Trinity Bible Church

Prayer

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD (Psalm 59:2-3).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Verses 1, 2 & 4, George W. Frazer, in Hymns of Grace and Truth (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1904); verse 3, Alfred S. Loizeaux, 1952. Music: Beecher, John Zundel, Christian Heart Songs, 1870.

GOD OUR FATHER, WE ADORE THEE
Click here for tune.

God, our Father, we adore Thee! We, Thy children, bless Thy Name!
Chosen in the Christ before Thee, we are “holy without blame.”
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!

Son Eternal, we adore Thee! Lamb upon the throne on high!
Lamb of God, we bow before Thee, Thou hast brought Thy people nigh!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!

Holy Spirit, we adore Thee! Paraclete and heavenly Guest!
Sent from God and from the Savior, Thou hast led us into rest.
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed:
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One! We give Thee praise!
For the riches we inherit, heart and voice to Thee we raise!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!

Thought Provoker

John Bunyan was arrested for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When the Restoration of the monarchy took place in 1660 preaching was forbidden in an attempt to restrain the growth of Independent Congregations. Bunyan refused to stop preaching, and he was arrested in the village of Samsell. He served a total of 12 years in prison. There he spent his time writing a number of books on religious themes, including his biography. Most importantly, he produced the religious allegorical novel, The “Pilgrim’s Progress”, which was eventually published in 1678.The Pilgrim’s Progress was an instant hit upon its publication in February, 1678. It has been become one of the most widely published books in history, translated into over 200 languages.

Dad’s Study

The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World
to That Which is to Come
by John Bunyan

Obst. What! said Obstinate, and leave our friends and our comforts behind us?

Chr. Yes, said Christian, for that was his name, because that ALL which you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that which I am seeking to enjoy; and, if you will go along with me, and hold it, you shall fare as I myself; for there, where I go, is enough and to spare. Come away, and prove my words.

Obst. What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them?

Chr. I seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, and it is laid up in heaven, and safe there, to be bestowed, at the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my book.

Obst. Tush! said Obstinate, away with your book; will you go back with us or no?

Chr. No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my hand to the plough.

Obst. Come, then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn again, and go home without him; there is a company of these crazy-headed coxcombs, that, when they take a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason.

Pli. Then said Pliable, Don’t revile; if what the good Christian says is true, the things he looks after are better than ours: my heart inclines to go with my neighbour.

Obst. What! more fools still! Be ruled by me, and go back; who knows whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be wise.

Chr. Nay, but do thou come with thy neighbour, Pliable; there are such things to be had which I spoke of, and many more glorious besides. If you believe not me, read here in this book; and for the truth of what is expressed therein, behold, all is confirmed by the blood of Him that made it.

Pli. Well, neighbour Obstinate, said Pliable, I begin to come to a point; I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him: but, my good companion, do you know the way to this desired place?

Chr. I am directed by a man, whose name is Evangelist, to speed me to a little gate that is before us, where we shall receive instructions about the way.

Pli. Come, then, good neighbour, let us be going. Then they went both together.

Obst. And I will go back to my place, said Obstinate; I will be no companion of such misled, fantastical fellows.

Now, I saw in my dream, that when Obstinate was gone back, Christian and Pliable went talking over the plain; and thus they began their discourse.

Chr. Come, neighbour Pliable, how do you do? I am glad you are persuaded to go along with me. Had even Obstinate himself but felt what I have felt of the powers and terrors of what is yet unseen, he would not thus lightly have given us the back.Pli. Come, neighbour Christian, since there are none but us two here, tell me now further what the things are, and how to be enjoyed, whither we are going.

Chr. I can better conceive of them with my mind, than speak of them with my tongue: but yet, since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my book.

Pli. And do you think that the words of your book are certainly true?

Chr. Yes, verily; for it was made by Him that cannot lie.

Pli. Well said; what things are they?

Chr. There is an endless kingdom to be inhabited, and everlasting life to be given us, that we may inhabit that kingdom for ever.

Pli. Well said; and what else?

Chr. There are crowns and glory to be given us, and garments that will make us shine like the sun in the firmament of heaven.

