The Roman “O”s

Perhaps you’ve heard of the Roman Road? How about the Roman “O”s?

Start in Rom 1 and observe the downward spiral of man because he rejects God (1), his guilt by conscience and law (2-3), his failure to access right standing with God by his own works (4), the stain of Adam (5), the punishment of death (6) and even the fact that the redeemed struggle with fleshly desires (7). What does Paul say about all this?

O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Rom 7:24-25)

He then stops looking downward and starts looking upward.

There is no condemnation for those in Christ. His plan of salvation started before time began and will conclude in eternity future (8). It is His glorious free will that elects both men and nations according to His predestined purposes (9). This plan results in confession of the mouth and belief in the heart – thusly is man saved (10). God is not done with Israel, nor should the grafted-in Gentiles be proud lest they be cut off as well (11). What does Paul say about all this?

O, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”  or
“Who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen! (Rom 11:33-36)

The “O”s say it all!

(In that last section, Paul is quoting passages like Job 15:8, Isaiah 40:13, Job 35:7 and Job 41:11.)