The End of Romans - The Book

Several observations on Romans 16 this morning.

As the WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM says...

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

So our book ends..

Rom 16:25    Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Rom 16:26    But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Rom 16:27    To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. 

Glory to God....forever..

Our great end.

Also of note is a second clause embedded in verse 17.

Rom 16:17    Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences 

contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Rom 16:18    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

We often hear cry of foul directed at those who try to have discernment, with calls of don't judge or take your own log out, who buck against "unity"......

And there is truth in considering these and having caution, but standing on solid ground and solid Biblical doctrine is the prerequisite.

As the passage says good words and fair speeches can deceive.

Since Unity is today's byword...I still find Paul's statement in Ephesians the best guidance.

Unity is not a given....it has a perquisite of being united in the "true" onenesses that we find in sound doctrine and theology....these are learned through the scripture God's revealed word.

2Ti 3:15    And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2Ti 3:16    All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Ti 3:17    That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

From here we can mold out unity.

 Eph 4:1    I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Eph 4:2    With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Eph 4:3    Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph 4:4    There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

Eph 4:5    One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Eph 4:6    One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.