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Abraham was justified by faith alone, but when was he justified before or after his religious observances and keeping of the law?  Paul answers this question in this text, nailing the lid shut on the justification by works debate.

Pastor Matthew Johnson
Romans 4:9-15

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Obtaining God’s righteousness (being right with God) is obtained not through works or efforts of the flesh, but rather through God imputing (accounting) our guilt upon Jesus Christ while he was a man dying on the cross, and imputing Jesus’ righteousness upon the repentant sinner.  Imputed righteousness is the only means of righteousness to be justified.  This text explores the illustrations of imputed righteousness from the Old Testament of Scripture.

Romans 4:1-8
Pastor Matthew Johnson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:49 — 24.5MB)

Since justification is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, revealed in the Scripture alone for the glory of God alone (five solas) then the obvious questions that could be asked are answered by the Apostle.  Who could possibly boast when realizing justification is by faith alone?  No one, it is shut out! In this text, Paul sums up the conclusion to his argument for sola fide with emphasizing the glory of God.

Romans 3:27-31
Pastor Matthew Johnson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:55 — 24.0MB)

Our justification through Jesus Christ is a work of God in declaring sinners not guilty but righteous in the sight of God.  But how does this all work?  What is the mechanics of being justified and on what basis can one say he is right with God? Paul answers these questions with a theological word, propitiation.  This sermon seeks to understand this word and how God can justify sinners and still have his righteousness manifested.

Romans 3:21-26

Pastor Matthew Johnson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:56 — 18.8MB)

It is possible for sinners to be right with God even though he is sinless.  This righteous is a complete work of God in our lives.  In this text of Holy Scripture, Paul explains the miraculous righteousness of God and it can be imputed to sinners through Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:21-26
Pastor Matthew Johnson

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:38 — 23.8MB)

Paul string together Psalms into a sermon proving without doubt that not only is every human on the planet a sinner, but there is no possible way any law-keeping or religious ritual could make one right before God.

Pastor Matthew Johnson
Romans 3:9-20

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In this difficult portion of Scripture, Paul responds to the possible ravings of the Jewish antagonists.  Here we have the objections by those who refuse to recognize their guilt before God.  Paul’s answers elevate the glory of God while giving no excuse to the religious do-gooder.

Pastor Matthew Johnson
Romans 3:1-8

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:15 — 22.5MB)

Christianity is a matter of the heart by the Spirit of God.  Those who look to be Christian by doing something or being someone are seeking praise of men, but those who seek to honor Christ first internally in their heart will receive the praise of God.  This portion of Romans finds the religious man without excuse because true faith in God produces heart change, not just external conformity.

Pastor Matthew Johnson
Romans 2:17-29

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:49 — 23.9MB)

If God will be impartial and no respecter of persons in judgment, then upon what basis will he judge both the notable immoral man of chapter 1 and the secretly immoral man of chapter 2?  The judgment of God is based upon one issue—the issue of sin.

Pastor Matthew Johnson
Romans 2:12-16

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:17 — 24.8MB)

Humanity attempts to solve the problem of sin and decadence by morality and judging others, but morality cannot bring one closer to Jesus Christ

Pastor Matthew Johnson
Romans 2:1-11

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:44 — 25.6MB)