Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5070 Individuals in OT and NT  »  5107 Paul  »  5110 Paul, teaching of

Paul's understanding of the Christian life was dominated by the importance of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, by means of which he saw God as having acted decisively to redeem the world. Paul emphasised that Jews and Gentiles alike are justified by faith, and share together in the glorious new era of the Holy Spirit, which is to be consummated at Christ's return.

The redeeming work of Jesus Christ

God's work of redemption in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection

Romans 3:25 See also Romans 8:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Colossians 1:21-22

Jesus Christ as substitute, exchanges places with the sinner

2 Corinthians 5:21 See also Galatians 3:13-14; Galatians 4:4-5

Jesus Christ reverses the effects of Adam's sin

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 See also Romans 5:12-19

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ mark the beginning of God's new order

New life comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ

Galatians 2:20 See also 2 Corinthians 5:16-17; Ephesians 2:4-7; Colossians 2:13

Jesus Christ's death and resurrection are the basis for a new moral life

Romans 6:11-13 See also Romans 6:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Colossians 2:20-3:11

Those who participate in God's new order are “in Christ”

1 Corinthians 1:30 See also Romans 8:1-2; Ephesians 1:3-14 Paul extends the scope of the phrase “in Christ” to include believers, their activity, and the salvation they have received.

Both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith

Paul stresses that salvation is by grace through faith alone

Ephesians 2:8-9 See also Romans 3:21-26; Romans 4:16; Romans 5:1-2

Jewish works of the law have no role in salvation

Galatians 2:15-16 See also Romans 4:13-15; Romans 9:30-10:4; Galatians 3:6-14; Philippians 3:8-9

Both Jews and Gentiles are united in the one body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:13 See also Galatians 3:26-28; Ephesians 2:14-18; Ephesians 3:6

The Holy Spirit

His indwelling is an integral part of Christian experience

Romans 8:9 See also Acts 19:1-7; Galatians 3:2-5 Paul's questions suggest that he identifies receiving the Spirit with becoming a Christian.

He equips the church with gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 See also 1 Corinthians 14:1-33

He enables believers to relate to God as Father

Galatians 4:6-7 See also Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 2:18

He guides believers into a right understanding of the law

Romans 7:6 See also Romans 2:29; Romans 8:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:3,6

He overcomes believers' sinful human nature

Romans 8:13 See also Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:16-25; Galatians 6:8

He is the guarantee of eternal life

Romans 8:11 See also Romans 8:23; 2 Corinthians 5:4-5; Ephesians 1:13-14

The return of Jesus Christ

Paul lived in the hope of the forthcoming personal return of the risen Christ

Philippians 3:20-21 See also 1 Corinthians 15:22-28; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

Believers are to be raised with Christ upon his return

1 Thessalonians 4:14 See also 1 Corinthians 15:12-23

The whole created order will be renewed at the return of Jesus Christ

Romans 8:19-21 See also Ephesians 1:9-10

See also

2321  Christ as redeemer
2410  cross, the
2565  Christ, second coming
3233  Holy Spirit & sanctification
3275  Holy Spirit in the church
3278  Holy Spirit, indwelling
5375  law
6020  sin
6666  grace
6676  justification
7110  body of Christ
8020  faith