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3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God of no effect? 4 No, never! Rather, God is true; but every person is a liar. Just as it's written, “That you might be justified in your words, and might overcome when you are judged.” 5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates God's righteousness, what are we to say? Is God, who takes vengeance, unrighteous? (I speak as a mere human.) 6 No, never! Otherwise, how could God judge the world?

7 So if God's truth has increased through my lie, to his glory; why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say (as we are vilified to have said and as some claim we say), ‘Let's do evil that good may come?’ Their condemnation of this is just.
 
Everyone Has Sinned
9 What then? Are we any better? Not at all! For we have previously charged, that both Jews and Greeks, are all under sin. 10 As it's written, 13 Their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they have practiced deception; the poison of vipers is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their paths: 17 And the way of peace they have not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law: that every mouth may be closed, that the whole world may become under judgment before God. 20 Therefore by works of the law no flesh will be justified in his sight, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.  [Literally, in.]

God's Righteousness Comes Only Through Faith in Jesus!
21 But now apart from the law, the righteousness of God is revealed; being testified to by the law and the prophets: 22 Even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ; toward everyone and on everyone who believes, because there is no difference, 23 because everyone has sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

24 We have been justified freely, by his cheerful favor, through the ransom which was paid in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God offered as an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his self-restraint God passed over the sins which were previously committed, 26 To demonstrate at this time his righteousness: that he might be both just and the justifier of the one who trusts in Jesus. [Or, believes.]

27 Where then is boasting? It's excluded! By what law? Of works? No, but through the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a person is justified by faith, apart from the works of the law.

29 Or is he only the God of the Jews? Isn't he also the God of the nations? Yes, of the nations also: 30 For there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised through faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Then do we make the law of no effect through faith? No, never! Rather, we establish the law. (See Romans 13:8-10)

Romans 4
 
Abraham was Justified by Faith
1 Then what should we say that our father Abraham has found according to the flesh? 2 Because if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God.

3 For what does the scripture say? “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.”

4 Now to the one who works his wages are not credited to him as a favor, but as a debt. 5 But to the one who doesn't work, but trusts in him who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited to them as righteousness. 6 Even as David also describes the blessedness of the person, to whom God credits righteousness apart from works, 7 Saying, “Blessed and happy are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed and happy is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.”
 
Circumcision Is Not Relevant
9 Then does this blessedness only come upon the circumcised, or upon the uncircumcised also? Because we declare that faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it credited to him? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while he was circumcised, but while he was uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of everyone who believes, even though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them also, 12 And the father of circumcision to those who are not only of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.
 
God's Promise Through Faith, Not the Law
13 Because the promise, that he would be the heir of the world, wasn't given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 Because if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of no effect: 15 For the law produces retribution; but where there is no law, there is no offense.

16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be according to cheerful favor, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

17 As it’s written, “I have made you a father of many nations” in the sight of him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 Who, contrary to natural expectation, in confident-expectation believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So will your seed be.”

19 And not being weak in faith, he didn't consider his own body, already as good as dead (since he was about 100 years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He didn't stagger at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God;
21 Because he was fully convinced that, what he had promised, he was also able to perform. 22 And therefore it was credited to him as righteousness.

23 Now it wasn't written only for his sake, that it was credited to him; 24 But also for us, to whom it will be credited, to those who trust in him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised for our justification.

Romans 5

We Have Peace With God
1 Therefore having been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Through whom we also have access by faith into this cheerful favor in which we stand, and we boast in anticipation of the glory of God.

3 And not only this, but we also boast in pressing situations, realizing that pressures produce cheerful endurance, 4 And cheerful endurance, proven character, and proven character, expectancy, 5 And this expectancy won't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who was given to us.

Christ Died for the Ungodly
6 For while we were still without strength, at just the right time Christ died for ungodly people. 7 For rarely is anyone willing to die for a righteous person: though perhaps for a good person someone might even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrated his own love for us, in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, having now been justified by his blood, through him we will be saved from God's anger: 10 Because if while we were his enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; how much more, having been reconciled, in his life we will be saved. 11 And not only this, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have already received reconciliation.
 