Pli. This is very pleasant; and what else?

Chr. There shall be no more crying, nor Sorrow: for He that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes.

Pli. And what company shall we have there?

Chr. There we shall be with seraphims and cherubims, creatures that will dazzle your eyes to look on them. There also you shall meet with thousands and ten thousands that have gone before us to that place; none of them are hurtful, but loving and holy; every one walking in the sight of God, and standing in his presence with acceptance for ever. In a word, there we shall see the elders with their golden crowns, there we shall see the holy virgins with their golden harps, there we shall see men that by the world were cut in pieces, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas, for the love that they bear to the Lord of the place, all well, and clothed with immortality as with a garment.

Pli. The hearing of this is enough to ravish one’s heart. But are these things to be enjoyed? How shall we get to be sharers thereof?

Chr. The Lord, the Governor of the country, hath recorded that in this book; the substance of which is, If we be truly willing to have it, he will bestow it upon us freely.

Pli. Well, my good companion, glad am I to hear of these things: come on, let us mend our pace.

Chr. I cannot go so fast as I would, by reason of this burden that is on my back.

Now I saw in my dream, that just as they had ended this talk they drew near to a very miry slough, that was in the midst of the plain; and they, being heedless, did both fall suddenly into the bog. The name of the slough was Despond. Here, therefore, they wallowed for a being grievously bedaubed with the dirt; and Christian, because of the burden that was on his back, began to sink in the mire.

Pli. Then said Pliable; Ah! neighbour Christian, where are you now?

Chr. Truly, said Christian, I do not know.

Pli. At this Pliable began to be offended, and angrily said to his fellow, Is this the happiness you have told me all this while of? If we have such ill speed at our first setting out, what may we expect betwixt this and our journey’s end? May I get out again with my life, you shall possess the brave country alone for me. And, with that, he gave a desperate struggle or two, and got out of the mire on that side of the slough which was next to his own house: so away he went, and Christian saw him no more.

Catechism

Question 66

Q. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of various aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others (John 19:11, 1 John 5:15).

Popularity: 1% [?]

Prayer

“O Sovereign Lord, sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion, instruction, discipline, example, that my house may be a nursery for heaven. Amen”

(The Valley of Vision)

Today’s Hymn

Words: Verses 1, 2 & 4, George W. Frazer, in Hymns of Grace and Truth (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1904); verse 3, Alfred S. Loizeaux, 1952. Music: Beecher, John Zundel, Christian Heart Songs, 1870.

GOD OUR FATHER, WE ADORE THEE
Click here for tune.

God, our Father, we adore Thee! We, Thy children, bless Thy Name!
Chosen in the Christ before Thee, we are “holy without blame.”
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!

Son Eternal, we adore Thee! Lamb upon the throne on high!
Lamb of God, we bow before Thee, Thou hast brought Thy people nigh!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!

Holy Spirit, we adore Thee! Paraclete and heavenly Guest!
Sent from God and from the Savior, Thou hast led us into rest.
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed:
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One! We give Thee praise!
For the riches we inherit, heart and voice to Thee we raise!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!

Thought Provoker

Susanna Annesley was the 25th child of Dr. Annesley. Susanna would grow up to have a large family of her own. She married Samuel Wesley at the ripe old age of 19. Their 44-year marriage was full of trials and suffering. Through it all God blessed this couple with 19 children including John and Charles Wesley, hymn writers and founders of Methodism. After her husband died Susanna lived with her children until her death. Today, children are viewed as more of a curse than a blessing, even among Christian families. Since legalization in 1974, 40 million children have been aborted in America. According to the 1990 US Census, the average American family has of only 1.86 children. Today’s Psalm reminds us of the important truth that children are a precious blessing from our heavenly Father.

Dad’s Study

Children are a family’s blessing and reward (v. 3).
Children are a divine favor from God. God is the one who both opens and closes the womb (Deut. 28:4.11). A man may be poor in the riches of this world, but he is rich in his inheritance of a family. Few would trade the blessing of their children for earthly treasures. Many a barren family would give the riches of this world for the gift of a child.

