5110 Paul, teaching of
Paul’s understanding of the Christian life was dominated by the importance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, by means of which he saw God as having acted decisively to redeem the world. Paul emphasised that Jews and Gentiles alike are justified by faith, and share together in the glorious new era of the Holy Spirit, which is to be consummated at Christ’s return.
The redeeming work of Jesus Christ
God’s work of redemption in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection Ro 3:25 See also Ro 8:3-4; 2Co 5:18-19; Col 1:21-22
Jesus Christ as substitute, exchanges places with the sinner 2Co 5:21 See also Gal 3:13-14; Gal 4:4-5
Jesus Christ reverses the effects of Adam’s sin 1Co 15:21-22 See also Ro 5:12-19
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ mark the beginning of God’s new order
New life comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ Gal 2:20 See also 2Co 5:16-17; Eph 2:4-7; Col 2:13
Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection are the basis for a new moral life Ro 6:11-13 See also Ro 6:1-7; 2Co 5:15; Col 2:20-3:11
Those who participate in God’s new order are “in Christ” 1Co 1:30 See also Ro 8:1-2; Eph 1:3-14 Paul extends the scope of the phrase “in Christ” to include believers, their activity, and the salvation they have received.
Both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith
Paul stresses that salvation is by grace through faith alone Eph 2:8-9 See also Ro 3:21-26; Ro 4:16; Ro 5:1-2
Jewish works of the law have no role in salvation Gal 2:15-16 See also Ro 4:13-15; Ro 9:30-10:4; Gal 3:6-14; Php 3:8-9
Both Jews and Gentiles are united in the one body of Christ 1Co 12:13 See also Gal 3:26-28; Eph 2:14-18; Eph 3:6
The Holy Spirit
His indwelling is an integral part of Christian experience Ro 8:9 See also Ac 19:1-7; Gal 3:2-5 Paul’s questions suggest that he identifies receiving the Spirit with becoming a Christian.
He equips the church with gifts 1Co 12:1-11 See also 1Co 14:1-33
He enables believers to relate to God as Father Gal 4:6-7 See also Ro 8:14-17; Eph 2:18
He guides believers into a right understanding of the law Ro 7:6 See also Ro 2:29; Ro 8:3-4; 2Co 3:3,6
He overcomes believers’sinful human nature Ro 8:13 See also Ro 8:5-8; Gal 5:16-25; Gal 6:8
He is the guarantee of eternal life Ro 8:11 See also Ro 8:23; 2Co 5:4-5; Eph 1:13-14
The return of Jesus Christ
Paul lived in the hope of the forthcoming personal return of the risen Christ Php 3:20-21 See also 1Co 15:22-28; 1Th 4:14-17; 2Th 1:6-10
Believers are to be raised with Christ upon his return 1Th 4:14 See also 1Co 15:12-23
The whole created order will be renewed at the return of Jesus Christ Ro 8:19-21 See also Eph 1:9-10
