The doctrine of justification by faith alone doesn't undermine the importance of sanctification, it is the foundation for it. The key is to properly distinguish the two graces (or blessings) of the Christian life in a proper fashion, and to not undermine the comfort of justification with our teaching on sanctification.

Central to the angel's announcement to Mary is her virginity, which demonstrates that her son Jesus has God as his father. It also is a radical reversal of the curse of barrenness that is such a running theme of the Old Testament saints, including each and every one of the patriarch's wives.

Luke begins his Gospel by explaining the origin of John the Baptist, and why it is good news that a forerunner comes before the Messiah. By comparing and contrasting John and Jesus, he clearly sets them in a positive relationship with one another, yet clearly establishes Jesus as the Christ and savior.

The doctrine of Justification is called "the doctrine of a standing and falling church" for two reasons. First, it is an essential teaching that every true church must manifest. Second, it is a teaching that is perennially under attack, mostly due to the fear that it will remove the motivation for the pursuit of holiness. In this catechism sermon we focus on WHY the doctrine must be defended, and especially on the contemporary challenges from within the Reformed tradition, namely Norman Shepherd and the Federal Vision.

The Lord confirms his covenant promise that Sarah will bear Isaac, the child of promise. The name of "Isaac" is a reminder that the Gospel promise is God's miraculous gift, and nothing that man can accomplish in his own power.

The incarnation is at the center of the biblical story of salvation, and Christ is at the center of the Belgic Confession's teaching of man's salvation.

In 1 Samuel 7 we see the centrality of worship in biblical faith, as the Spirit works through Samuel's faithful preaching to gather the saints at Ebenezer after 20 years of lamentation.

God gives Abraham the sign of the covenant to confirm the long delayed promise of a son born of Sarah, and renames Abram "Abraham" to indicate that he will be the father of many nations. Circumcision is fulfilled and confirmed in the circumcision on Christ on the cross, in which many nations become Abraham's children by faith.

The goodness of God's creation, with man and woman created in his glorious image, is fundamental to understanding the doctrine of sin and salvation.