The Morality Of Paul's Converts (Bibleworld) (Bibleworld)

A careful analysis of Paul's letters shows that in every church there were two main groups of converts: those who were baptized and those being instructed for baptism. Such analysis also makes it possible to determine which parts of each letter were directed towards which group. Baptism was the rite by which converts were forgiven their past sins and became members of a renewed community of God, from which any who continued to sin were expelled. The Morality of Paul's Converts argues that Paul was always more concerned with how converts behaved than with what they believed about Christ. Paul remained a Jew even after he accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Paul eventually developed beliefs about Jesus as the Son of God in order to win Gentile converts to faithfulness, but this careful analysis of his writings reveals that his primary concern was always the morality of converts. His message always remained focused on faithfulness toward God and moral probity. A careful analysis of the texts of Paul's letters shows that in every church there were two main groups of converts: those who were baptized and those being instructed for baptism. Such analysis also makes it possible to determine which parts of each letter were directed toward converts being prepared for baptism and those already baptized. Baptism was the rite by which converts were forgiven of their past sins whereby they were made righteous, with the obligation to remain sinless for the day of Christ's return. Baptized converts became members of a renewed covenant community of God from which persons who continued to sin were expelled. Paul was always more concerned with how converts behaved than with what they believed about Christ.Paul remained a Jew even after he became a member of the group of Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Consequently, his primary message for Gentiles was faithfulness toward God, along with the moral probity of those who believe. Paul eventually developed beliefs about Jesus the Messiah as the Son of God and Lord, in order to win Gentile converts to faithfulness toward God. Being made righteous, the original meaning of Paul's word usually translated as 'justified', brings out the depth of Paul's emphasis on the morality of converts. Faithfulness toward God and moral probity are the primary messages in the letters of Paul; therefore, there emerges from this study a concern on the part of Paul for the moral life of believers not heretofore recognized. In turn, the vague doctrine of justification by faith in Christ, is no longer cogent for the twenty-first century. Faithfulness Toward God And Moral Probity Are The Primary Messages In The Letters Of Paul; Therefore, There Emerges From This Study A Concern On The Part Of Paul For The Moral Life Of Believers Not Heretofore Recognized. In Turn, The Vague Doctrine Of Justification By Faith In Christ, Is No Longer Cogent For The Twenty-first Century.--book Jacket. The Renewed Covenant Community Of God -- 1 Thessalonians : The Place To Begin -- 1 Thessalonians : The Place To Begin, Continued -- 1 And 2 Corinthians : Morality Comes To An Immoral City (1 Corinthians 1-6) -- 1 And 2 Corinthians : Morality Comes To An Immoral City (1 Corinthians 7-11) -- 1 And 2 Corinthians : Morality Comes To An Immoral City (1 Corinthians 12-16) -- 1 And 2 Corinthians : Morality Comes To An Immoral City (2 Corinthians 10-13) -- 1 And 2 Corinthians : Morality Comes To An Immoral City (2 Corinthians 1-9) -- Galatians : The Morality Of Faithfulness, The Spirit, And Jewish Law -- Galatians : The Morality Of Faithfulness -- Philippians : Moral Life Is Complete. Edwin D. Freed. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [283]-312) And Index.