The final chapter of Romans is another beginning.
As Paul closes his letter, he encourages the readers to greet those who are close to him 17 times within 13 verses (verses 3-16).
He commends his brothers to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles against their doctrine.
He does not want their hearts to be deceived by someone who does not serve our Lord Christ.
Paul rejoices over his brothers, but he reminds them to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. Because the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
He wants the Romans to carry on, refreshed and renewed.
He wants them to live out the lives of SUPERMEN, as THE REMNANT left loyal to God.
He wants them to live not in THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, but in Christ's... To know God's SEVERITY AND KINDNESS.
He wants them to BE TRANSFORMED by God so that through them, Christ's LOVE FULFILLS THE LAW.
He wants them to refrain from STUMBLING over each other, but instead to BEAR THE WEAK.
He wants them to live in Christ's name according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith--to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
No. This is not our end, but our beginning.
***Romans 16.
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