Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live

Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live

Paul teaches us that our salvation is “nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11). In the Doctrine and Covenants we are told how we can receive our salvation, “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life” (D&C 14:7). So we need to be faithful and obedient to God’s commandments. In chapters 12 and 13 of Romans we learn more about how to live to obtain salvation. In chapter twelve we are told to sanctify our bodies, not to submit to the world but be transformed by the will of God, “cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9), be hospitable, be of one mind “one toward another” (Romans 12:16), and to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). In chapter 13 we are told to be subject under the powers of God, do good works, love one another, and keep the commandments.

Paul teaches in chapter 14 of Romans that we are not to judge our fellowman. He says, “But why dost thou judge thy brother? …for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10). He then goes on to teach that we are to edify our neighbor. We are all very different, but the key is that we are all children of God. Doctrine and Covenants better explains this, “Let every man esteem his brother as himself. …I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (D&C 38:25,27).

Paul often refers to the members as “saints”. In the Bible Dictionary we learn that “holy” is the Greek word for “saint”. It goes on to say that in the New Testament, the saints were “those who by baptism … entered into the Christian covenant.” It also further explains the meaning of “saint” by saying, “the fundamental idea being that of consecration or separation for a sacred purpose … the word cam to mean ‘free from blemish’ whether physical or moral.” Look at the name of our church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We, as members, are latter-day saints. I believe that we should seek to be without blemish and be holy.