Wednesday, October 1, 2008

My New Account

Today was another great day in the Word of God. I am currently teaching a verse by verse, section by section exposition of the book of Romans during our midweek services. We are in chapter four (4) where Paul illustrates the doctrine of justification by faith using two Old Testament heroes in Abraham and David. Abraham discovers justification by faith prior to circumcision and the giving of the Law thus we conclude that he believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. David on the other hand describes justification by faith in that it is only for the ungodly. Paul’s point was that no one deserves nor can they earn justification by faith. Consequently, it is a free gift of God’s grace through faith in the finished work of Christ at Calvary. If one could earn salvation it robs God of glory and makes what Christ did for us of no effect.


One of the interesting things I pointed out to the class was Paul’s interchangeable use of the terms imputation, count and reckon which appear some eleven (11) times throughout the chapter. These terms mean to put or charge to ones account. They are financial terms which denote an action performed on someone else’s behalf. There are three major imputations in scripture. They are as follows:


1. Adam's sin was imputed to the human race.

Romans 5:12—Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

1 Corinthians 15:22—For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

2. Our sin was imputed to Christ.

Isaiah 53:5—But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:11—He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Hebrews 2:9—But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
1 Peter 2:24—Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

3. Christ's righteousness is imputed to us when we believe in Him.

Philippians 3:9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

2 Corinthians 5:21--- For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.


I certainly hope this morsel of our journey through Romans prove beneficial to you as together we praise God for justification by grace through faith. Thank God my old account is settled and is no longer a factor and my new account is irrevocable. What an unspeakable gift!!!!

11 comments:

Pastor Kevin Lanier Pullam said...

Excellent exposition of scripture. I applaud and thank you for solid teaching of God's flock.

God Bless,
Kevin

Vietta P's two cents worth said...

Thank you Pastor McGhee for this learning experience through this blog. I believe God is pleased with my efforts to understand more about Him for He truly has opened greater insight and interpretation of His word. I would have never thought I would study these passages anew through this new word I have learned today "imputed" How sin was thrust (imputed) upon me by Adam and from me Christ became "imputed" by my sins and the sins of the world. I LOVE it that because of His awesome sacrifice His righteousness is imputed upon me.

My entire journey thus far with my new Sons is proving to be very beneficial to my spiritual life, which I don't take lightly. Thank you again.

Be blessed

HALLELUJAH said...

I am Truly Blessed to be a part of this awesome teaching of the book of Romans. My Prayer is that during your teachings that every word soaks down in our Souls and our eyes are opened unto the Glory of GOD.


Brother: Wilson

GOD Bless the McGhee’s!!!

Anonymous said...

McGhee,Solid!
I am sure both you and your congregation are truly being enriched by the deep doctrinal study of the book of Romans but particularly this passage.
This theme of imputed righteousness is tucked away in every book of the bible.
Show it to em McGhee!!!

Keep at it man.

Be Encouraged.

Tony R.

Rev. Barney said...

Since I to am teaching through the book of Romans (chapter 3), you are making it easy for me. When I get to chapter 4 I will say, "Well pastor McGhee said." LOL :). Keep chopping away at it doc.

Fitts said...

Brother, I am sure people walked away from that study with a better understanding of Justification. That looks like the work of a masterful chef, who has done what he needed to do to prepare a healthy and tasty full course meal.
Great work my brother, great work.

Grace and Peace,

DeAntwan

Pastor Lance A. Mann said...

Pastor McGhee, once again you have blessed the blogging world with your outstanding commitment towards biblical exposition. I thoroughly believe that the Greater St. John Church family was richly blessed by your faithfulness to preaching and teaching, and my prayer is that they will continue to show great appreciation to the beautiful gift that God has provided for them through you.

Lance

Anonymous said...

Pastor McGhee,

Thank you for your presentation and teaching of (Rom. ch., 4) " Justification by Faith." The outline you presented was very inspirational. I'm sure those in your Bible study was imspired by your wonderful outline of this text and was truly blessed! You are a man of God's Words. Thank you for sharing this wonderful message with us. Welcome back my friend!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

Evangelist.

Rev.Aaron Holcombe said...

I recently done a study in Romans and boy you hit the nail on the head here. Great post! Thank you, and men like you that teach and preach the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! God bless you my Brother!

Clinton Smith said...

Great outline! I love the book of Romans but just haven't gotten there to preach through it yet. Keep up the good work, sir!

Reginald C. Payne said...

God bless you brother for you faithfulness and steadfastness to preach through the great book of romans i am convinced that you as well as your congregatio will be stronger in both doctrine and duty before its all over.

looking forward to more post on romans.