Epilogue


Is it possible to summarize the message of Paul? The answer to the question if it is possible to summarize the message of Paul is yes, and it is also in one word: JesusChrist. It is difficult to imagine a Christian who had come to such a level of intimacy with Jesus Christ as Paul. The pages of this book proved it abundantly. These two sentences are good examples: It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20); and, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).

Core of the message of Paul. It is difficult to select the most important paragraphs of the message of Paul, and any selection that might be made would be somehow subjective; but let us see the paragraphs that the author considers to be prominent, and that he even recommends to be memorized by the readers.

1. In relationship with the divinity of Jesus Christ and His might over the whole creation. Colossians 1:15-20 is a hymn of recognition of the godliness of Jesus Christ, the Mediator who has reconciled all humankind and the whole creation.

Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God,
the first born over all creation.
For by Him all things were created
that are in heaven and that are on earth
, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions
or principalities or powers.
All things were created through Him and for Him.
And He is before all things,
and in Him all things consist.
And He is the head of the body, the church,
who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things He may have the preeminence.
For it pleased the Father
that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him,
whether things on earth or things in heaven,
having made peace through the blood of His cross.

2. Related to the humility of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and His Lordship over the universe. The hymn of Philippians 2:6-11 that Paul incorporated in his letter, is a beautiful example of the humility of the Son of God who, being God, nevertheless wanted to become a man, Jesus Christ; and therefore God exalted Him, as man, to become The Lord of all creation.

Jesus Christ, who being in the form of God,
did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
but made Himself of no reputation,
taking the form of a servant,
and coming in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself
an became obedient to the point of death,
even the death of the cross.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him
and given Him the name which is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven and those on earth,
and of those under the earth,
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

3. In relationship with the plan of salvation, the love and care of God, and the intercession of Christ. The verses of Romans 8:28-34 are very dense and cover many teachings. Verses 28, 31 and 32 speak of the love of God for His chosen ones and the care He has for them, to the point that the believer has nothing to fear and very much to expect. Verse 29 refers to the predestination as children, and verse 30 to the process of justification and glorification. Verse 30 says that the believer may be at ease in the presence of God, and verse 34 is an affirmation of the priesthood of Jesus, who lives to the right hand of the Father praying for us.

And we know that all things work together
for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
For whom He foreknew,
He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called;
whom He called, these He also justified;
and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare His own Son,
but delivered Him up for us all,
how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Who shall bring a charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns?
It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen,
who is even at the right hand of God,
who also makes intercession for us.

4. In relationship with election, filiation and grace. Ephesians 1:4-7 is a good example of the eternal election of God and predestination as children, as well as of the plan of salvation through which God makes us pleasing to Him.

He chose us in Him
before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
having predestined us to adoption as sons
by Jesus Christ to Himself,
according to the good pleasure of His will,
to the praise of the glory of His grace,
by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
In Him we have redemption through His blood,
the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of His grace.

5. Regarding justification by faith. Romans 3:21-28 contains direct statements about justification by faith, through the redemption of Jesus Christ; and it is a call to all mankind to accept Jesus Christ and obtain salvation through faith in His blood. Here is the text without repetitions.

Now the righteous of God is revealed
through faith in Jesus Christ
to all and on all who believe.
Being justified freely by His grace,
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
whom God set forth to be propitiation by His blood,
through faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith
apart from the deeds of the law.

6. In relationship with the praise and trust in God. Ephesians 3:20-21 is a good example of praise to God, but in particular of complete trust in His power.

To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly
above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us,
to Him be glory in the church
by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen.

7. Trust of Paul in God and his dedication to the gospel. When Paul gave his farewell to the elders of Ephesus, he made a touching speech in which he expressed his trust in Whom he had believed (2 Timothy 1:12), and his determination to work for the gospel to the end. He said this (Acts 20:23-24).

The Holy Spirit testifies in every city,
saying that chains and tribulations await me.
But none of these things move me;
nor do I count my life dear to myself,
so that I may finish my race with joy,
and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus,
to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Conclusion. Let us finish with the words of Paul when he was closing his letter to the Philippians, giving thanks to Whom belongs the glory forever (Philippians 4:20).

To our Lord and Father
be glory
forever and ever. Amen.

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