Research Paper Topics

BIBL 425

RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS Write a 10–15-page theological/exegetical research paper on one of the following topics in Romans: •

Justification by Faith: Beginning with Romans 1:17, how does Paul develop his argument regarding justification by faith? Consider the following questions as you pursue your research. What does the phrase “righteousness of God” in verse 17 mean? How, specifically, does this relate to justification by faith? You will notice that just after pointing to the righteousness of God, Paul discusses the revelation of the wrath of God (1:18–32). How do the two ideas relate to one another throughout Paul’s discussion in the book of Romans? What are the implications of God’s wrath in Paul’s use of the concept of “salvation” (i.e., from what does Christ save men?)? Has the contemporary Evangelical church adequately maintained the relationship between the two concepts of God’s righteousness and God’s wrath? If so, how? If not, how can this be resolved?

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The Christian’s Relationship to the Old Testament: In light of Paul’s emphasis on justification by faith, discuss his view of the Mosaic law. For example, in Rom 3:31, Paul says “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law” (NIV). How, in light of Paul’s entire discussion in the book of Romans, does he think that the doctrine of justification by faith upholds the law? What is the role of the law in the lives of those who are justified by faith, according to Romans? Does the Spirit somehow uphold the law in believers (see Rom 7 and 8)? Do you think that the contemporary Evangelical church has adequately upheld the law while teaching justification by faith?

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The Old Testament in Romans: For Paul, the Old Testament was Scripture. He quotes it many times in the book of Romans. Some scholars argue that Paul was not faithful to the context of the Old Testament passages from which he quoted. For example, in Rom 9, Paul quotes from the book of Hosea. Why is he quoting this book? What is the significance of the quotations? Are the quotations faithful to the original context of the book of Hosea? In light of Paul’s use of Hosea, what can you conclude about the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy? In light of Paul’s quoting the OT, do you think that the contemporary Evangelical church has given the OT the same level of significance that Paul has?

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The Christian Life: According to Rom 8, the Spirit is integral to our sanctification. What does Paul teach about the relationship between the indwelling Spirit and Christian obedience (or sanctification)? How does this inform his discussion of the law? Consider Paul’s teaching regarding the two regimes, the offering of our bodies to God, and the transformation of the believer (Rom 6, 7, and 12). Do you think that the contemporary Evangelical church has a view of the Spirit that matches Paul’s teaching in Romans? If not, how might this be changed?

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