Write a 10–15-page theological, exegetical research paper on 1 of the following topics in Romans:
- Justification by Faith: Consider the theological concept of justification by faith as developed in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. The paper should exegetically and systematically present the topic as it is developed in Romans. Include the following sections using appropriate subheadings according to Turabian:
- Definition – how is the term justification defined by scholars? What is your own definition based on your research?
- Basis – what is the act of being justified based or grounded on, that is, what is necessary to have happened or to be true in order for justification to be possible?
- Means – How does one obtain justification? What is the means by which one is justified?
- Time factors – Is justification an act or a process? Is it instantaneous or gradual?
- Results/fruits – Once one has been justified, what benefits or results follow?
- Assurance – How can one be assured of justification?
Only the words in bold (above) should appear as the subheadings. Be sure to thoroughly analyze what the apostle Paul teaches in his letter to the Romans about the subheadings and questions listed above. This paper must be based on theological and exegetical research.
- The Christian Life: According to Romans 8, the Spirit is integral to our sanctification. What does Paul teach about the relationship between the indwelling Spirit and Christian obedience (or sanctification)? Consider Paul’s teaching regarding the two regimes, the offering of our bodies to God, and the transformation of the believer (Rom 6, 7, and 12). In consideration of Paul’s teaching in Romans about the living the Christian life, include the following sections using appropriate subheadings according to Turabian:
- Definition – how is the term sanctification defined by scholars? What is your own definition based on your research?
- Basis – what is sanctification based or grounded on, that is, what is necessary to have happened or to be true in order for sanctification to be possible?
- Means – How does one obtain sanctification? What is the means by which one is sanctified?
- Time factors – Is sanctification an instantaneous act or a gradual process?
- Results/fruits – Once one is sanctified/begins the process of sanctification, what benefits or results follow?
- Assurance – How can one be assured of sanctification? How can one have assurance that he or she is sanctified/being sanctified?
Only the words in bold (above) should appear as the subheadings. Be sure to thoroughly analyze what the apostle Paul teaches in his letter to the Romans about the subheadings and questions listed above. This paper must be based on theological and exegetical research.
- The Christian’s Relationship to the Old Testament: The existence of both the Old Testament and the New Testament raises the question of the Christian’s relationship to the Mosaic Law. Since Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, are under the New Testament does it follow that NT Christians are not obligated to the Old Testament, particularly, the Mosaic Law? In light of Paul’s emphasis on justification by faith in stark contrast to works, discuss his view of the Mosaic Law in Romans. For example, in Rom 3:31, Paul says “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law” (NIV). How, in light of Paul’s entire discussion in the book of Romans, does he think that the doctrine of justification by faith upholds the law? What is the role of the law in the lives of those who are justified by faith, according to Romans? Does the Spirit somehow uphold the law in believers (see Rom 7 and 8)? After pondering these questions, and after a sufficient amount of biblical and theological research, you will be able to write your research question in a precise manner. This paper must be based on theological and exegetical research.
