Calvary Grace Church of Calgary

The relationship between what God has destined for us, and what we are responsible for merges in the test we must all face. It is the test of faith in Jesus Christ. From the perspective of human experience, pre-purposed election or damnation is not a question for us so much as, “What must I do to be saved?”. The answer to that question is that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. This is the test of faith.

In an unjust society, people call out for justice. But people also wish to escape justice when it turns against them. People affirm the idea of being merciful. But they tend to be very jealous of anyone who enjoys a benefit, privilege or blessing that they don’t. So it is with the sinner’s view of God. The sinner demands that God be just with all that is wrong in the world, except the sinner. And the same person demands that God be merciful to no one else more than the sinner. Our jealousies show how little we care about the overwhelming expression of mercy by God in Christ at the cross. No wonder we need the Spirit to open our eyes to see and believe the mercy and rightness of God in the gospel.

It is said that 'a picture is worth a thousand words'. But in our digitized world filled with images it is more accurate to say 'a word is worth a thousand pictures'. Throughout Israel's history, God made spoken, verbal promises to his people that seemed to contradict all the pictures around them. And so God demonstrates his faithfulness through his Word. Can you trust his promises?

In the first eight chapters of the letter to the Romans, Paul has gloriously described the gospel and the precious promises that God has given to his people. These promises have led to the climax of chapter eight as Paul articulates the new life of the Spirit-filled Christian. A new section begins in chapter 9, in which Paul is filled with anguish and grief for his kin, the Jews, who were given nine privileges by God. A major problem appears: God promised that Israel would be his people and now the majority of them are lost! How can a sovereign, almighty, all-powerful God have a lost people? Can we trust God despite this seeming catastrophe? What can learn from the grieved apostle in Romans 9:1-5?

Jesus asked Mary a simple question on that first Easter morning, “Whom are you seeking?" It is the question which we are faced with on this Easter morning and everyday. Paul's conclusion to the profound 8th chapter of Romans puts the answer to that question in the clearest and most compelling terms possible. The gift of Jesus Christ as the Saviour of sinners is unique in expressing the holy and glorious love of God.