Sin and Death Came Through Adam; But Righteous and Life Through Christ
12 Therefore, just as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death spread to all people, because everyone has sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not charged when there is no law.) 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of Adam's offense, who was a type of him who is to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense: for if by the offense of the one many died, much more did God's cheerful favor and the free gift by the cheerful favor of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounds to the many.

16 And the free gift isn't like that which came through the one who sinned: Because the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the offense of one man, death reigned through that one; much more those who receive the abundance of cheerful favor and the free gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one man—Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense a death sentence came upon all people, resulting in condemnation: so also one man’s righteous act resulted in justification, and life for all people. 19 For just as by one man's failure to listen, many were made sinners; so too by one man's obedient listening, many will be made righteous.

20 But the Law entered so that the offense would increase: but where sin increased, cheerful favor increased even more. 21 So that, as sin reigned in death; cheerful favor might also reign through righteousness, leading to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6

Dead to Sin and Alive to God
1 What should we say then? Should we continue in sin, that cheerful favor might increase? 2 No, never! How can we, who have died to sin, still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus, were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death; that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we too should walk in newness of life.

5 Because if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death; we will also certainly be in the likeness of his resurrection. 6 Knowing this, that our old person was crucified with him; that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be subservient to sin. 7 Because one who has died, has been acquitted of sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, 9 Knowing that Christ having been raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 Because the death that he died, he died to sin once for everyone; but the life that he lives, he lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, consider yourselves Truly to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obediently listen to its desires. 13 Neither present the members of your body to sin, as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and the members of your body as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 Because sin is no longer to rule over you, because you are not under law, but under God's cheerful favor.
 
Become Servants of Righteousness
15 What then? Should we continue to sin, because we are not under the law, but under God's cheerful favor? No, never! 16 Don't you know, that to whomever you present yourselves as slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey: whether of sin to death, or of obedient listening to righteousness? 17 But thank God, that though you were the slaves of sin; yet from your heart, you obediently listened to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 And having been set free from sin, you have become servants of righteousness.
19 (I'm speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh.) Because just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness and of lawlessness, leading to more lawlessness; so now present your members as servants of righteousness, leading to holiness.

20 Because when you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 Therefore what fruit were you getting, at that time, from those things which you are now ashamed of? Because the end result of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become servants of God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end result, eternal life! 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 7

We Have Been Freed from the Law
1 Don't you know, brothers and sisters (because I'm speaking to those who know the law), that the law rules over a person for a set time, as long as they live? 2 Because a married woman is bound by law to the husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that bound her to her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress: but if her husband dies, she is free from that law; so that she is not an adulteress, if she marries another man. 4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ; that you should be married to another, even to him who was raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit to God. 5 Because when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in the members of our body, to bring forth the fruit of death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to that which we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
 
The Law Is Holy, Just, and Good
7 What are we to say then? Is the law sin? No, never! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law, for I wouldn't have known covetousness if the law had not said, “Don't covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of evil desires. Because apart from the law, sin is dead. 9 So I was once alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was to bring life, I found to bring forth death. 11 Because sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, deceived me, and by it, killed me. 12 Therefore the law Truly is holy; and the commandment holy, and right, and good.
 
The Struggle Between Spirit and the Flesh
13 Then has that which is good, become death to me? No, never! But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, was producing death in me through that which is good; that through the commandment sin might become extremely sinful. 14 Because we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, having been sold under slavery to sin. 15 For I do not know what I'm doing: because what I desire to do, that I do not do; but what I hate, that I do. 16 But if I'm doing what I don't want to do, then I agree with the law, that it is good: 17 So now I'm no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 18 Because I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; because the desire to do good is present with me, but how to do what is good, I do not find. 19 Because I do not do the good that I desire to do, but instead I do the evil that I do not want to do. 20 But if I'm doing what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who am doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

21 Consequently then, I find this law, that when I desire to do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in God's law in my inner person, 23 But I see a different law warring against the law of my mind in the members of my body, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, Truly with my mind I serve God's law, but with my flesh sin's law.

