Read Romans 11:25-27. What great events is Paul predicting here? Christians have been discussing and debating Romans 11:25-27 for centuries now. A few points, however, are clear. For starters, the whole tenor here is that of God reaching out to the Jews. What Paul is saying comes in reply to the question raised at the beginning of the … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “The Elect” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the lesson outline from the HopeTV Sabbath School Site. … Continue reading –>
Christ and the Law. Do Christians ever assume that their good lifestyle choices and their determination to keep all of the commandments of God can earn them a place in heaven? What is the “surest” way to obtain righteousness? Was there or was there not a “true way of righteousness” before the Messiah? If the … Continue reading –>
“God’s love for humanity and His great desire to see all humanity saved” on Sabbath afternoon’s lesson is reflected in: Hymn 76, “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”, Hymn 77, “O Love of God Most Full”, Hymn 78, “For God So Loved Us” and in Hymn 79, “O Love of God, How Strong … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 11:11-15. What great hope does Paul present in this passage? In this passage, we find two parallel expressions: (1) “their [the Israelites’] fulness” (Rom. 11:12) and (2) “the receiving of them [the Israelites]” (Rom. 11:15). Paul envisioned the diminishing and the casting away to be only temporary and to be followed by fullness and reception. This is … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 11:1-7. What common teaching does this passage deny clearly and irrevocably? In the first part of his answer to the question, “Hath God cast away his people?” Paul points to a remnant, an election of grace, as proof that God has not cast away His people. Salvation is open for all who accept it, … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 10:1-4. Keeping in mind all that came before, what’s the message here? How could we, today, be in danger of seeking to establish our “own righteousness”? Legalism can come in many forms, some more subtle than others. Those who look to themselves, to their good deeds, to their diet, to how strictly they keep … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Romans 10, Romans 11. Memory Text: “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1). This week’s lesson covers Romans chapters 10 and 11, with a focus especially on chapter 11. It’s important … Continue reading –>
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV Romans 9 is not about Jacob or Esau being predestined for salvation or not. It is about the role they were to play. Some … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Later English Reformers”, pp. 261, 262, in The Great Controversy; “Faith and Works”, pp. 530, 531, in The SDA Encyclopedia; Ellen G. White Comments, pp. 1099, 1100, in The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1. “There is an election of individuals and a people, the only election found in the word of God, where man is elected … Continue reading –>
