Just and the Justifier (Romans)

Just and the Justifier   by Charles H. Welch.
An exposition of the epistle to the Romans. I derives its title from Romans 3:26;  "To declare I say at this time his righteousness:  that he might be just and justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Mr. Welch considers the Roman epistle from three angles, doctrinally, dispensationally, and practically.  He also has divided the book into sections to better help us to understand the purpose Paul had in writing this book.

The first part covers chapters 1:1-5:11.  The dominant figure is Abraham.  Sins are the most important concern.  The righteousness of God is revealed apart from the law.  This truth had not been known, or expressed before in Old Testament scripture.  Teaching the principle of justification by faith is the main topic.

The inner section covers chapters 5:12-8:39.  The dominant figure is Adam.  The subject of this section is the nature and effect that the law of sin and death has on mankind.  The sentence of death has been passed upon all men as a result of Adam's sin.  We can escape the state of death by grace, and through the resurrection power that we have because we are in Christ.

Dispensational truth is the main topic of the next section which covers chapters 
9:1-11:36, and deals with God's election concerning Israel and Israel's hope.  The scripture teaches us that the Gentiles that Paul addressed in the book of Romans, shared in Israel's hope as a wild olive branch being grafted into a natural good olive tree, and would share with the natural branches (Jews), and receive the same benefits by being part of the olive tree (Romans 11:24).

The last section covers chapters 12:1-16:27.  This is the practical section and speaks of Israel's relationship to God, fellow Jews, and finally the nations, or Gentiles.  Israel's position was one of favor and special privileges.  Romans 9:4 says, "Who are Israelites to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory and the covenant, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promise."  The epistle closes by mentioning a mystery which was kept secret since the world began.  Mr. Welch share with us the truth that this mystery is not the same as the mystery in Ephesians 3:9.

We would like to encourage each of you who has read this article to study the Just and the Justifier.  We do not suggest that you agree with every point the author makes, but by in large Mr. Welch does an excellent job of explaining the fundamental truths contained in this epistle.