JHN 3:16ROM 3:25ROM 4:25ROM 5:82CO 5:152CO 5:21HEB 9:15HEB 9:28Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the concept of substitution in the death of Christ, emphasizing that through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, He bore the righteous judgments of God against sinners, fully satisfying God and leaving nothing for sinners to do but to believe in this good news and claim Christ as their personal Savior. The death of Christ is multifaceted, serving as a redemption, a necessary penalty, an offering for sin, an act of obedience, and a priestly mediation that reconciles the world to God, removing all moral hindrances to saving sinners. Christ's death as a substitute for sinners is the ground of assurance for salvation, requiring a personal conviction that one's own sin has been borne by Christ, leading to relief, joy, and appreciation.
United in Justification
By Michael Durham0ROM 1:3ROM 4:25ROM 6:3ROM 6:6ROM 8:341TI 3:16HEB 4:16Michael Durham preaches on the profound impact of our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Through our identification with Jesus, we have died to sin and are no longer enslaved by its power. Just as we are united in His death, we are also united in His resurrection, experiencing newness of life. The resurrection of Jesus is not only His justification but also ours, as God declared Him righteous and now extends that righteousness to us. This truth liberates us from guilt, shame, self-righteousness, judgmentalism, and the need to earn salvation through our own efforts, as we now have the resurrected Jesus living in us, guiding us in sanctification.
Exposition on Psalm 138
By St. Augustine0PSA 137:1PSA 137:3ACT 17:27ROM 4:25ROM 12:191CO 3:17EPH 2:8St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, highlighting the importance of confession not only of sin but also of praise to God. He emphasizes the need for heartfelt worship and thanksgiving, directing attention to the inner voice that God hears. Augustine delves into the significance of singing before the Angels, worshiping towards God's holy Temple, and confessing to God's Name in mercy and truth. He explores the themes of humility, seeking God's presence, and trusting in God's mercy and everlasting love, encouraging believers to walk in faith even amidst tribulations.
Homily 2 1 John 2:12-17
By St. Augustine0MAT 4:1LUK 10:20LUK 24:13JHN 8:58ACT 2:41ROM 1:25ROM 4:251CO 8:1EPH 3:171JN 2:12St. Augustine preaches about the importance of not loving the world and its temptations, emphasizing the need to focus on God and His eternal love. He highlights the three temptations faced by Jesus - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - and how Jesus overcame them by relying on the Word of God. Augustine urges believers to resist the worldly desires and instead, embrace the will of God to abide forever in His love and grace.
From Wretchedness to Rejoicing
By H.J. Vine0PSA 16:11JHN 5:24JHN 16:22ROM 4:25ROM 8:33EPH 1:6EPH 2:4JUD 1:1H.J. Vine preaches about the profound truth of God's righteousness and grace revealed in the Scriptures, where the condemned are justified, the forsaken are accepted, and the dead are made alive through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes how believers are righteously cleared of condemnation, brought into eternal favor with God, and granted access to His presence through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice. It highlights the joy and fullness of life that believers experience in knowing God as their Father and being alive in His eternal love and acceptance.
