“Abraham has been brought to faith by a faithful God. His deepest trust and belief was in the One who had promised, and not in this son whom God had provided. God’s faithfulness is evident throughout Abraham’s life—even when Abraham is the villain of the story—even when Abraham makes the dumbest move available. Abraham, a primary biblical example of faith, is also our example of the obedience brought by faith. God’s test required him to give up everything that had come together so far in the fulfillment of God’s promises; everything that had worked out so far for Abraham to get what he was hoping for, trusting God for. And Abraham can let everything good in his life go; every provision; every advance in the achievement of his hope, and ultimately his salvation, because his trust is in the giver and not in the gift…”
Romans 8:1-11
“When I look upon God’s good law, which promises life to those who keep it, and death to those who don’t, it exposes me as a sinner. Some here may even be living the experience that Paul described in chapter 7 rather than a life of freedom from slavery to sin. It is not as though we should just say: “oh there is no condemnation, it doesn’t really matter,” and then go on living just the same. Instead, we should know that this is an untenable situation; an unacceptable position. But it is not as though we should go back to the Law, understanding that the one who sins shall die, and then try harder to keep the commandment…Instead, the solution is to remember who we are. I am dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Praise God!!! Prayerful meditation on the gospel is the solution. It is the means for sanctification; sanctification by faith alone.”


