World History short essay assignment

Paul of Tarsus – Epistle to the Romans (Excerpts)

The Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Romans is one of the letters of the New Testament of the Bible. Often referred to simply as Romans, it is one of the seven currently undisputed letters of Paul. The main theme of the letter is the salvation offered through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul argues that all humanity is guilty and accountable to God for sin and it is only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that humanity can attain salvation

We conclude then, that a man is justified by faith, without the works of the law. Is God the God of the Jews only, and not also of the Gentiles? Surely of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God who will justify the circumcision [of the Jews] by faith, and the uncircumcision [of the Gentiles] through the same faith.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have had access through faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, And patience experience, and experience hope; And hope shameth us not, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. But God recommendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved through his life. And not only so, but we also glory in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the reconciliation.

If thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. For the Scripture saith, Every one that believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord of all is rich to all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall he saved.

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. In brotherly love be full of tender affection toward each other, in honor preferring one another: Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, continue instant in prayer. Communicate to the necessities of the saints, pursue hospitality. Bless them who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Agree in the same affection to word each other. Mind not high, but condescend to low, things. Be not wise in your own conceit. Render to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, revenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thy enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.

Owe no man any thing, but love one another; for he that loveth another, hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not covet, and if there he any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no evil to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And do this, knowing the season, that it is high time now to awake out of sleep; for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far spent; the day is at hand; let us therefore put off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. Let us walk decently as in the day; not in banqueting and drunken entertainments; not in uncleannesses and wantonness, not in strife and envy. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the desires thereof.

Therefore we who are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor, for his good to edification. For Christ pleased not himself; but as it is written,

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. For such serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the harmless. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.