Chapters 3:21–8:39
In chapters 1:18–3:20, Paul has shown conclusively that all men are sinners, and consequently, justly under the sentence of divine judgment. He has also made it abundantly clear that men cannot save themselves from the judgment of their sins. Thus, if any are going to be saved, it must come from some other source and by some other means than from man. The good news is that God loves all men and is greatly interested in their blessing (John 3:16-17), and He has secured a way to save men without compromising His holiness. It is, therefore, with a sense of relief that we turn from the sad story of man's sin to find in chapters 3:21–8:39 that God has a way through grace to save and bless men. In the next few chapters, Paul answers the question asked in the book of Job, "How then can a man be justified with God?" (Job 9:1; 25:4)
The Universal Need of Man Met by the Grace of God in a Threefold Way
Before we proceed with God's remedy for man's sinful condition, let us summarize man's great need in a threefold way, for it is a natural segue (bridge) to this next section of the epistle.
• Firstly, man is ruined externally. Sin has severed the happy relations that once existed between God and man, and there is now an estrangement on man's part from God.
• Secondly, man is ruined internally. Sin has wreaked havoc in the heart and the will of man. Instead of being the master of himself, he has become a slave to his fallen sin-nature. He is captive to his habits and sins which control him, and it is evident in his life.
• Thirdly, man is ruined physically. Sin has also effected a ruin of the whole lower creation. As a result, men’s bodies (and every living creature) have become subject to disease and death. Thus, death has been written over the whole creation.
In this next series of chapters, Paul brings in the good news of the gospel and explains that God has a threefold remedy for man's threefold condition. This is developed in three sub-divisions in this section of the epistle.
In chapters 3:21–5:11, Paul explains that the righteousness of God has met the need of man's estrangement from God by securing redemption, forgiveness, justification, and reconciliation for those who believe. In this section of the epistle, Paul deals with the question of man's sins (the evil deeds that we have done). He shows how God can righteously put away the believer’s sins, and deliver him from the just penalty of them, through faith in the blood of Christ.
In chapters 5:12–8:17, Paul explains that God has also met man's internal need by providing a way of deliverance from the inward working of his fallen sin-nature. In this section of the epistle, Paul deals with the question of sin (the fallen nature in us, called “the flesh”) and shows how God can deliver the believer from its power by our identification with the death of Christ.
In chapter 8:18-30, Paul further explains that God has deliverance for man from the ruined condition of his body through the coming of Christ—the Rapture. At that time, the bodies of believers will be transformed and glorified and made like Christ's physical body of glory (1 Cor. 15:51-56; Phil. 3:21). Animals and vegetation in the lower creation will be delivered about seven years later at the Appearing of Christ, when the sons of God (Christians) will be manifested as such before the world (Rom. 8:19-22.)
Thus, the main themes in these three sub-divisions are:
• Deliverance from the PENALTY of sins—through justification and reconciliation (chap. 3:21–5:11).
• Deliverance from the POWER of sin—which results in practical sanctification (chap. 5:12–8:17).
• Deliverance from the PRESENCE of sin at the coming of the Lord, effecting glorification (chap. 8:18-30).
Viewing these three things together, we see that the gospel presents a full salvation for the sinner who believes.
Chapter 8:31-39 closes this section of the epistle with a thesis on the believer's security in Christ.
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Justification, Deliverance, and Redemption
• There are two things that the Christian needs for lasting peace and spiritual stability—justification and deliverance. One has to do with being reckoned righteous before God, and the other has to do with being made practically righteous before men. There is a third thing we need which will prepare us to dwell above with God in heaven as glorified beings—the redemption of our bodies (chap. 8:11, 23). Hence, we need:
• JUSTIFICATION for what we have done. This is effected by faith's application of the blood of Christ, and is unfolded in chapters 3:21–5:11.
• DELIVERANCE from what we are. This is effected by faith's identification with the death of Christ, and is unfolded in chapters 5:12–8:17.
• REDEMPTION from the physical corruption in our bodies, in order for us to live in our final destiny in heaven. This will be effected at the coming of Christ (the Rapture), as unfolded in chapter 8:18-30.