Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 15:14-21.
Although we might be tempted to skip over sections like this text, St. Paul fills even his transition toward the close of his epistle with rich theology in Christ. The Apostle encourages the Roman Christians by reminding them of Christ’s goodness that has been given to them in the instruction in the Christian faith. His writing to them was an important reminder, for no Christian can ever receive too much teaching in the Word of God. This Word of God reveals Christ as the center for Jews and Gentiles; the priestly service of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Him so that His benefits extend to all. This work has been done by the Triune God through St. Paul. Through St. Paul’s apostleship, Christ has been fulfilling His promise to extend His good news to all nations, so that what the prophet Isaiah had foreseen over eight hundred years earlier had come to pass. The Suffering Servant, Christ crucified and risen, had been made known to the Gentiles.
“The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
