Romans Unlocked

by René A. López

Publisher:

21st Century Press

, 2005

Overview

Romans Unlocked is a commentary on Paul’s epistle written with the clear theological insight of faith, and with the conviction that an epistle must be read as a whole. René A. Lopez brings his extensive familiarity with the interpretive literature surrounding Romans, as well as the broader discussion of Paul and second Temple Judaism, to bear in this commentary. Where the literature relates to the message of Romans, Lopez validates his interpretation in light of the current scholarly discussion. As part of his academic awareness, Lopez carefully utilizes the original language to provide a more careful hearing of what Paul says.

Romans, among biblical books, is weighty theology. Its scope and depth of message makes it a book in which a guide is needed to navigate the reader through it. René A. Lopez does just that. He takes the reader through the door of understanding and addresses key questions such as: What does salvation mean in Romans? How can one have eternal life? How should Christians live? Can a Christian experience God’s wrath? Does God predestine people?

All believers need to spend time in the theology of Romans, and Romans Unlocked will deeply enrich the reader’s experience as he follows the thought of Paul.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Thus, the righteousness of God should not only be understood as a legal declaration, upon faith alone in Christ alone, but as also bestowing all believers with resurrection-power through the Spirit’s indwelling that aids them to live righteously (6–8; 12:1–15:13, see BDAG, 249) and escape God’s present wrath (1:18; 5:9–10; 10:9–14; 13:4–5).” (Pages 40–41)

“Since Christ is in believers by virtue of undergoing Spirit baptism, the visible vehicle, the body, that manifests the Adamic nature was dethroned (died) for the sake of not sinning; but by virtue of the Spirit’s indwelling, God gave believers a new disposition (cf. 6:6), called life, for the sake of behaving obediently.” (Pages 167–168)

“Spiritual Israel is never called the Church, although they now belong to the Church (Acts 15:4; Eph 2:15; Gal 6:16). Instead Spiritual Israel, illustrated through the calling of Isaac (Gen 21:12), refers to ethnic descendants of Abraham who place their faith in Christ (cf. Acts 15:7–18; Gal 6:15–16).” (Page 191)

“Hence believers do not have to experience the effects of sin’s slavery described in 7:13–25 that Paul calls here katakrima. They now have the power to overcome sin’s mastery through the help of the Holy Spirit resident in them.” (Page 160)

“Therefore, salvation does not merely result upon believing in Christ but has as its goal to deliver (eis sōtēria) experientially all believers from the effects of sins.” (Page 39)

Praise for the Print Edition

Written for the everyday person, this commentary will help you unearth and understand the deep truths of the book of Romans.

—Anthony T. Evans, Th.D. Senior Pastor Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

Lopez gives fresh, and sometimes challenging, insights and ideas on almost every page. Few of us need another commentary on Romans in our library, but a stimulating one is hard to find.

—Gary G. Cohen, Th.D., Litt.D., Professor of Biblical Studies, Trinity International University

Lopez's work is a must have for those wanting a balanced commentary that adheres to context without undue influence from a theological system.

—George E. Meisinger, D.Min. President, Chafer Theological Seminary

A serious layman will profit greatly by studying the Epistle to the Romans under the author's guidance of this volume. It is highly recommended as the basis for an in depth study.

—J. Dwight Pentecost, Th.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus in Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary

René Lopez has produced a much needed and wonderfully written commentary on this key book of the New Testament. . . . I heartily recommend this new work.

—Joseph C. Dillow, Ph.D., President of Biblical Education by Extension

This new work is biblically and exegetically sound.

—Stephen R. Lewis, Ph.D., President of Rocky Mountain Bible College & Seminary

This concise commentary on the book of Romans will prove to be a helpful tool for pastors and any serious student of Scripture.

—Ed Glasscock, Th.D. Assoc. Professor of Greek and New Testament and Acting Director for Post-Graduate Studies, Central Baptist Theological Seminary

René Lopez has introduced and validated some viewpoints that have been overlooked by recent commentary literature that will challenge the reader to make some theological decisions.

—Fred Chay, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Theology and Director of Doctoral Studies Phoenix Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Romans Unlocked: The Power to Deliver
• Author: René A. Lopez
• Edition: Edited and Revised
• Publisher: 21st Century
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 319

About René A. López

René A. Lopez (B.A., Trinity International University; Th.M., and Ph.D. student, Dallas Theological Seminary) has written numerous theological articles appearing in the Conservative Theological Journal (Tyndale Seminary), Chafer Theological Seminary Journal and the Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society. He served as an Adjunct Professor at Trinity International University. He has been involved in various church plants and is the Pastor of Iglesia Bíblica Nuestra Fe. www.scriptureunlocked.com