Based on Romans 1:1-7 (New King James Version)
“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”
Watchman Nee once said, “Attempting to follow Him without denying the self is the root of all failures.” To be able to understand even better the book of Romans, we need to understand the writer (although all Scripture was inspired by God). The Apostle Paul was not always, the Apostle Paul. As a matter of fact, before converting to the Lord, he used to be Saul of Tarsus. As Saul, he was probably the worst enemy Christianity had at that moment. Paul shared a little bit of how he was in the following passage: “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” Acts 26:9-11. He didn’t do out of evil what he had done with the Church. Instead, he thought we was serving the God of his fathers by persecuting something that was seen as pagan and blasphemous; something that was going against his God.
The Bible gives an account of Paul’s conversion in this manner: “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” Acts 9:1-9.
What happened? Paul had an encounter with God. But not only that, something happening in Paul’s heart that changed completely the course of his life. He knew how to recognize and respect the One that he encountered. He was able to recognize God, as God should be acknowledged; as Lord. And not only did he call him Lord, but he obeyed Him as such. There were no questions. No discussion. Paul did not express his opinion at any moment. There wasn’t a, “Let me think about what you are asking me to do, and if it makes sense to me, then I’ll do it.” Even though he was a greatly reverenced man in his society, a political and religious authority, a man of power, and possibly, even of certain wealth, he had the capacity to respect the vision and to know that it was Someone of supreme authority. That it was not just some radiant light, but rather, it was Jesus, the only begotten Son of God. And this was enough to change the complete course of his life. At a key moment, he surrendered completely to the lordship of the Lord.
This is one of the main problems that Christianity has today, at least, the Christianity in developed countries. So-called Christians do not see God as God. A phenomenon has occurred that has minimized God in many people’s view. The Lord is seen as a savior, as a servant, or like a being that is almost like us. He is not seen as Lord, as God, as the one that is seated at the Righthand of God’s Throne, as His real title: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. The Lord is not respected. What is being preached commonly is a God that is subject to people’s spoiled ways, that He is subject to our opinions, that obeying Him is an option, and that His Word is a book of suggestions. I have heard so-called believers personally say when being a Biblical truth was being shared, “I don’t accept that!” And well, maybe many people don’t say it like that, but they yell it out with their actions; and even worse, they yell it to God. But, to most people’s detriment, obstinacy and human opinion do not dictate the course of the universe, and even less, they cannot turn God to their servant.
Jesus is our Savior. That’s why He came to the world. But, for there to be salvation, He cannot be recognized as Savior alone. He must be acknowledged and accepted as Lord. For it is written: “In fact, it says, ‘The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.’ And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:8-9. When you accept Him as the Lord of your life, He is the one that must take the reign and the authority in your life. You must surrender Him, 100%, so that you can belong to Him. Otherwise, you are only following a sad and poorly structured religion that will take you nowhere, no matter how much you brainwash yourself. God is nobody’s slave! And, God’s immense mercy cannot be confused for tolerance, o least of all, for approval.
The other truth is that surrendering your life to Christ is an obedience (because acknowledging Him as Lord is simply a reality, not a favor). For it is written: “You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth…” 1 Peter 1:22a. Obedience to God without reservation is fundamental and essential so that God can work in our lives. As it is also written: “So Samuel said: ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23a. And finally, the best advice that Mary, the Lord’s carnal mother left embedded in the Scriptures when referring to the Lord: “His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’” John 2:5.
A person’s transformation can only occur through total obedience to the Lord. Without obedience, there is no salvation, no transformation, no promises; basically, there is nothing. So then, are you obeying God, being transformed daily? Lord bless! John