Children are a family’s strength (v. 4).
The Psalmist likens children of your youth to arrows in the hand of a mighty man. God is encouraging families to have children at an early age. As the parents age, Godly children are there to be a source of help and strength. They are like arrows that go forth to defeat their parent’s enemies. However, rebellious children are like arrows that boomerang back only to wound the hearts of their parents.

Children are a family’s joy (v. 5).
Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them. Spurgeon wrote, “Those who have not children bewail the fact; those who have few children see them soon gone, and the house is silent, and their life has lost a charm; those who have many gracious children are upon the whole the happiest.” It is true that many children bring many trials, however many trial bring many prayers, and many prayers bring glorious answers and delight.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Today’s Psalm runs counter to our modern self-centered culture that sees large families as a curse rather than a blessing. May God give you and your children a heart that desires to experience the blessing of a full quiver of Godly arrows. Thank the Lord today for the blessings with which He has graced your family.

Catechism

Question 66

Q. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of various aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others (John 19:11, 1 John 5:15).

Popularity: 1% [?]

Prayer

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech (Psalm 17:6). Father of all mercies, may you incline your ear unto our worship and prayers, that we might know thee and Thy infinite beauty!

Today’s Hymn

Words: Verses 1, 2 & 4, George W. Frazer, in Hymns of Grace and Truth (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1904); verse 3, Alfred S. Loizeaux, 1952. Music: Beecher, John Zundel, Christian Heart Songs, 1870.

GOD OUR FATHER, WE ADORE THEE
Click here for tune.

God, our Father, we adore Thee! We, Thy children, bless Thy Name!
Chosen in the Christ before Thee, we are “holy without blame.”
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!

Son Eternal, we adore Thee! Lamb upon the throne on high!
Lamb of God, we bow before Thee, Thou hast brought Thy people nigh!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!

Holy Spirit, we adore Thee! Paraclete and heavenly Guest!
Sent from God and from the Savior, Thou hast led us into rest.
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed:
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One! We give Thee praise!
For the riches we inherit, heart and voice to Thee we raise!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!

Thought Provoker

In Romans 11 Paul provides an explanation of God’s dealings with the nation Israel and how salvation shall come to them. In essence, this is an in-depth explanation of a statement Paul makes in Chapter 10, For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom. 10:11-13).

Dad’s Study

Paul begins Chapter 11 with another of his rhetorical questions, “God has not rejected His people has He?”. Obviously not, because the Apostle of Christ to the Gentiles, Paul himself, is a Jew. God does not reject those whom He foreknew (verse 3). The chain of salvation is an unbroken chain; those whom He foreknew, will be justified. How is it God has done this? He has kept a remnant for Himself that is kept solely by His grace, not works (verses 5 and 6). For those of Israel who attempted to obtain what they were seeking by works did not find it, those who were chosen obtained it by grace, and the rest were hardened (verse 7). Once again we see God’s sovereign electing choice of His people. He grants grace and life to those whom He chooses, and He hardens those whom He chooses. Whether Jew or Gentile, salvation comes by grace through faith.

What then of the nation Israel? Paul wants us to be properly informed that there has been a partial hardening of their hearts for a time. How long of a time? Until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. Then God will turn again to His chosen nation Israel and bring salvation to them. This is explained to us in verses 11-24. The nation Israel has been cut off for a time that salvation might come to the Gentiles. Now, we Gentiles should not be prideful or arrogant. The nation Israel is the natural branch of the olive tree, the root of which is Christ. They were broken off because of their unbelief and the wild olive branch (Gentiles) was grafted into their place by faith. Paul warns that if we do not learn from the mistake of Israel, and become conceited and proud of God’s choice of us, and walk in unbelief we too can be just as easily broken off. If the natural branch (Israel) repents and turns to God in faith, they too shall be grafted back into the root.