The Cross Proclaimed
By David Servant0MAT 26:28JHN 16:8ACT 2:38ACT 3:26ACT 10:42ROM 4:251CO 1:18David Servant preaches about the importance of proclaiming the authentic gospel message, emphasizing the necessity of repentance, the acknowledgment of sin, the accomplishment of the cross, and the essential elements of the biblical gospel. He highlights the apostles' unwavering commitment to preaching Christ crucified, the significance of Jesus' resurrection in validating His deity, and the convicting power of the Holy Spirit in convicting people of sin, righteousness, and judgment. David stresses the need for a balanced gospel that includes humanity's guilt, God's wrath, the future judgment, and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus' atoning sacrifice.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who was delivered for our offenses - Who was delivered up to death as a sacrifice for our sins; for in what other way, or for what other purpose could He, who is innocence itself, be delivered for our offenses? And was raised again for our justification - He was raised that we might have the fullest assurance that the death of Christ had accomplished the end for which it took place; viz. our reconciliation to God, and giving us a title to that eternal life, into which he has entered, and taken with him our human nature, as the first-fruits of the resurrection of mankind. 1. From a careful examination of the Divine oracles it appears that the death of Christ was an atonement or expiation for the sin of the world: For him hath God set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in His Blood, Rom 3:25. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ Died For the Ungodly, Rom 5:6. And when we were Enemies, we were Reconciled to God by the Death of his Son, Rom 5:10. In whom we have Redemption Through His Blood, the Forgiveness of Sins, Eph 1:7. Christ hath loved us, and Given Himself for Us, an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour, Eph 5:2. In whom we have Redemption Through His Blood, the Forgiveness of Sins, Col 1:14. And having made Peace Through the Blood of his Cross, in the Body of His Flesh, through Death, Col 1:20, Col 1:22. Who Gave Himself a Ransom for all, Ti1 2:6. Who Gave Himself for Us, that he might Redeem us from all iniquity, Tit 2:14. By which will we are sanctified, through the Offering of the Body of Jesus Christ, Heb 10:10. So Christ was once Offered to Bear the Sins of many, Heb 9:28. See also Eph 2:13, Eph 2:16; Pe1 1:18, Pe1 1:19; Rev 5:9. But it would be transcribing a very considerable part of the New Testament to set down all the texts that refer to this most important and glorious truth. 2. And as his death was an atonement for our sins, so his resurrection was the proof and pledge of our eternal life. See Co1 15:17; Pe1 1:3; Eph 1:13, Eph 1:14, etc.,etc. 3. The doctrine of justification by faith, which is so nobly proved in the preceding chapter, is one of the grandest displays of the mercy of God to mankind. It is so very plain that all may comprehend it; and so free that all may attain it. What more simple than this? Thou art a sinner, in consequence condemned to perdition, and utterly unable to save thy own soul. All are in the same state with thyself, and no man can give a ransom for the soul of his neighbor. God, in his mercy, has provided a Savior for thee. As thy life was forfeited to death because of thy transgressions, Jesus Christ has redeemed thy life by giving up his own; he died in thy stead, and has made an atonement to God for thy transgressions; and offers thee the pardon he has thus purchased, on the simple condition, that thou believe that his death is a sufficient sacrifice, ransom, and oblation for thy sin; and that thou bring it as such, by confident faith, to the throne of God, and plead it in thy own behalf there. When thou dost so, thy faith in that sacrifice shall be imputed to thee for righteousness; i.e. it shall be the means of receiving that salvation which Christ has bought by his blood. 4. The doctrine of the imputed righteousness of Christ, as held by many, will not be readily found in this chapter, where it has been supposed to exist in all its proofs. It is repeatedly said that Faith is imputed for righteousness; but in no place here, that Christ's obedience to the moral law is imputed to any man. The truth is, the moral law was broken, and did not now require obedience; it required this before it was broken; but, after it was broken, it required death. Either the sinner must die, or some one in his stead: but there was none whose death could have been an equivalent for the transgressions of the world but Jesus Christ. Jesus therefore died for man; and it is through his blood, the merit of his passion and death, that we have redemption; and not by his obedience to the moral law in our stead. Our salvation was obtained at a much higher price. Jesus could not but be righteous and obedient; this is consequent on the immaculate purity of his nature: but his death was not a necessary consequent. As the law of God can claim only the death of a transgressor - for such only forfeit their right to life - it is the greatest miracle of all that Christ could die, whose life was never forfeited. Here we see the indescribable demerit of sin, that it required such a death; and here we see the stupendous mercy of God, in providing the sacrifice required. It is therefore by Jesus Christ's death, or obedience unto death, that we are saved, and not by his fulfilling any moral law. That he fulfilled the moral law we know; without which he could not have been qualified to be our mediator; but we must take heed lest we attribute that to obedience (which was the necessary consequence of his immaculate nature) which belongs to his passion and death. These were free-will offerings of eternal goodness, and not even a necessary consequence of his incarnation. 