by Devadas Prakash
1. What are we justified by?
Faith [though, as we’ll address in the notes below, that does not mean “faith only”]: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
· Justified by faith (Acts 13:38-39, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11-14, and Galatians 3:24).
· Not justified by faith alone (Matthew 12:37, Romans 2:13, Romans 3:24, Titus 3:7, and James 2:14-26). *We’ll even see this in the same context of our study (Romans 5:9).
· Peace with God (Romans 15:33, I Corinthians 14:33, and Colossians 3:15) through Jesus (Acts 10:36 and Philippians 4:6-7).
2. What should we rejoice in?
Hope [though, as we’ll address in the notes below, that does not mean we rejoice in “hope alone”]: “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2).
· We have access by faith into grace (Ephesians 2:16-18; cf. I Peter 3:18).
· We stand (I Corinthians 15:1 and I Corinthians 16:13).
· We rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12 and Hebrews 3:6), but we also rejoice in other things too (Acts 15:31, Philippians 3:3, Philippians 4:4, and II John 4).
3. Are there things, other than faith, that build us up to hope in God?
Yes: “(2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:2-4).
· Glory in tribulations (Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-23, Acts 5:40-42, II Corinthians 12:6-10, and I Peter 4:16-17).
· Tribulation works patience (James 1:2-4).
· Patience and experience [proof; trials (Strong’s # 1382] bring hope (cf. II Timothy 4:16-18).
4. What prevents a Christian from being ashamed?
Hope: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).
· Hope maketh not ashamed (Psalms 22:4-5 and II Timothy 1:12).
· Prior to the word of God being fully revealed and man being fully equipped (II Timothy 3:16-17), the Holy Ghost was given for confirmation of the truth in all things (Romans 8:16, Ephesians 1:13, and I John 4:12-13).
· Now, we have the love of God in our hearts by faith (Ephesians 3:17), through the word of God (Colossians 3:16; cf. Romans 10:17). *Remember, faith was a spiritual gift (I Corinthians 12:9) prior to the word of God being complete (I Corinthians 13:8-13).
5. Did Jesus die for righteous people?
No, for the ungodly: “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).
· Due time (Galatians 4:1-5; cf. John 7:6).
· For the ungodly (Matthew 1:21, Luke 5:27-32, Luke 19:1-10, John 1:29, Galatians 1:4, I Timothy 1:15, and I John 4:9-10).
6. What stands out about the love of God through the death of Christ?
The love of God stands far above what man would do even for a righteous person, yet what Jesus did was for sinners: “(7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. ( But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).
· John 15:13 and I John 3:16.
7. What saves us from the wrath of God?
The blood of Christ: “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Romans 5:9).
· By His blood (Matthew 26:28, Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 10:1-18, I John 1:7, and Revelation 1:5).
· The shedding of the blood of Christ, if alone, does nothing (I Corinthians 15:12-22).
8. How are we reconciled to God?
By the death of Christ: “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10).
· Separation comes through our sins (Isaiah 59:1-3, Jeremiah 5:25, John 9:31, and II John 9).
· Reconciliation comes through Christ (II Corinthians 5:18, Colossians 1:18-21, and Hebrews 2:8-17).
· Salvation and the resurrection are tied together (John 11:25, I Corinthians 15:23, and I Peter 1:21).
9. Considering the fact that we can be reconciled to God, should we have joy?
Yes: “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:11).
· Joy (Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:4, and I Peter 1:3-9).

​Charles Box
James 1:2-8 looks at the Christian's attitude toward trials. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
OBSERVE:
"COUNT IT ALL JOY." The joy of trials comes when one stays faithful through trials. It brings joy when one comes through a trial with His eyes still focused on Jesus. "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone." (Hebrews 2:9).
"LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK." Patience is the quality of perseverance or steadfastness. (Romans 5:3-5.) Patience has to do with our loyalty or commitment to God. Patience leads to Christian matur­ity.
"LET HIM ASK OF GOD - WISDOM." Christians go to God to gain the wisdom necessary to deal with trials. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
"LET HIM ASK IN FAITH." Without faith Christians cannot please God. (Hebrews 11:6.) Do not allow trials to cause you to doubt God or His care and love for you. Always believe that God knows what is best for you, wants what is best for you and is active to bring about what is best.
The person who does not have faith in God through trials is "unstable" and vacillating because of being "double-minded". With a strong faith, always anchored in God, Christians can say with Paul, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19.) Trials will come but God is there caring, loving, helping and blessing through good times and bad.
To become a Christian, you must hear God's word and believe (John 6:44-45), you must repent of all sins (Acts 2:38), you must confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and you must be baptized to be saved (1 Peter 3:21). It is the desire of Jesus that everyone be saved. He said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30.)

