Category Archives: Bible Reflection

The Whole Point

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In Romans 8, in the context of Paul revealing God’s eternal plan of foreknowing, predestinating, calling, justifying and glorifying a people for Himself (Rom. 8:28-30), he then continues to write about the exact same group of people – the “those,” the “many brothers,” the “we”, the “us”, “God’s elect”. From verse 28 onwards until the end of the chapter, it is this group that is in view.

I have emphasized (in bold) certain words so you can see this clearly in the text:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The whole point of talking, sharing, blogging, preaching and getting our understanding precise as to the intention of God in sending His Son to the cross is not so that our heads would be enlarged by theological speculation, but that our hearts would be broken, crushed; forever amazed and astounded at the love of God for us. God wants us to know the security of His abiding love for us, so that during even the toughest times in life we know that all things work together for the good of His people. The truths of the electing love of God, the finished cross-work of Christ and His continued intercession on our behalf are the firm and solid foundation for this great Romans 8:28 promise, so cherished by His people in the midst of life’s storms. Continue reading →

Spiritual Warfare

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There are two mistakes we often make when it comes to the devil. One is the make too much of our foe and attribute almost deity status to him. The devil is not omnipotent (all powerful), omniscient (all wise, all knowing) or omnipresent (everywhere present); so if he is bothering you, he cannot possibly be bothering me at the same time (though he does have many agents under his rule who work on his behalf). The other mistake though is to make too little of him, and not take his schemes against us seriously.

In the famous passage in Ephesians 6 which portrays the saints’ spiritual warfare, notice two things. Firstly, the Apostle Paul likens the conflict to wrestling, which is the closest form of fighting. The original words could be translated “our wrestling match is not against people with bodies…”

Secondly, although Paul could have used the word “against” just once to have easily made his point, he uses it over and over again – five times in all – illustrating the immensity and intensity of the battle each of us are engaged in. Like it or not, we are in a war.

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Works – the fruit, not the root of our justification

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2011 is here! Another year has passed into recorded history and we have now entered into a brand new one. Happy New Year everyone!

The marking of the turn of one year into another is a good time to ask ourselves some big questions. It is also a great time to set realistic, attainable goals for each aspect of our lives – spiritually, physically, financially, emotionally and in our relationships. To fail to plan is to plan to fail.

There are many good materials out there that seek to help us make the necessary changes (here’s a good article well worth reading). However, in all this, my heart always needs to be reminded of the gospel, as it is so easy to seek to gain by works, what God only makes available by grace. Continue reading →