Romans 8
 
No Condemnation in Christ
1 Therefore there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit) 2 Because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed me from the law of sin and death! 3 Because what the law was powerless to do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh: and concerning sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 So that the righteous requirement of the law would be fulfilled in us; who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 5 Because those who live according to the flesh, set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit, set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 Because the mind set on the flesh is death; but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; because it doesn't submit itself to God's law, nor Truly can it: 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
 
Being in the Spirit is Being in Christ
9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if Truly God's Spirit dwells in you. But if anyone doesn't have the Spirit of Christ, they are not his. 10 But if Christ is in you, the body Truly is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 Now if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies, through his Spirit who dwells in you.

12 So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it's not to the flesh, to live according the flesh: 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put the deeds of the body to death, you will live.
 
Those Led by the Spirit are the Sons of God
14 Because as many as are led by God's Spirit, these are the Sons of God. 15 Because you haven't received the spirit of slavery again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of Son-ship, by which we cry out, “Daddy! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit, that we are God's Children: 17 And if children, then we are heirs; Truly heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; if Truly we suffer together with him, that we may also be glorified together with him.
 
The Glory Which Will Be Revealed in Us
18 So I do not consider the sufferings of this present time—worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed in us. 19 Because the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the Sons of God. 20 Because creation itself has been subjected to futility; not willingly, but because of him who subjected it in confident-expectation: 21 Because creation itself will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God's Children. 22 Because we know that all of creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 And not only they, but also we ourselves, having the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly awaiting Son-ship, the full redemption of our body. 24 Because we were saved in this confident-expectation, but expectation that is seen is not expectation; because why would anyone still be expecting what they see? 25 But if we expect what we do not see, then we eagerly wait for it with cheerful endurance.
 
The Spirit Helps us Overcome Our Weaknesses
26 But in like manner the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses: because we do not know what we should pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible moaning. 27 Because he who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because he intercedes on behalf of God's holy people according to God's will.

God's Eternal Purpose
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good, for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 Because those whom he foreknew, he also predetermined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 Moreover those whom he predetermined, these he also called; and those whom he called, these he also justified; and those whom he justified, these he also glorified.

God's Everlasting Love
31 Then what should we say concerning these things? "If God is for us, who can be against us?" 32 He who didn't spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how will he not also with him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring charges against God's chosen ones? God is the one who has justified them! 34 Who is going to condemn us? Christ is the one who died for us, more than that, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who is Truly interceding for us. (See 1 John 2:1)
 
Not Even Death Can Separated Us from God's Love
35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Will pressures, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it's written, “For your sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 Rather, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us: 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor demonic messengers, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from God's love, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 9
 
Paul's Concern for Israel
1 I'm speaking the truth in Christ. I'm not lying, my conscience also testifying with me in the Holy Spirit: 2 That I have great sadness and unceasing grief in my heart; 3 For I could wish for I myself to be accursed from Christ for the sake of my brothers and sisters, my relatives according to the flesh, 4 Who are Israelites; to whom belongs the Son-ship, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5 Of whom are the forefathers and from whom (according to the flesh) Christ came—who is above all, the eternally adored God. Amen! (Truly!)

Israel’s Rejection and God’s Purpose
6 However it is not as though God's Word has failed: because not all of those who are from Israel, are children of Israel; 7 Nor are they all children because they are Abraham's seed: rather, “In Isaac your seed will be called.” 8 That is, it’s not the children of the flesh who are God's Children, but it's the children of the promise who are counted as seed. 9 Because the Word of Promise was this, “At this time next year I will come, and Sarah will have a son.”

10 And not only this; but also Rebecca, when she had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac: 11 The children not yet being born, nor having done anything good or bad; that the Purpose of God might stand according to his choice, not according to works, but because of him who calls, 12 It was told her, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it's written, “I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.”

