The Gospel of God’s Righteousness

Course Description

Welcome to NTBS 204: Romans! This course offers an intensive, in-depth study of what is arguably the Apostle Paul’s theological masterpiece. The letter to the Romans has profoundly shaped Christian doctrine and ethical thought for centuries. We will conduct a rigorous analysis of Paul’s argument as he unfolds the Gospel (<u>Besorah</u>), exploring foundational concepts such as justification by faith, the nature of sin, the process of sanctification, the role of the Torah, and the intricate relationship between Israel and the Church in God’s sovereign redemptive plan. This course is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal epistle, viewing it through the rich lenses of both Messianic Jewish scholarship and Evangelical legal thought.

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each building upon the last to provide a thorough understanding of the book of Romans. Each chapter includes a detailed summary, five in-depth lessons, a chapter test, and an optional “Deep Dive” for further study. The course culminates in a final course test.

• Course: Syllabus + Interactive Syllabus + 5 Chapters + Course Test
• Chapter: Summary + 5 Lessons + Chapter Test + Deep Dive

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate the Core Argument: Clearly explain the logical flow and central thesis of Paul’s letter to the Romans.
• Define Key Theological Concepts: Define and analyze critical terms such as righteousness, justification, propitiation, sanctification, and glorification from a biblical perspective.
• Analyze the Role of Torah: Evaluate Paul’s complex teaching on the purpose and function of the Law of Moses in relation to sin, justification, and Christian living.
• Understand God’s Plan for Israel: Explain Paul’s perspective on the ongoing role of ethnic Israel within God’s covenantal and redemptive purposes as detailed in chapters 9-11.
• Apply Ethical Instruction: Synthesize the practical and ethical instructions in Romans 12-15, connecting them to the theological foundations laid in the first 11 chapters.
• Integrate Scholarly Perspectives: Engage with the text from both a Messianic Jewish and an Evangelical scholarly viewpoint, appreciating the unique insights each brings to the interpretation of the letter.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: The Universal Problem & God’s Righteous Solution (Romans 1:1 – 3:31)

• Lesson 1: Paul’s Gospel & Thematic Introduction (1:1-17)
• Lesson 2: The Universal Wrath of God Against Unrighteousness (1:18-32)
• Lesson 3: The Impartial Judgment of God (2:1-16)
• Lesson 4: The Jew, The Law, and The Reality of Sin (2:17-3:8)
• Lesson 5: God’s Righteousness Through Faith for All (3:9-31)

Chapter 2: Justification by Faith & Its Implications (Romans 4:1 – 5:21)

• Lesson 1: The Patriarchal Precedent: Abraham’s Faith (4:1-25)
• Lesson 2: The Blessings of Justification: Peace with God (5:1-11)
• Lesson 3: The Two Adams: Sin and Death, Grace and Life (5:12-21)
• Lesson 4: The Legal Verdict: Understanding Justification
• Lesson 5: The Covenantal Framework of Righteousness

Chapter 3: The New Life in the Spirit (Romans 6:1 – 8:39)

• Lesson 1: Dead to Sin, Alive to God in Messiah (6:1-23)
• Lesson 2: The Believer’s Relationship to the Torah (7:1-25)
• Lesson 3: Life in the Spirit: The Ultimate Liberation (8:1-17)
• Lesson 4: The Groaning Creation and The Hope of Glory (8:18-30)
• Lesson 5: The Unshakable Security of the Believer (8:31-39)

Chapter 4: God’s Sovereign Plan for Israel (Romans 9:1 – 11:36)

• Lesson 1: God’s Sovereign Choice and Israel’s Past (9:1-33)
• Lesson 2: Israel’s Present Unbelief and The Gospel (10:1-21)
• Lesson 3: The Remnant, The Grafting, and Israel’s Future (11:1-24)
• Lesson 4: The Mystery of Israel’s Salvation (11:25-36)
• Lesson 5: Supersessionism vs. The Olive Tree Metaphor

Chapter 5: The Transformed Life of the Believer (Romans 12:1 – 16:27)

• Lesson 1: The Living Sacrifice: A Renewed Mind (12:1-21)
• Lesson 2: The Believer and Governing Authorities (13:1-14)
• Lesson 3: Principles of Conscience for the Strong and Weak (14:1-23)
• Lesson 4: The Example of Christ and Paul’s Apostolic Mission (15:1-33)
• Lesson 5: Final Greetings, Warnings, and Doxology (16:1-27)

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Chapter Tests: A test at the end of each of the five chapters will review the material covered.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each of the five Chapter Tests and the Final Course Test.