5. This doctrine of the imputed righteousness of Christ is capable of great abuse. To say that Christ's personal righteousness is imputed to every true believer, is not Scriptural: to say that he has fulfilled all righteousness for us, or in our stead, if by this is meant his fulfillment of all moral duties, is neither Scriptural nor true: that he has died in our stead, is a great, glorious, and Scriptural truth: that there is no redemption but through his blood is asserted beyond all contradiction; in the oracles of God. But there are a multitude of duties which the moral law requires which Christ never fulfilled in our stead, and never could. We have various duties of a domestic kind which belong solely to ourselves, in the relation of parents, husbands, wives, servants, etc., in which relations Christ never stood. He has fulfilled none of these duties for us, but he furnishes grace to every true believer to fulfill them to God's glory, the edification of his neighbor, and his own eternal profit. The salvation which we receive from God's free mercy, through Christ, binds us to live in a strict conformity to the moral law; that law which prescribes our manners, and the spirit by which they should be regulated, and in which they should be performed. He who lives not in the due performance of every Christian duty, whatever faith he may profess, is either a vile hypocrite, or a scandalous Antinomian.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Who was delivered for--"on account of." our offences--that is, in order to expiate them by His blood. and raised again for--"on account of," that is, in order to. our justification--As His resurrection was the divine assurance that He had "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself," and the crowning of His whole work, our justification is fitly connected with that glorious act. Note, (1) The doctrine of justification by works, as it generates self-exaltation, is contrary to the first principles of all true religion (Rom 4:2; and see on Rom 3:21-26, Note 1). (2) The way of a sinner's justification has been the same in all time, and the testimony of the Old Testament on this subject is one with that of the New (Rom 4:3, &c., and see on Rom 3:27-31, Note 1). (3) Faith and works, in the matter of justification, are opposite and irreconcilable, even as grace and debt (Rom 4:4-5; and see on Rom 11:6). If God "justifies the ungodly," works cannot be, in any sense or to any degree, the ground of justification. For the same reason, the first requisite, in order to justification, must be (under the conviction that we are "ungodly") to despair of it by works; and the next, to "believe in Him that justifieth the ungodly"--that hath a justifying righteousness to bestow, and is ready to bestow it upon those who deserve none, and to embrace it accordingly. (4) The sacraments of the Church were never intended, and are not adapted, to confer grace, or the blessings of salvation, upon men. Their proper use is to set a divine seal upon a state already existing, and so, they presuppose, and do not create it (Rom 4:8-12). As circumcision merely "sealed" Abraham's already existing acceptance with God, so with the sacraments of the New Testament. (5) As Abraham is "the heir of the world," all nations being blessed in him, through his Seed Christ Jesus, and justified solely according to the pattern of his faith, so the transmission of the true religion and all the salvation which the world will ever experience shall yet be traced back with wonder, gratitude, and joy, to that morning dawn when "the God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran," Act 7:2 (Rom 4:13). (6) Nothing gives more glory to God than simple faith in His word, especially when all things seem to render the fulfilment of it hopeless (Rom 4:18-21). (7) All the Scripture examples of faith were recorded on purpose to beget and encourage the like faith in every succeeding age (Rom 4:23-24; and compare Rom 15:4). (8) Justification, in this argument, cannot be taken--as Romanists and other errorists insist--to mean a change upon men's character; for besides that this is to confound it with Sanctification, which has its appropriate place in this Epistle, the whole argument of the present chapter--and nearly all its more important clauses, expressions, and words--would in that case be unsuitable, and fitted only to mislead. Beyond all doubt it means exclusively a change upon men's state or relation to God; or, in scientific language, it is an objective, not a subjective change--a change from guilt and condemnation to acquittal and acceptance. And the best evidence that this is the key to the whole argument is, that it opens all the wards of the many-chambered lock with which the apostle has enriched us in this Epistle. Next: Romans Chapter 5