​Brian Yeager
As the Son of God: Psalms 2:7
Fulfilled: Luke 1:30-33 and John 3:16
As the seed of Abraham: Genesis 17:7; 22:18
Fulfilled: Matthew 1:1
As the seed of Isaac: Genesis 17:19
Fulfilled: Luke 3:34
As the seed of David: Jeremiah 23:5
Fulfilled: Matthew 1:1 and Acts 2:29-30
His being born a virgin: Isaiah 7:14
Fulfilled: Matthew 1:22-23
His being born in Bethlehem of Judea: Micah 5:2
Fulfilled: Matthew 2:1
His being preceded : ... Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1
Fulfilled: Matthew 3:1-3
His being a Prophet like to Moses:Deuteronomy 18:1518
Fulfilled:Ac 3:20-22
His being a Priest after the order of Melchizedek: Psalms 110:4
Fulfilled: Hebrews 5:5-6
His ministry commencing in Galilee: Isaiah 9:1-2
Fulfilled: Matthew 4:12-23
His entering publicly into Jerusalem: Zechariah 9:9
Fulfilled: Matthew 21:1-5
His being rejected by his brethren: Psalms 69:8
Fulfilled: John 1:11
Prophesies About the Death of Christ
His being betrayed by a friend: Psalms 41:9
Fulfilled: John 13:18-26
His disciples forsaking him: Zechariah 13:7
Fulfilled: Matthew 26:31;56
His being sold for thirty pieces silver:Zechariah 11:12
Fulfilled: Matthew 26:15
His sufferings being for others: Isaiah 53:4-6
Fulfilled: Matthew 20:28
His silence under suffering: Isaiah 53:7
Fulfilled: Matthew 27:12-14
His being smitten on the cheek: Micah 5:1
Fulfilled: Matthew 27:30
His being spit on and scourged: Isaiah 50:6
Fulfilled: Mark 14:65
His being forsaken by God: Psalms 22:1
Fulfilled: Matthew 27:46
His being mocked: Psalms 22:7-8
Fulfilled: Matthew 27:39-44
Gall and vinegar being given him to drink: Psalms 69:21
Fulfilled: Matthew 27:34
His garments being parted, and lots cast for his vesture: Psalms 22:18
Fulfilled: Matthew 27:35
His being numbered with the transgressors: Isaiah 53:12
Fulfilled: Mark 15:28
That a bone of him should not be broken: Psalms 34:20
Fulfilled: John 19:32-36
His being pierced: Zechariah 12:10
Fulfilled: John 19:34
Concerning the Kingdom/Church
His being the chief corner-stone of the Church: Isaiah 28:16
Fulfilled: 1Peter 2:5-9
The New Covenant: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Fulfilled: Matthew 26:28
The Kingdom: Daniel 2:44 and 7:13-14
Fulfilled: Matthew 16:18 and Colossians 1:13-18
The reason prophesies fulfilled are so important is the fact that they were made 100’s of years prior to them happening. This is evidence in proving the Omniscience of God. Studying how the Old Law points to the New shows that the Jews should have been prepared for the coming of the Lord.
Hebrews 1:1-2 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds."

​Buy Wayne Greeson
Patterns are an important part of our lives in many ways. When a contractor builds a house, he follows a pattern known as a blueprint. When a mother sews a dress for her daughter, she follows a pattern.
In each case there is a standard pattern to be followed to achieve the desired results. The pattern must be followed or the end product will not be faithful to the original and the results could be disastrous. The house not built to pattern may leak or worse, it may collapse; the dress not made by the pattern may look more like a clown outfit.
Many people who have the common sense to recognize the need to faithfully follow patterns in their everyday lives, fail to recognize the most important pattern of all the Bible. God has always provided a pattern for His people to serve as a guide to worship and service acceptable to Him.
In the Old Testament, God led the children of Israel out of the slavery of Egypt to Mt. Sinai. There God called Moses up the mountain and gave him a pattern of laws and a pattern for a place of worship. As God gave Moses this pattern, He also gave a warning: “According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so ye shall make it” (Ex. 25:9). And He repeated this warning: “And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shown thee in the mount” (Ex. 25:40).
Following God’s pattern, the Jews constructed the tabernacle and all the articles for worship to be placed within and without: the brazen altar, the laver, the golden candlestick, the table of shewbread, the altar of incense and the ark of the covenant.
