Man’s Ruin: Romans 1:1-32

by Donald Barnhouse

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1952

Overview

“Why have I chosen to direct your attention to that epistle of Paul’s which was sent originally to the Roman church? It is because the epistle to the Romans has the most complete diagnosis of the plague of man’s sin, and the most glorious setting forth of the simple remedy of justification by faith apart from the works of the law.” Thus begins Part One of Barnhouse’s massive commentary on Romans. Entitled Man’s Ruin, Part One covers Romans 1:1–32. With the deft eye of a master exegete, Barnhouse preaches on a number of issues in messages which include “The Trinity,” “The Communion of the Saints,” “God’s Righteousness” and 24 others.

Through a discussion of mankind’s fallenness may be difficult for many to stomach, Barnhouse’s meditation on man’s separation from God is a necessary component to any study of Romans. As Barnhouse expresses himself, “It is not pleasant to set forth these truths in the ears of men who do not wish to hear the truth, but it is in faithfulness to God that we thus speak.”

Contents

Top Highlights

“I am convinced that the ministry which seeks to exalt mankind can, in the end, do no good for mankind. On the contrary, the ministry which will reach the truths of man’s complete ruin in sin and God’s perfect remedy in Christ, can best reach the heart of the need of the human race and can bring the only remedy that can heal the heart which God has declared to be humanly incurable (Jer. 17:9).” (Page 1)

“It is because the epistle to the Romans has the most complete diagnosis of the plague of man’s sin, and the most glorious setting forth of the simple remedy of justification by faith apart from the works of the law.” (Pages 1–2)

“There are seven things said about the gospel in this chapter: One, it is the gospel of God; two, it was promised in the Old Testament; three, it concerns the Lord Jesus Christ, being, indeed, the gospel of God’s Son; four, it must be preached; five, it is the power of God unto salvation; six, it was to the Jew first and then to the Gentile; and seven, it is the revelation of the righteousness of God.” (Page 22)

“The secret of Paul’s greatness is indicated in the order of these two words. He was first a bondslave, utterly surrendered to the Lord, and then he was a sent one.” (Page 13)

“‘The Reformation was certainly the work of the epistle to the Romans and that to the Galatians, and it is probable that every great spiritual renovation in the Church will always be linked, both in cause and in effect, to a deeper knowledge of this book.’” (Page 2)

Product Details

• Title: Man’s Ruin: Romans 1:1–32
• Author: Donald Grey Barnhouse
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1952
• Pages: 301

About Donald Barnhouse

Donald Barnhouse (1895–1960) pastored the historic Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia for 33 years. He studied at several schools, including Biola, Princeton Seminary, Eastern Seminary, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Out of a desire to spread God’s Word to a large audience, Barnhouse began a radio broadcast that featured preaching. That radio program, The Bible Study Hour, was heard on over 400 stations and was later telecast. The program continues to air today under the name Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible. Because of the radio program’s popularity, Barnhouse was asked to speak at many Bible conferences.

In 1931, Barnhouse founded the monthly magazine Eternity. For over 30 years, he wrote a column in every single issue. He has also written several books, including the titles in Expositions of Bible Doctrines: Taking the Epistle to the Romans as a Point of Departure (4 vols.).