God's love is made manifest distinctly through the objects of his love (his elect) by the price paid for their salvation and through the assurance given to those who have been ransomed by Christ's blood.
God's love is made manifest distinctly through the objects of his love (his elect) by the price paid for their salvation and through the assurance given to those who have been ransomed by Christ's blood.
Suffering is not something that must be avoided at all costs but rather has vital benefits to Christians. Therefore, we must prepare for suffering and be ready to imitate Christ in how we handle it.
The Christian attitude during times of persecution should be one of rejoicing. However, Christians must first prepare to suffer persecution for the faith. This week's sermon exhorts believers to prepare for persecution.
This week's sermon explains the benefits of the believer's justification: peace with God, assurance of salvation, and the joyful hope of the glory of God.
Continuing with the example of Abraham, Paul points out that faith necessarily reveals itself in our lives in our obedience to God, and because faith is from God, it must endure to the end.
Paul makes clear in Romans 4 that any reliance on obedience to the law to make us right with God is hopeless. God's law increases our knowledge of sin and brings wrath. It is only through faith that one can be reconciled to God.
Do our works have anything to do with making us right with God? In Romans 4, Paul uses Abraham and his faith as an example to demonstrate that God saves His people by grace alone.