The subjective part of the gospel.
In Romans chapters 12 through 16, Paul addresses the believers’ response to the objective truth presented in chapters one through eight. We have an obligation because of what God has accomplished on our behalf. We are indebted to God to live a life controlled by the Holy Spirit and worthy of our calling. “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2, NET.
This section of the letter to Romans addresses Christian ethics. Therefore, it must be read and understood with the theme presented in chapters one through eight. The righteousness by the faithfulness of Jesus is the theme in chapters one through eight. Our daily response to the objective truths of the gospel does not make us righteous. Our daily subjective experience demonstrates that we are righteous in Jesus only. We could not be righteous like Jesus. He is our righteousness. Therefore, we are righteous only if we are in him.
The subjective part of the gospel is Christian living. The objective part of the gospel is the Christian life. We cannot be saved through subjective living. We are saved through the objective gospel, Jesus Christ. The subjective response to the objective truth of the gospel visibly demonstrates that we are saved. Humankind died to the law through the body of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the law does not have dominion over humankind. We are now in the Kingdom of God – Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are under the dominion of the law of selfless love. The law of selfless love regulates the living of the born-again Christian. The Holy Spirit enables the born-again believer to live a life of self-denial. The changed mind, the new attitude, must be evident in how the yielded believers live.
Continued in the next blog.
