We trace how Paul writes from the finished side of the cross, not the striving side of religion, and why identity must come before effort. We show how Romans and Galatians read differently when you keep context, sequence, and audience in view.
• three voices and roles: John as forerunner, Jesus as source, Paul as translator into union
• reading Paul to the already-in-Christ rather than outsiders
• Romans 1–11 as identity foundation leading to the “therefore” of chapter 12
• no condemnation as a permanent reality, not a threat on hold
• Paul’s patience with moral failure versus his severity toward legalism
• correction without threatening belonging or inclusion
• union with Christ over try-harder religion
• repentance as clarity, obedience as natural, rest replacing striving
• stripping tradition to recover original context and order
