Paul needs to address the problem of Israel’s unbelief. But why is their unbelief a problem? Because God had made promises to Israel that form the core of the Old Testament, and yet Israel has rejected the very Messiah whom God sent to bring these promises to pass. This has created a theological crisis. It appears as though the word of God has failed. And if the word of God has failed, how can we be sure the promises of Romans 8 – the promises of the gospel – are sure and certain? Romans 9 addresses this crisis with the doctrine of election.

The celebration of Advent recognizes that the Messiah does not come once, but twice – the first time as the suffering Servant, the second time as the reigning King.

We cannot celebrate Advent of Christ without celebrating the purpose of His coming. Before Christ came to reign as King, He came to suffer as the Lamb of God.

Salvation comes through the birth, victory, and reign of the Messiah – the incarnate Son of God.

Salvation comes through the birth, victory, and reign of the Messiah – the incarnate Son of God.

Whether we stand in the day of judgment depends entirely upon whether we trust in God and in His Christ, the virgin-born Immanuel.

Isaiah 1 is a courtroom scene. Isaiah is the prosecuting attorney, the LORD is the judge, and Israel is the defendant on trial. In this opening prophecy, Isaiah brings a stinging indictment against God’s chosen people… and upon all mankind.

The gospel Paul has proclaimed in Romans 1-8 ought to give us an unshakable, defiant confidence that God will save us, no matter what. Romans 8:31-39 provide five pillars of our eternal security.

The gospel Paul has proclaimed in Romans 1-8 ought to give us an unshakable, defiant confidence that God will save us, no matter what. Romans 8:31-39 offers an objective assurance that not one of God’s elect will ever be lost. But before we can possess this objective confidence, we must achieve some measure of subjective assurance that we are among God’s elect who are in Christ.

How should we respond when we do something we never thought we would do?