Romans 9-16

Romans 9:1 “Gift of the Holy Ghost” When the saints of God are concerned, those favored few who have the gift of the Holy Ghost, conscience sometimes includes the whisperings of the Spirit, the still small voice that comes from the Holy Ghost (M.D ).

Romans 9:3 “Accursed from Christ” Before his conversion Paul chose to be accursed by failing to accept Christ. He was born in the House of Israel (Benjamin, Romans 11:1).

Romans 9:11 “How does the Law of Election operate? “Paul here tells how the election of grace fits into the gospel scheme. His Roman readers knew what he was talking about because they already understood the doctrines of election. Since the sectarian world has little or no comprehension of pre-existence and eternal progression, upon which doctrines the principles of election are based, it is no wonder that these and other teachings of Paul are so completely misconstrued by them.

“This doctrine of the election of grace is as follows: ‘As part of the new song the saints will sing when they “see eye to eye” and the millennial era has been ushered in will be these words, “The Lord hath redeemed His people, Israel, according to the election of grace, which was brought to pass by the faith and covenant of their fathers” (D&C 84:98-102; Romans 11:1- 5). This election of grace is a very fundamental, logical, and important part of God’s dealings with men through the ages. To bring to pass the salvation of the greatest possible number of his spirit children the Lord, in general, sends the most righteous and worthy saints to earth through the lineage of Abraham and Jacob. This course is a manifestation of his grace or in other words his love, mercy, and condescension toward his children…

“…This election to a chosen lineage is based on pre- existent worthiness and is made “according to the foreknowledge of God” (1 Peter 1:2). Those so grouped together during their mortal probation have more abundant opportunities to make and keep the covenants of salvation, a right which they earned by pre-existent devotion to the cause of righteousness. As part of this election, Abraham and others of the noble and great spirits were chosen before they were born for the particular missions assigned them in this life” (McConkie, DNTC, 2:273-74).

NIV- God’s choice of Jacob was based on sovereign freedom, not on the fulfillment of any prior conditions. God’s purpose embodied in his election! Romans 9:13 “Election of Grace” The Roman readers understood it! For the reader today to understand it, they must understand two things” 1.The Pre-Mortal existence 2.Eternal Progression

Jacob have I loved! Chosen, based on personal righteousness. Esau have I hated! Heb. = rejected! Why? Unrighteousness! Jacob was coming into the world with greater spiritual capacity than Esau; he was foreordained to a special work; he was elected to serve in a chosen capacity.

Malachi 1:2-3 Some fifteen years later, Malachi said that God loved the house of Jacob and hated the house of Esau. Jacob’s seed was more valiant! “Actually, if the full blessings of salvation are to follow, the doctrine of election must operate twice. First, righteous spirits are elected or chosen to come to mortality as heirs of special blessings. Second, they must be called and elected again in this life, an occurrence which takes place when they join the true church (D&C53:1). Finally, in order to reap eternal salvation, they must press forward in obedient devotion to the truth until they make their ‘Calling and Election Made Sure’ (2 Peter 1), that is, are ‘sealed up unto eternal life,’” D&C 131:5, (Mormon Doctrine, 2 nd ed., ).

Romans 9:14-21 Is God unrighteous because He favors some people over others? God forbid! No! Romans 10:1 True ministers of Christ seek to save souls (1 Nephi 6:4). Romans 10:9,10 “Salvation comes by grace alone” These two verses of scripture have been quoted often by those who believe that salvation comes by grace alone. Confession with the mouth is not sufficient, we must live accordingly!

Romans 10:14-15 Acceptance of Christ requires acceptance of His prophets! Romans 10:17 How does faith come? “Faith comes by hearing the word of God, through the testimony of the servants of God; that testimony is always attended by the Spirit of Prophecy and revelation” (Smith, Teachings, 148).

Romans 11:13 “I magnify mine office” “Sometimes we hear the brethren refer to ‘magnifying the priesthood.’ While many of us are guilty of making this erroneous statement, it isn’t the priesthood we magnify, it is one’s office and calling in the priesthood. It cannot be enlarged upon because there is no authority or power greater in the universe” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 148).

Of the adoption into the House of Israel, the prophet Joseph Smith said: “The Holy Ghost ‘is more powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge, of a man who is of the literal seed of Abraham, than one that is Gentile, through it may not have half as much visible effect upon the body; for as the Holy Ghost falls upon one of the literal seeds of Abraham, it is calm and serene; and his whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure spirit of intelligence; while the effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile, is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually of the seed (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost. In such a case, there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body, and visible to the eye, than upon the Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be far before the Gentile in pure intelligence” (Teachings, ).

Romans 12:1 “Present your bodies a living sacrifice” A broken heart and a contrite spirit! 3 Nephi 9:19-20 Romans 13:1-7 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers” One of the great tests of the Saints is whether they will follow their church leaders (Pres. Tanner, D&C 1:38).

Romans 14:23 “For whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” “This law applies to the saints, to those who have the light, who know that salvation is in Christ, to those who are under covenant to keep the commandments. It is not applicable to the world in general, for sin is not imputed where there is no law. Thus the saints are guilty of sin when they fall short of those high standards they are obligated to attain” (McConkie, DNTC, 2:302, D&C 82:3).