14 What are we to say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? No, never! 15 For he told Moses, “I will have compassion and compassion on whomever I want to have compassion and compassion, and I will have pity on whomever I want to have pity.” 16 Consequently then, it doesn't depend on the one who wills or on the one who runs, but on God who shows compassion. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.” 18 Consequently then, he has compassion and compassion on whomever he wants to have compassion and compassion, and whomever he wants to harden he hardens.
 
Who Can Question God?
19 You will say to me, "Then why does he still find fault? Because who has resisted his resolve?" 20 But Truly, O human, who are you to answer back against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Doesn't the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?

22 But what if God, wanting to demonstrate his anger and to make his power known, endured with much patience the vessels of his anger prepared for destruction? 23 In order that he might make known the riches of his glory to the vessels of compassion, which he prepared beforehand for glory, 24 Even us, whom he has called, not only from the Jews, but also from the nations?

25 As he also says in Hosea, “I will call those who were not my people, ‘My people!’ And her who was not beloved, ‘My beloved!’ 26 And it will happen, that in the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called, ‘Sons of the living God!’ "

27 But Isaiah cried out over Israel, “Though the number of the sons of Israel should be as the sand of the sea, only the few remaining will be saved. 28 Because he will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.”

29 And just as Isaiah said before, “Unless the Lord of Heaven's Armies had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and we would have been made like Gomorrah.”

Israel's Unbelief
30 What are we to say then? “That those of the nations, who didn't follow after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, pursuing a righteousness law, did not arrive at the law of righteousness.” 32 Why? Because they didn't pursue it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling stone, 33 Just as it's written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense: but everyone who trusts in him will not be ashamed.”

Romans 10

The Goal of the Law is Christ 
1 Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I testify concerning them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 Because they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to God's righteousness; 4 For the goal of the law is Christ, who grants righteousness to everyone who believes.

5 For Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, “The person who does these things must live by them.” 6 But the righteousness which comes from faith speaks like this: “Don't say in your heart, ‘Who will go up into heaven?’ " (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 Or, “Who will go down into the abyss?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The PROCLAMATION is near to you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the proclamation of faith which we proclaim:
 
Proclaim Jesus With Your Mouth
9 For if you likewise proclaim THE LORD Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved! 10 Because with the heart you believe unto righteousness; but with the mouth you proclaim the same thing unto salvation. (In other words, you are to proclaim what you believe, fearlessly! Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9)

11 Because the scripture says, “Everyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 12 Because there's no difference between a Jew and a Greek: because the same Lord over all is rich to everyone who calls on him. 13 “Because everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
 
Israel Rejects God's Message
14 But how can they call out to him, unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will they tell them unless they are sent? As it's written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim the Good News of peace, who bring Good News of good things!”

16 But not everyone listens obediently to the Good News; because Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes from hearing, and hearing through God's Word. [Literally, utterance.]

18 But I say, "Haven't they heard?" Truly they have! because “Their voice has gone out into the whole earth, and their utterances to the ends of the inhabited world.”

19 But I say, “Didn't Israel know?” First Moses told them, “I will provoke you to jealousy through those who are not a people. I will anger you through a people without understanding.” 20 Then Isaiah was very bold, and told them, “I was found by those who weren't looking for me; I was revealed to those who weren't asking about me.” 21 But to Israel he said, “All day long I have stretched my hands out to a disbelieving and obstinate people.”

Romans 11
 
At the Present Time a Remnant of Israel Will Saved
1 I say then, “Did God reject his people?” No, never! For I too am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God didn't reject his people whom he foreknew. Don't you know what the Scripture says in Elijah? How he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, and they have torn down your altars; and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.”

4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved 7,000 men for myself, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

5 So even now, at this present time, there is a remnant which has been chosen by God's cheerful favor. 6 And if by cheerful favor, then is it no longer of works: otherwise cheerful favor is no longer cheerful favor. But if it is of works, then it is no longer of cheerful favor: otherwise work is no longer work.

7 What then? Israel has not obtained that which it seeks; but the chosen have obtained it, and the rest were hardened: 8 Just as it's written, “God has given them a spirit of slumber, eyes that aren't able to see, and ears that aren't able to hear,” unto this day.

9 And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them. 10 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they can't see, and cause their backs to be bend down continually.”