We see God’s mercy to the disobedient (verses 30-32). We (Gentiles) were once disobedient, and because of Israel’s disobedient rejection of the Savior, God has shown mercy upon the Gentiles. He has brought salvation to us in order to drive His people (Israel) to jealously. Just as God brought His merciful grace to us in our disobedience, He will do likewise with the nation Israel. We have all been disobedient and it is God’s grace that removes us from that state of sin and makes us children of God. Therefore, God has shown mercy to all.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Verses 33-36 ought to be set to music. They are a glorious praise of the greatness of God. They bring forth the preciousness of His wisdom, knowledge, judgments, and His ways. Finite man can offer nothing to God that He needs, and God owes man nothing. All things come from Him as the creator source; grace comes to us through Him (Christ), and all things are for His glory. To Him and Him alone be the glory forever, Amen.

Catechism

Question 66

Q. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of various aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others (John 19:11, 1 John 5:15).

Popularity: unranked [?]

Prayer

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful (Rev. 17:14). Sovereign Lord, we praise You this day as the infinite potter who takes the dust of the earth and does with us what You please. Help us to bow humbly before Thy throne and delight in Thy sovereign decrees!

Today’s Hymn

Words: Verses 1, 2 & 4, George W. Frazer, in Hymns of Grace and Truth (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1904); verse 3, Alfred S. Loizeaux, 1952. Music: Beecher, John Zundel, Christian Heart Songs, 1870.

GOD OUR FATHER, WE ADORE THEE
Click here for tune.

God, our Father, we adore Thee! We, Thy children, bless Thy Name!
Chosen in the Christ before Thee, we are “holy without blame.”
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!

Son Eternal, we adore Thee! Lamb upon the throne on high!
Lamb of God, we bow before Thee, Thou hast brought Thy people nigh!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!

Holy Spirit, we adore Thee! Paraclete and heavenly Guest!
Sent from God and from the Savior, Thou hast led us into rest.
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed:
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One! We give Thee praise!
For the riches we inherit, heart and voice to Thee we raise!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!

Thought Provoker

While on a mission trip to Hermosillo, Mexico a couple of years ago, we drove by the city dump. There, amidst the garbage and trash were a couple of cardboard shanties with dirt floors, and no water or windows. We met a little boy walking through the smelly debris, who lived at the dump. My heart went out to this young lad – poor, uneducated, without earthly hope of escaping the dump, and eternally lost in His sins! In the van with me were my children, clothed in designer labels, blessed with an education, and most importantly, being raised in a home where the Gospel of Jesus Christ was preached. How can you explain the difference? Neither had a choice in the matter! Was it a matter of chance? Was it a cosmic accident? No, the answer lies in the sovereign purpose and will of almighty God! There is no attribute of God that is more hated by unredeemed mankind than the doctrine of the sovereignty of the infinite Jehovah. Charles Spurgeon did rightly conclude, Men will allow God to be everywhere except on His throne. They will allow Him to be in His workshop to fashion worlds and make stars. They will allow Him to be in His almonry to dispense His alms and bestow His bounties. They will allow Him to sustain the earth and bear up the pillars thereof, or light the lamps of heaven, or rule the waves of the ever-moving ocean; but when God ascends His throne, His creatures then gnash there teeth. And we proclaim an enthroned God, and His right to do as He wills with His own, to dispose of His creatures as He thinks well, without consulting them in the matter; then it is that we are hissed and execrated, and then it is that men turn a deaf ear to us, for God on His throne is not the God they love. But it is God upon the throne that we love to preach. It is God upon His throne whom we trust (C.H. Spurgeon sermon Matt. 20:15). In today’s chapter, Paul declares the sovereign God. May He cause our hearts to bow before His rulership and praise Him for being the enthroned God.

Dad’s Study

One of the greatest lessons on God’s sovereignty comes from the lives of twins by the names of Jacob and Esau, in Romans 9. Paul makes one of the clearest and yet most mysterious statements in the entire Bible, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (verse 13). God, as King over His creation, loved Jacob and not Esau; He chose Jacob, but He did not choose Esau; He did bless Jacob, but He never blessed Esau; His mercy followed Jacob all the way of his life, but His mercy never followed Esau.

Discuss: Why did God love Jacob and not Esau? Was it because Jacob was more obedient than Esau was? No! We see the answer in the preceding verse, For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; (verse 11). God’s election, His choosing one person over another, is unconditional. It is not based on any foreseen merit. Paul gives us a glimpse at God’s purpose in election in Ephesians, Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will (Eph. 1:5). God sovereignly chooses whom He will to be saved solely based on the good pleasure of His will. God delights in being sovereign. He delights in reigning as King and therefore He is glorified!

