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Thursday, September 3, 2009

The Case for Christ


"The Son of God became a man
to enable men to become the sons of God."
~ C.S. Lewis

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
"For who has known the mind of the LORD?
Or who has become His counselor?"
"Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?"
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things,
to whom be glory forever. Amen.
~ Romans 11:33-36 (NKJV)

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:19 (NKJV)

Many worthy scholars have summarized Romans a number of ways. I aspire not to compete with them, but to complement them. Here then is a review of Romans 1-11, in the context of indisputable evidence which makes the Case for Christ (with links to posts which examine each one):

CREATION manifests invisible attributes of God and His existence
CONSCIENCE testifies of right and wrong, and its Author
CIRCUMCISION testifies of God because no man would invent it
COMMANDMENT from God confirms things inherently known
CHRIST CRUCIFIED supplies our greatest need: no condemnation
COUNSELOR reproduces the miracle of God dwelling in human flesh
CONQUERORS becomes our new identity, evident in power
COVENANT of God is proven everlasting by Israel's survival

Having concluded his case, Paul is compelled to praise God. His psalm of Romans 11:33-36 exalts "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God" and His "unsearchable judgments."

All power in the heavens the earth and every hidden place is OF God—there is no other source.

All power affecting our lives and circumstances is there only THROUGH His permission.

All power we are allowed to exercise in thought, feeling, word and action is TO His glory—or His reproach.

Sola de gloria! For His glory alone!

Lord, how is it that You reveal to puny humans Your wisdom and knowledge, Your plans and purposes? Please so work in our hearts that we count it our highest privilege, our greatest pleasure, and our deepest passion to glorify You.

[Note: A portion of the above summary originated with the Answers in Genesis ministry, but I have expanded upon it and made it my own.]

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

11 comments:

  1. Anne, Romans is so incredibly dense a book! I don't know how many times I have read it, yet each time I go deeper. Thank you for illuminating its message in a new, powerful way.

    Have a wonderful Thursday!

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  2. Thanks for sharing this, I deeply appreciate you.

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  3. I'm lovin' in your prayer that you named us puny humans. So true. I also delight in that all power, even in the hidden places is OF God!
    ~ Wendy

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  4. CIRCUMCISION testifies of God because no man would invent it

    True, true. Magnificent summaries, all of them.

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  5. Incredible post, Anne.

    I was such a doubter for many, many years. Some of the things you mention here are the sorts of things that proved to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that
    God.
    Is.
    Real.

    Powerful stuff, my friend.

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  6. Gwen, thank you for telling me that God has answered my prayer for ability to bring fresh insight to His Word.

    Denise, I appreciate you, and continue to pray re: your health.

    Wendy, David used the word "worm" in Psalm 22:6. I'm good with puny. Can you believe He hides His power in us? Amazing.

    T. Anne, do I hear upturned mouth corners behind that comment?

    Jennifer, had a wonderful time with you last 24 hrs. I woke up singing! Powerful stuff, my friend.

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  7. My church theme this year - GREATER HIM lesser us. Your article brings out that truth in a marvellous way! God bless!

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  8. Indeed you did, but that was me merely marveling at the brilliance of our God. That my friend is undeniable. =)

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  9. Bible Lover, may we always become less that He may be seen as ever greater.

    T. Anne ... yes, brilliance! I love reading His Word and constantly marveling.

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  10. Lord, how is it that You reveal to puny humans Your wisdom and knowledge, Your plans and purposes? Please so work in our hearts that we count it our highest privilege, our greatest pleasure, and our deepest passion to glorify You.

    I hope you and the Lord don't mind. I copied your prayer. I'll pray it with passion. Great post - thank you

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  11. Doug, I'm honored, and I've no doubt the Lord will likewise be honored in answering such a prayer.

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