Salvation Came to the Nations because of Israel's Fall
11 I say then, “Have they stumbled that they should fall?” No, never! But by their offense, salvation has come to the Nations to cause them to envy. 12 Now if their offense resulted in riches for the world and their failure in riches for the Nations, how much more will their fullness be?

13 For I am speaking to you, who are of the nations; since I am Truly the apostle of the nations, I glorify my ministry: 14 If by any means I may cause those who are my own flesh to envy, and might save some of them. 15 Because if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be, if not life from the dead?

16 But if the first-fruit of the dough offering is holy, so also is the whole batch of dough, and if the root is holy, so also are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became partakes of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Don't boast against the branches! But if you are boasting, remember that it is not you that supports the root, but the root that supports you.

19 Then you may say, “The branches were broken off in order that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said: because of unbelief they were broken off, but you stand by faith; therefore, don’t be arrogant, but be afraid! 21 Because if God didn't spare the natural branches; perhaps he may not spare you either? 22 Behold then the goodness and severity of God: upon those who fell, severity; but upon you, goodness, if you continue in his goodness; otherwise you also may be cut off. 23 But they also, if they don't continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, because God is able to graft them in again. 24 Because if you were cut off an olive tree which is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a good olive tree: how much more will these, who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

All Israel Will Be Saved
25 For brothers and sisters, I don't want you to be unaware of this secret mystery (that you may not be wise in your own sight), that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the full number of the nations has come in; 26 And then all Israel will be saved: just as it's written, “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and he will turn away irreverence from Jacob; 27 And this is their covenant with me, when I take away their sins.”

28 From the standpoint of the Good News they are enemies, because of you; but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved, because of their forefathers; 29 Because the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable! 30 So just as you once didn't believe in God, but have now been shown compassion because of their disbelief, 31 In the same way they also, do not believe now, that through the compassion shown to you, they may also have compassion shown to them. 32 Because God has enclosed everyone together in disbelief, so that he might have compassion on everyone.
 
Doxology
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his decisions, and untrackable his ways! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become his counselor?” 35 “Or who has first given to him, that it should be repaid to them?” 36 Because from him, and through him, and to him are all things: to him be the glory throughout the ages! Amen! (Truly!)

Romans 12
 
Be a Living Sacrifice
1 Therefore brothers and sisters, I urge you through the compassions of God, to present your bodies as a holy living sacrifice, well-pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And don't be conformed to the pattern of this age: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and well-pleasing and perfect will of God.

We Are One Body in Christ
3 For I say to everyone who is among you, through the cheerful favor given to me, not to think more highly of yourself than what one ought to think, but to think sensibly, since God has imparted to each one the measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body, yet all the members do not have the same function: 5 So too, we, being many, are one body in Christ, and each one members of each other; 6 But we have differing gifts, according to the cheerful favor given to us: if prophecy, prophesy in accordance with the proportion of your faith; 7 Or if service, in serving; or the one who teaches, in teaching; 8 Or the one who encourages, in encouraging; the one who gives, in generosity; the one who leads, in diligence; the one who shows compassion, in cheerfulness.
 
Genuinely Love Others
9 Let love be without pretense. Abhor what is evil; be glued to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate toward one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 Be quick, not slow, hot in spirit to serve the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in confident-expectation, enduring under pressure, being devoted to prayer, 13 Sharing in the needs of God's holy people, pursuing hospitality.

14 Blessing and speaking well of those who persecute you: bless, and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mindset toward one another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the lowly. Don’t be wise in your own sight.

17 Don't repay anyone evil for evil, but focus on that which is good in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people. 19 Dearly beloved, don't avenge yourselves, but rather give place to God's anger: because it's written, “retribution is mine; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed them; if they're thirsty, give them something to drink; for in doing this you will be heaping coals of fire on their head.”

