Immerse: Messiah - Flipbook - Page 190
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IMMERSE
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MESSIAH
his churches—comprised of both Jews and Gentiles—the story of God’s
people in the First Testament. In this section he builds his presentation
of the Good News directly on the sequence of ancient Israel’s calling,
captivity, rescue, and promised inheritance.
Paul writes that God created all people to worship him and to serve
his purposes in the world, but this human vocation was disrupted by the
intrusion of sin and death. Abraham’s family was chosen as the means
by which God would reclaim his original purpose. Through Abraham’s
descendants, God sent his Son as Israel’s Messiah to rescue them and
fulfill their mission. In his death and resurrection, Jesus is shown to
be the Savior of the whole world, bringing life and restoration to all
peoples on earth. God’s people look forward to receiving their promised inheritance when they are raised from the dead and all of creation
is set free from death and decay.
The second part of the main body of the letter then follows, detailing
what new life in Christ should look like within a believing community
of Jews and Gentiles. For example, Paul explains how they should accommodate Jews who wish to continue observing their Jewish dietary
regulations and festivals while not requiring Gentiles to participate in
these activities.
Between the two major sections of the main body, Paul inserts a short
hymn of praise. The scope of God’s restorative work through Jesus is
stunning, and Paul shows us that the only fitting response is worship:
“Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge!”
While concluding his letter, Paul asks the Roman church for help so he
can continue to share the Good News with all people. He both opens
and closes his letter with the hope that “all Gentiles everywhere” will
hear the Good News about Jesus “so that they too might believe and
obey him.”
