Discussion Board Forum 5

Research methodology

The research will analyze Paul’s view of law by exploring the Bible verses in Romans and Galatians especially in relation to various major points; the Recipients of the law, the nature of the law, the purpose of the law and the effect of the law.   Under the recipients of the law, the research will explore Romans 2.14-15, 3.19 and 9.4. This will be supplemented by Exodus 20.1-17 to have an understanding of the law was given.  Under the nature of Law, the verses to be explored include Romans 2.20, 7.12, 14, 16, 12 and the book of Galatians 3.21.  The supplementary verse will be Hebrews 10.1. Under the purpose of the law, the biblical verses to be explored include Romans 3.19-20, 4.15, 5.13, 7.7. It also includes Galatians 3.10 and 19. To explore the effect of the law, the research will look into Romans 4; 15, 5.20, 7.5, 8.9 and 22-23.  

The research will not explore the Bible verses that do not specifically touch on the Paul’s perception of the law. The selected verses will be used to explore the spirituality of the law, the law and Christ and the role of law in the plan of salvation. To understand the role of law in Paul’s Gospel the research will focus on the literary context of the verses.  Context is important in this research because it diagnosis the questions of why Paul has included the passage and that specific point of the text.  There will also be an exposition of some of the major passages relating to role of the law, an exercise that will be aimed at exploring more about the context of the verses. In addition, an exposition of the passages historical context will be important for the research. By exploring what comes before a passage and what follows will go a long way in helping the understanding of the major point.  This will also help in comprehending the historical situation of Paul’s initial audience.  The paper will also explore the various scholarly sources that have explored the issue of Paul’s perception on the law in regard to his teaching on salvation.

Outline

In the books of Romans and Galatians, Paul largely preaches on how the law relates to salvation, and specifically that salvation is only through faith in Christ and not by obeying the law. The law sets the standards of righteousness that can only be met through Christ.

The reason why Mosaic Law was given to Israel was for revelation of sin and condemnation.  Paul had been a Pharisee who had become zealous for the Mosaic Law and though he was accomplishing the will of God. The law acted as ceremonial, moral and civil law which governed the life of the Jews.

Before the introduction of the Mosaic Law, morality was written in the conscience of a man or his heart. But human sin because of their nature us inherently sinful and thus rebel against God. Sin can only be overcome by obtaining a new nature but not in obedience of the law.   Any gospel that is preached that requires the salvation to be obtained through works of following the law goes against the Paul’s principles of Salvation through faith alone and justification by Christ righteousness. The law is just a standard but a means to salvation.