Read Romans 5:6-8. What does this passage tell us about the character of God, and why is it so full of hope for us? When Adam and Eve shamefully and inexcusably transgressed the divine requirement, God took the first steps toward reconciliation. Ever since, God has taken the initiative in providing a way of salvation and … Continue reading –>
Read Romans 5:1-5. On the lines below summarize Paul’s message. What can you take from that for yourself now? “Being justified” is literally “having been justified.” The Greek verb represents the action as being completed. We have been declared righteous, or regarded as righteous, not through any deeds of law but through our having accepted Jesus … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Romans 5 Memory Text: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2). Paul has established the point that justification, or acceptance … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Christ the Center of the Message”, p. 388, in Selected Messages, book 1; “The Call of Abraham”, pages 125-127; “The Law and the Covenants,” pages 363, 364, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “The Sermon on the Mount,” pages 307, 308; “Controversy,” p. 608; “ ‘It Is Finished,’ ” pages 762, 763, in The Desire of Ages. “To him that worketh … Continue reading –>
We often hear folk say that in the New Covenant the law has been abolished, and then they proceed to quote texts that they believe prove that point. The logic behind that statement, however, isn’t quite sound, nor is the theology. Read 1 John 2:3-6, 1 John 3:4, and Romans 3:20. What do these texts tell us about … Continue reading –>
As we saw yesterday, Paul showed that God’s dealings with Abraham proved that salvation comes through the promise of grace and not through law. Therefore, if the Jews wished to be saved, they would have to abandon trust in their works for salvation and accept the Abrahamic promise, now fulfilled in the coming of the … Continue reading –>
It was 500 years ago this day that Martin Luther hung his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg church. How fascinating that the subject for today also gets right to the heart of salvation by faith. In Romans 4:13, “promise” and “law” are contrasted. Paul is seeking to establish an Old Testament background for … Continue reading –>
Key thought: Faith produces obedience to the law of love. Lesson 5 November 4, 2017 Have a volunteer read Genesis 15:6. A. Ask what the point of this passage is. B. What does it mean to be accounted righteous? C. Personal application: What is the difference between believing in the Lord and just believing He exists? … Continue reading –>
I want to share two passages, that many claim contradict each other. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Romans 3:28 NKJV You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:24 NKJV When I run into apparent … Continue reading –>
The Law. Yes or No: We are saved according to our obedience of God’s law. If you answer “No,” that we are saved by grace and not by our works, then answer this question: Does a Christian’s behavior differ from that of a non-Christian? If so, what is the source of the difference? Did either … Continue reading –>
