V.17. The Ryrie Study Bible 5

#242

Part 5 – Romans 8:1

Dr. Ryrie leads his readers to believe that the last half of Romans 8:1 does not belong in the Bible.  Here is the verse.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. “

Here are Dr. Ryrie’s notes concerning this verse.

“8:1 Who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.  This phrase is not in the best manuscripts.”

What manuscripts is Dr. Ryrie talking about?  Is it the same two, Aleph and B, which he previously said were the most trustworthy concerning Mark 16?  Then it would have to at least include these two; also known as the Sinaiticus and Vaticanus.  The footnote that states that the last part of Verse 8 is just not true.  The King James translators used the Majority Text.  That is the majority of all the manuscripts that agree.  Remember, the Sinaiticus and the Vaticanus disagree in over 3,000 places in the Gospels alone.

When you read the King James Translation, once in a while you will notice an italicized word.  This indicates the word is not in the original text; but, is inserted to help in the English flow of reading.  It is not there to change the meaning of the verse or context, only to aid in the flow of reading.

Now, notice that the verse in question, i.e. Romans 8:1, has no italicized words showing that the majority of the manuscripts contained the complete verse, as translated from Greek to English.

The problem that I have found in regard to Romans 8:1 is that pastors try to use this verse for salvation; quoting only the first half of the verse, which states:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,...” Romans 8:1a

I have heard this quoted as a salvation verse by many pastors, many times,  down through the years, without quoting the rest of the verse.  Here is the rest, or last part of the verse.

“...who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1b

When the whole verse is quoted, it is speaking of our walk, i.e., ourservice with the Lord, NOT our salvation.  The problem arises when a person sees the word “condemnation,” and it seems to register in their mind as “condemnation to Hell.”  Read this passage carefully and you will see that the condemnation is in reference to the sins committed by a Christian who is walking in sin by obeying their fleshly desires.  These sins are condemned at the Judgment Seat of Christ and will be burned as the Christian suffers loss of rewards; but, is still saved.

“If any man's (a Christian) work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss (of rewards): but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” I Corinthians 3:15

The phrase “saved; yet so as by fire” is a figure of speech which may be illustrated by a person running out of his burning house, without having time to bring his belongings.  Spiritually, he is saved; but, has few rewards in Heaven.

Notice that there is no condemnation to those who are walking in obedience to the will of God as directed by the Holy Spirit in the Word.  I John 3:6 lets us know that,

“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: ...”

When a Christian is “abiding” or walking with the Lord, they are sending ahead rewards that they will receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

“If any man's (Christian’s) work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.” I Corinthians 3:14

Therefore, Romans 8:1 is speaking of our SERVICE to the Lord.  If one does not understand this and tries to use this verse for salvation, you have to do one of two things:  1.  You either have to quote only the first half of the verse or; 2. You have to do as Dr. Ryrie has done.  You must try to find a corrupt manuscript that omits the last half of the verse.  If the last half of this verse had not appeared in the majority of the manuscripts, the King James translators would have put it in italics, which they did not as it is IN the Majority Text.

This footnote is very confusing and is misleading to the Reader who probably wonders now, “Just exactly what part of the Bible is in the Bible?”  This whole verse belongs where God put it, and that is in the Bible! The footnote is very misleading and sends a false message.  This is another reason why I would not recommend the Ryrie Study Bible, which only confuses the person who has a desire to know the truth.

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