Chapter 12
OUR OBLIGATIONS AS BELIEVERS

            This chapter is the beginning of the last division of the Book of Romans.  The first eight chapters were doctrinal—Paul explains the Doctrines of Condemnation, Justification, Sanctification and Glorification;  chapters 9-11 were dispensational—Paul explains to Israel why the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants had not yet been fulfilled;  and the remainder of the books concerns our duty—Paul exhorts believers to conformity with the exalted position in which Chapters 1-8 place the believer.  This is where “the rubber meets the road,” as far as our Christian walk is concerned.

Having finished the doctrinal part of this epistle, Paul now proceeds to the practical; and here it may be necessary to take a view of his arguments in the preceding chapters.

The election, calling, and justification of the believing Gentiles, and their being admitted into the kingdom and covenant of God, and having an interest in all the privileges and honors of His children.
1.        That they have a clear and substantial title to all these he has proved in chapters 1, 2, and 3.
2.        That this right is set on the same footing with Abraham's title to the blessings of the covenant he proves (chapter 6).
3.        That it gives us a title to privileges and blessings, as great as any the Jews could glory in, by virtue of that covenant(5:1-12).
4.       He goes still higher, and shows that our being interested in the gift and grace of God in Christ Jesus is perfectly agreeable to the grace which He has bestowed upon all mankind, in delivering them from that death of the body brought on them btransgression,(5:12-21).
5.      He fully explains, both with regard to the Gentiles and Jews, the nature of the Gospel constitution in relation to its obligations to holiness, and the advantages it gives for encouragement, obedience, and support, under the severest trials and persecutions, (chapters 6-8).
6.      As to the pretences of the Jews, that God was bound by express promise to continue them as his only people for ever, and that this was directly inconsistent with the election and calling of the Gentiles, on the condition of faith alone;” Paul demonstrates that the rejection of the Jews is consistent with the truth of God's word, and with His righteousness: he shows the true cause and reason of their rejection, and concludes with an admirable discourse upon the extent and duration of it; which he closes with adoration of the Divine wisdom in its various dispensations, (chapters 9-11).

Thus, having cleared this important subject with surprising judgment, and the nicest art and skill in writing,Paul now proceeds, after his usual manner in his epistles and the apostolic method of preaching, to insert various Christian duties, and to exhort to that temper of mind and conduct of life which are suitable to the profession of the Gospel, and the enjoyment of its privileges.