The Apostle Paul writes the Book of Romans as a legal document to justify the believer’s freedom.
Many Christians interpret the Ten Commandments as God’s judgment on them. However, the book of Romans is written as a lawyer’s document, arguing that Christians are not under the law because faith in Christ gives them true freedom. In Free by Divine Decree, Paul Johansson hopes to inspire, instruct, and edify believers through the book of Romans.
Rev. Paul Johansson has been a minister, missionary and educator for 56 years. After pastoring, he and his wife Gloria, served in Kenya, E. Africa to establish a Church and Bible College. He then returned to Elim Bible Institute and served as Dean of Students 16 years and laster as President for 12 years. He was instrumental in founding the New York School of Urban Ministry in New York City in 1982. He holds two degrees, B.A. and M.A. from the University of New York.
"Paul Johansson taps into the incredible guilt-quenching, boldness---producing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As he unfolds the court room scene described in the Book of Romans, we finally hear clearly, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' I encourage you to let the insights of this book to break the grip of condemnation in your life." --Mike Cavanaugh, President, Elim Bible Institute
"Through his right spiritual experience and prophetic insights, Paul Johansson masterfully unlocks secrets from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Roman Church. After reading "Free by Divine Decree" you will feel as though the Apostle Paul was writing the letter directly to you." Dr. David Ireland, PhD, Senior Pastor, Christ Church, Montclair, new Jersey
"Free by Divine Decree" makes Romans come alive, unlike any other book I've read on the subject. Paul clearly defines the liberating message of the freedom we have in Christ that frees us from guilt and condemnation. It's a must read for any student of the Bible." Dr. Ron Burgio, President, Elim Fellowship, Lancaster, New York
"For years I have listened to Paul Johansson teach the Book of Romans and I think of him as 'Mr. Romans.' The writer of Romans makes our freedom a legal transaction. The metaphor used in this book is of an accused person sitting in courtroom with God the Father as judge at his criminal trial. "Free by Divine Decree" is a must for every believer. It is not only to be read, but to be experienced." Bishop Tommy Reid, Full Gospel Tabernacle, Orchard park, New York
"I took Paul Johansson's class on Romans at Elim Bible Institute 30 years ago, and it was truly life-transforming for me. The judicial drama of the book unfolded before my eyes. Years later, like well-aged wine, Paul has finally reduced the wealth of his understanding of Romans to book. What a gold mine! This book will serve anyone who is preaching, teaching, or studying the Book of Romans." Bob Sorge, Author, "Oasis House"
"A 21st century Apostle Paul brings to life the epistle to the Romans in "Free by Divine Decree." The accuser condemned---our Advocate triumphantly victorious---cellar dwellers discover the height and price of Christ's outrageous grace. Intensely brilliant is the forum of the courtroom drama unveiling the prophetic parallels of freedom prescribed for yet another generation. A just read for both scholar and seeker." Nancy Clark, President, Evangelical Women Leaders of the National Association of Evangelicals
"The courtroom setting in "Free by Divine Decree" provides an dearly demonstration of how the laws and covenants of God's Kingdom are applied in the courtroom of Heaven. Not only will this book free the reader from the guilt of sin, he/she will also gain a deep revelation of the character of God and the love mercy and justice. He maes available to all mankind. Clarence "Buz" Swyers, Director of Publications, Business Men's Fellowship
"More than a handbook on Romans, "Free by Divine Decree" is the heartbeat of two authors, both named Paul. Paul Johansson has found the pulse of Paul the Apostle! Both hearts beat to proclaim the life-changing power of the Gospel. Building the case from the Apostle Paul's arguments, the present writer documents the legal process of our redemption as though it had been transacted in a heavenly courtroom. Rev. Sylvia R. Evans, Founder, Creative Word Ministries
"Paul Johansson's years of missionary ministry, urban evangelism and classroom exposure are reflected in his handling of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Church in first century Rome. The letter is old, the problems have not changed and the answers need to be understood and applied as urgently now as they were when first written. This book is birthed in the writer's heart and mind as it was in the heart of the Apostle." Rev. David Edwards, President Emeritus, Elim Bible Institute