21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 13

Submission to the Authorities
1 Every soul is to submit to the authorities over them; because there is no authority except from God, and those who are authorities have been appointed by God. 2 So whoever sets themselves against authority, stands against the arrangement of God, and those who stand against it, will bring judgment upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of alarm for good behavior, but for evil behavior. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 Because they are God’s servant to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; because they do not wear the sword for no reason; for they are God’s servant, an avenger to execute his anger on the one who does evil. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to authority, not only because of anger, but also for consciences sake. 6 For of this reason you also pay taxes, because they are God’s servants attending continually to this very thing. 7 Therefore, render to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs are due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due.
 
Love is Supreme
8 Owe nothing to no one, except to love one another, because the one who loves another has fulfilled the law: 9 Because the commandments, “You're not to commit adultery,” “You're not to commit murder,” “You're not to steal,” "You're not to bear false witness." “You're not to covet,” and if there is any other commandment, they are all summed up in this statement, “You're to love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Because since love does no wrong to a neighbor; love fulfills the law.
 
Be Clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ
11 And do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for us to awake from sleep; because salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost over, and the day is drawing near; therefore, let's throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let's behave properly as in the daytime, not in carousing and intoxication, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy; 14 Rather let's be clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ; and make not plans for the flesh, to fulfill its desires.

Romans 14

Don’t Judge Other People's Opinions

1 Accept the one who is weak in the faith, and don't pass judgment on their personal opinions. 2 Truly, one believes they may eat anything, but the one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats must not despise the one who doesn't eat, and the one who doesn't eat must not judge the one who eats, because God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge another's servant? Before their own master they will stand or fall. And they will be made to stand, because God is able to make them stand.

5 Truly, one person esteems one day above another day: but another esteems every day alike. Let each person be fully persuaded in their own mind. 6 The one who regards the day, regards it for the Lord; and the one who doesn't regard the day, doesn't regard it for the Lord. The one who eats, eats to the Lord, because they give God thanks; and the one who doesn't eat, for the Lord they do not eat, and give God thanks. 7 Because none of us lives only for ourselves, and none of us dies only for ourselves. 8 For if we live, we should live for the Lord; and if we die, we should die for the Lord: Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For this reason Christ both died, and rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you despise your brother or sister? Because we all will stand before the Bema Seat of Christ. 11 Because it's written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before me, and every tongue will agree fully with God's decision.”

[Note 14:10: The ancient Greeks established the Olympic Games, and the judge who awarded the prizes, sat on the Bema Seat.]

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves before God. 13 Therefore let's not judge one another any longer, but rather determine this, not to put a stumbling block or a trip-stick in our brother or sister's way.
 
Do Good to Your Brother
14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there's nothing unclean of itself: except to one who esteems something to be unclean, to them it is unclean. 15 But if your brother or sister is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking according to love. Don't destroy the one for whom Christ died with your food. 16 Therefore don't let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 For God's Kingdom isn't food and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one who serves Christ in these things is well-pleasing to God and regarded favorably by people.

19 So then, let's pursue the things which make for peace, and things by which we may build up one another. 20 Don't destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things Truly are clean, but they are evil for the person who causes another to stumble by what they eat. 21 It’s good not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles, or is tripped up, or is made weak. 22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed and happy is the one who doesn't condemn themselves in that which they approve of. 23 But whoever has doubts, is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that doesn't come from faith is sin.

Romans 15
 
1 But we who are strong are obligated to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please our neighbor for their good, to build them up. 3 Because even Christ didn't please himself; but as it's written, “The insults of those who insulted you, have fallen on me.” 4 For as many things as were written before were written for our instruction, in order that through cheerful patience and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have confident-expectancy. 5 Now may the God of cheerful patience and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind toward one another, according to Christ Jesus. 6 So that with one mouth you may unanimously glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
All Nations Are Part of God's People
7 Therefore accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us, to the glory of God. 8 Now I say, Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God (in order to secure the promises made to the forefathers); 9 And a servant to the nations, that they might glorify God for his compassion. Just as it's written, “Because of this, I will praise you among the nations, and I will sing praise to your name.”

10 And again it says, “Rejoice, O nations, with his people!”

11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you nations; and applaud him, all you peoples!”

12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even the one who rises to rule over the nations; the nations will put their confident-expectation in him.”

