What does the word 'therefore' or 'wherefore' do when you see it in Scripture?
In Scripture, 'therefore' or 'wherefore' functions as a signal to look backward. It sends the reader back to the preceding argument or reason that explains why the statement is being made. The word connects what follows to what came before, prompting you to identify the basis for the conclusion.
Les explains that whenever he sees 'therefore' or 'wherefore' in any other place in Scripture, and as he teaches his classes, he tells them to ask what that word does. It sends you back to why the writer is saying 'therefore.' In Romans chapter 8, Paul uses it in a slightly different setting than he normally does. Les notes that he does not use commentaries and was warned long ago to beware of them. He mentions two books given to him by theologians; one gentleman says this 'therefore' does not take you back to chapter 7 but to Romans 5:1, where Paul writes that being justified by faith, we have peace with God.