Not all the Jews heeded God’s warning to follow his pattern. Two priests determined to disregard God’s pattern of worship and follow their own worship. Nadab and Abihu “offered strange incense before the Lord, which he commanded then not” (Lev. 10:1). The consequences of violating God’s divine order were immediate, “And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord” (Lev. 10:2). God’s punishment of these two men was for our benefit to teach us to treat His pattern with respect.
When David became king he planned the build a permanent place of worship in Jerusalem. While David was not allowed by the Lord to build the temple, David did make all the plans and preparations for the construction of the temple which he passed on to his son, Solomon, to complete. As David commissioned Solomon to build the temple he explained, “All this the Lord made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern” (1 Chron. 28:19). David urged Solomon to follow God’s pattern in the commands of his Law as well as building His temple.
Despite God’s warnings again the Jews failed to respect and keep God’s pattern. Towards the end of his life Solomon drifted away from God. Following Solomon under the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, more Jewish kings were unfaithful to the Lord. Because of the apostasy of the Jews, God allowed them to be taken into captivity and the temple to be destroyed.
While in captivity in Babylon, God sent a special vision of the temple to the prophet Ezekiel. In the vision Ezekiel saw a man with a measuring rod measuring God’s temple and all the articles in it. Why? What was the meaning of the vision? “Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern” (Ezk. 43:10).
Just as God gave the Jews a pattern through Moses and David, He has given us a pattern of work and worship. The Old Testament, the tabernacle and the temple were only “a copy and a shadow of heavenly things” that are now provided for us by Christ under the New Testament.
The pattern Christians have to follow is complete and sufficient. It is complete as it has “given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). It is sufficient as it “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
As God warned the Jews not to violate or tamper with His pattern, He warns us also.
We must obey God’s pattern. It is necessary to obey “that form (pattern) of doctrine which was first delivered to you” (Rom. 6:17). To fail to obey His pattern leads to sin and death (Rom. 6:18-23).
We must walk by God’s pattern. The apostles, led by the Holy Spirit are an “ensample” or pattern for us to learn from, imitate and walk after (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thes. 3:9).
We must keep God’s pattern. “Hold fast the form (pattern) of sound words, which thou hast heard of me” (2 Tim. 1:13).
We must make all things by God’s pattern. As Moses was warned to follow the pattern of God in all things, so God warns us in the New Testament “for See, sayeth He, that thou make all things according to the pattern” (Heb. 8:5).
Will you heed the warning?

​E. Russell King
Very early in the history of Christianity (within three decades of its establishment), even while God was still confirming the word spoken by His apostles (Hebrews 2:4), there were those who, for various reasons, were turning away from the faith of Christ. Paul spoke of these apostates as “… not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Colossians 2:19 ESV).
Paul identified the “body” of which he spoke as the “church” of which Christ is the head (1:18). By referring to the church as a “body,” we are to understand that the church of Christ is a spiritual organism, not a building, not an organization, not a denomination. It is a single, unified organism “knit together through its joints and ligaments with a growth that is from God.” Christ “is the head of the body, the church,” (Colossians 1:1 and every saved person is, by a divine action of God, set in the body (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18; Acts 2:47). Paul, after likening the spiritual body of Christ unto a physical body, concluded, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (1 Corinthians 12:27).
For all who follow the teaching of the New Testament, the only possible conclusion is that the church is not denominational in nature or structure. She is described as a completely unified entity with inseparable, interdependent, functional parts (members), each having assigned functional roles – all under the headship of Jesus Christ. God has, Paul writes, “… put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23 NKJV).
The use of the word “churches” in the New Testament signified “congregations’ (e.g. Galatians 1:2), divided only by geographical locations, not by doctrinal differences or organizational structure. All of these congregations were attached to Christ and to one another (often referred to as sister congregations) in spirit, in doctrine, and in purpose. Thus they constituted the one body on the earth and in heaven (cf. Hebrews 12:22-24).
Denominations do not exist due to geographical locations. They exist due to doctrinal differences and become distinct structural entities with fixed boundaries. For example, denomination (church) “A” holds to some distinct doctrine, which is bounded by an organizational structure that holds together all who subscribe to that distinct doctrine. Denomination (church) “B” holds to a different distinct doctrine that is bounded by its own organizational structure. Each is identified by distinct denominational names. There is no pattern or authority in the New Testament for such an arrangement.
Therefore, all who follow strictly the teaching of the New Testament strive to maintain the “unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3) that forms and characterizes the Lord’s church. They guardedly thwart any movement toward doctrinal differences or organizational structures while suppressing the rise of any divisive spirit from within. Such will certainly be the case when every individual member of the body of Christ is holding fast to the Head. When such is the case, it is impossible for there to be anything but unity in doctrine and in spirit both inter-congregationally and intra-congregationally.