13 Now may the God of confident-expectation fill you with all joy and peace in believing: so that you may abound in confident-expectancy through the power of the Holy Spirit!
 
Paul a Servant to the Nations
14 Now my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced concerning you, that you yourselves are also full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to remind one another of these things. 15 Nevertheless, brothers and sisters, I've written to you more boldly on some points, to remind you, through the cheerful favor which is given to me by God; 16 In that it is given to me to be the servant of Jesus Christ to the nations: to perform this holy service concerning God's Good News; in order that the offering of the nations might be acceptable to God, being made holy by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus, in the things which pertain to God; 18 Because, I would not dare to speak of anything which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to cause the nations to listen attentively, 19 Through the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God's Spirit; so as for me, in a circuit from Jerusalem to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the Good News about Christ. 20 And so I made it my ambition to proclaim the Good News, not where Christ was already named (so that I wouldn't build on someone else's foundation): 21 Rather, just as it's written: “Those to whom he was not proclaimed, will see; and those who had not heard, will understand.” 22 Because of this, I was also hindered many times from coming to you. [Or, obediently.]
 
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome and Spain

23 But now, there being no place in these regions which has not heard the Good News, and having longed to come to you for many years, 24 Whenever I go to Spain, I will come to you; for I fully expect to see you when I pass through there, and from there to be sent forward by you, after I have first enjoyed your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem, to serve God's holy people, 26 For those in Macedonia and Greece were pleased to make a donation for the poor of God's holy people, who are in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do so, and were obligated  to them: because if the nations have shared in their spiritual gift, they should also serve them in their fleshly needs. 28 Therefore, when I have accomplished this, and have placed my seal of approval on their fruit, I will go on by way of you to Spain.

29 And I know that I will come to you in the fullness of the blessing of the Good News about Christ. 30 Now brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join with me in my struggle, by praying to God for me, 31 That I may be delivered from those in Judah who do not believe, and that my service to Jerusalem may be acceptable for God's holy people; 32 So that, by God’s will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you. 33 Now may the God of peace be with you all. Amen! (Truly!)

Romans 16

Help Phoebe, a Faithful Sister
1 Now I introduce our sister Phoebe to you, who is a servant of the congregation in Cenchrea; 2 That you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of God's holy people, and stand by her in whatever thing she may need from you; for she also has been a helper of many, and of myself also.

Paul's Greetings to Those in Rome
3 Embrace Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus;  4 Who for my life laid down their own necks: to whom not only I, but also all the congregations of the nations give thanks. 5 Likewise embrace the congregation that is in their house.

Embrace my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the first-fruits of Greece to Christ. 6 Embrace Mary, who has worked very hard for us. 7 Embrace Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

8 Embrace Amplias, my beloved brother in the Lord. 9 Embrace Urbanus our co-worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved brother. 10 Embrace Apelles who is approved in Christ. Embrace those who are of Aristobulus' household. 11 Embrace Herodion my countryman. Embrace those that are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.

12 Embrace Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who work hard in the Lord. Embrace the beloved Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Embrace Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Embrace Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. 15 Embrace Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all of God's holy people who are with them.

16 Embrace one another with a holy kiss. The congregations of Christ embrace you.

Avoid Divisions
17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, take aim at those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the teaching which you have learned, and shun them. 18 Because such people aren't servants of our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth words and eloquent speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent and unsuspecting. 19 For news of your obedient listening has reached everyone; therefore I rejoice over you! But I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. 20 And the God of peace will soon completely crush Satan under your feet.

The cheerful favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen! (Truly!)

Greetings From Those with Paul
21 Timothy, my co-worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, embrace you:

22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, embrace you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole congregation, embraces you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, and Quartus, a brother, embraces you. 24 The cheerful favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen! (Truly!)

Doxology
25 Now to him who has the power to establish you, according to my Good News and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the secret mystery which had been kept secret in past ages; 26 But now has been revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God, to advance the obedient hearing of faith among all the nations;  27 To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory throughout the ages! (See  Romans 10:17)
 
Amen! (Truly!)