What Do You Know For Sure? (Romans 15:1-6)
This analysis draws upon scriptural exposition, primarily focusing on Romans 15:1–6, to establish the unwavering authority of the Bible and provide absolute certainty for Christian faith amidst global division and deception. The ultimate query addressed by scripture is: “What do you know for sure?”.
I. The Unshakeable Foundation: Knowing the Bible for Sure
The foundational assertion is that the Bible is the ultimate source of assurance and hope. Every question regarding personal, national, or global events is answered in this book [i].
The Necessity of Full Counsel: Paul, writing the Book of Romans, operates under the assumption that the reader already knows the Old Testament (OT). The sources emphasize that believers must study the full counsel of God, from Genesis to Revelation, because the veracity of the New Testament (NT) is entirely dependent upon the promises and prophecies found in the OT.
- Source of Hope: “Whatever things were written before [OT] were written for our learning” so that “through patience and comfort of the scriptures [we] might have hope”.
- Proof of Reality: If a church is ignorant of the Old Testament, its members cannot have assurance that the New Testament is real.
II. The Necessary Divide and the Complement of World Hatred
The sources observe that the world is experiencing a great political and spiritual divide, akin to the geological continental divide. This division is considered necessary.
Shaking the Church: God is actively “shaking the church” in the present time to determine “what fruit hangs in there” and to separate what is merely “the church” from “His church”. Believers must wait to see if current awakenings lead to true revival where the church lands in holiness, distinct from the world.
Hatred is a Compliment: When the world speaks ill of a Christian, it is actually a compliment, as it displays the believer’s new values anchored in God. The world hated Jesus first; therefore, when the world attacks a follower of Christ, they are simply “walking in my footsteps”.
- Revealed Loyalty: Choosing to be a real follower of Christ reveals one’s loyalty.
- Adrenaline of Faith: Following Jesus for real is described as thrilling and more exciting than seeking earthly thrills like bungee jumping or wing-suit flying.
III. Jesus Christ: The Confirmed Messiah (OT/NT Proof)
The identity of Jesus as the Messiah is confirmed because He and the Apostles applied Old Testament prophecies directly to Himself.
The Reproach of Christ: Romans 15:3 quotes Psalm 69:9: “The reproach of those who reproached you fell upon me,” confirming that the Messiah was consumed by zeal for God’s house. The disciples understood this connection when Jesus cleansed the temple (John 2:13-17), recognizing that His actions fulfilled the scripture they learned in synagogue.
The Deity of Christ: One cannot be a Christian while denying the deity of Jesus Christ. Jesus was God manifested in the flesh, and the great student of the Word, Paul, and the disciples, all applied the prophecies to Him.
IV. The Certainty of the Resurrection
The events following Christ’s resurrection provide undeniable proof of the New Testament’s validity.
The Angel’s Sarcasm: At the tomb, the women were perplexed that the body was missing. The angels challenged them, asking, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” because the tomb is for dead people, and Jesus had risen.
The Emmaus Road Revelation: On the road to Emmaus, Jesus walked with two disciples, but their eyes were restrained from recognizing Him. They expressed sadness and lost hope, noting they had believed He would redeem Israel. Jesus called them “foolish ones and slow of heart to believe in all the prophets have spoken”. He then expounded to them, beginning at Moses and all the prophets, the scriptures concerning Himself.
Recognition Through Scars: Many scholars believe that the disciples recognized Jesus when He took the bread, blessed, broke, and gave it to them (an act of authority in a house not His own). Their eyes were opened when they saw the holes in His hands (scars), confirming resurrection, not reincarnation. This led them to realize, “Did not our heart burn within us while he talked with us on the road and while he opened the scriptures to us?”. The NT reports the facts of the resurrection because the OT made the promise.
V. Assurance of Salvation: The Books of Life
The Bible references several books kept by God, including the Book of Remembrance (Malachi 3) and the Books of Life.
The Two Books: The sources distinguish between the Book of Life and the Lamb’s Book of Life:
- Book of Life (Inventory): The name of every human being who has ever been given life (e.g., Adolf Hitler, Osama bin Laden) is initially written in the Book of Life. This book is heaven’s inventory of those granted life on Earth.
- Lamb’s Book of Life (Assurance): This ledger contains the names of those who believe in the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ).
The Blotting Out: If a person’s name is not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life, it will be blotted out of the Book of Life on the Day of Judgment, resulting in eternal condemnation (hell). Believing in the Lamb of God is the “insurance policy” that ensures a name is copied over and enshrined in the Lamb’s Book of Life forever.
VI. Spiritual Warfare and End-Times Indicators
Believers must exercise patience and humility, knowing that all people, including those in Israel and America, do not universally believe in God.
The Authority of the Follower: Jesus stated, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”. Following Him is not always easy. Believers must wage spiritual war in their minds, bringing every thought captive to Christ, reminding the flesh (the “old man”) that it was crucified with Christ.
Demonic Activity: The sources observe an increase in strange, unexplainable phenomena—such as individuals exhibiting superhuman strength or eyeballs turning “absolutely stone black”—which are attributed to demonic activity. While the world labels this as mental illness, these are seen as indicators of the last days, fulfilling prophecies that evil spirits and doctrines of demons will manifest.
Rejoice in Heaven, Not Power: Jesus gave His followers authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. However, the ultimate command is: “Do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven”.