God is sovereign in all things!
He chooses whom He will save!
He chooses whom He will love!
He chooses the length of your life!
He determines the boundaries of your health!
He determines the nation in which you live!
He makes some men kings!
He makes others beggars!
He makes some to be intellects!
He brings mercy to whom He brings mercy!
Why does He do this? He is God, and it pleases Him!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

How do you respond to a sovereign God? Has God graced you to bow before Him in humble adoration and praise, or do you find yourself pointing your finger at God and crying out, that’s not fair? Paul knew there would be some who would argue with God as King. Read verses 19-22 and discuss God’s response. Paul asks, who are you to object to the sovereignty of God? Where do you, the created, get off being critical of God your Creator? Think of God as a potter and you as a lump of moist clay in His hands. Can’t He take one lump of clay and make it into a glorious image and take another lump of clay and smash it? You are no different than a lump of clay; God can and will do as He chooses with each one of His lumps of clay. If He wants to make one to bring His wrath upon, He can and will! If He chooses to take another and grace with mercy, He can and will!

God takes salvation totally out of your hands. He chose whom He would save before they were born, before they ever did anything good or evil. He called them and graced them with faith in His Son and wonderfully crowned His salvation with everlasting life. This is sovereign grace!

Discuss: What comfort comes to your heart knowing that God has a plan for all things that He has decreed before the worlds were formed? What encouragement do you have today knowing that salvation of unsaved loved ones lies in the omnipotent hand of God?

Catechism

Question 66

Q. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of various aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others (John 19:11, 1 John 5:15).

Popularity: unranked [?]

Prayer

Blessed is he whom thou dost choose and bring near, to dwell in thy court! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, thy temple (Psalm 65:4).

Father in heaven, we give great praise to Thee for being the author and finisher of our salvation. We thank you that salvation is all of You, and therefore You are worthy of receiving all glory, honor, and praise!

Today’s Hymn

Words: Verses 1, 2 & 4, George W. Frazer, in Hymns of Grace and Truth (New York: Loizeaux Brothers, 1904); verse 3, Alfred S. Loizeaux, 1952. Music: Beecher, John Zundel, Christian Heart Songs, 1870.

GOD OUR FATHER, WE ADORE THEE
Click here for tune.

God, our Father, we adore Thee! We, Thy children, bless Thy Name!
Chosen in the Christ before Thee, we are “holy without blame.”
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Abba’s praises we proclaim!

Son Eternal, we adore Thee! Lamb upon the throne on high!
Lamb of God, we bow before Thee, Thou hast brought Thy people nigh!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Son of God, Who came to die!

Holy Spirit, we adore Thee! Paraclete and heavenly Guest!
Sent from God and from the Savior, Thou hast led us into rest.
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed:
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! By Thy grace forever blessed!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One! We give Thee praise!
For the riches we inherit, heart and voice to Thee we raise!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!
We adore Thee! We adore Thee! Thee we bless, through endless days!

Thought Provoker

As a young pastor in Southern California I can remember heading down the twenty mile stretch of freeway between my home and church to preach on the Lord’s Day, when my car suddenly (although not unexpectedly) just stopped. I can remember lifting up one of those ejaculatory prayers, Lord, if you want me to preach today, you will have to provide a ride. Immediately, a pickup pulled off in front of me. What a blessing it was to see the welcomed face of one of our church members. He looked at my engine and determined that it was terminal. He returned from his truck with a four-foot chain in hand and told me that if I was going to preach, we had better get going. I asked him what he was going to do with the chain, he said, pull you! I objected, wait a minute, you’re going to chain our cars together less than three feet apart and pull me down that freeway at 65 mph? He confidently replied, yup! Not so sure, I inquired, what if the chain breaks? He snapped the chain before my eyes and informed me, This chain is case-hardened steel, and nothing is going to break this chain! As I went flying behind his pickup truck at 65 mph I remember reminding myself all the way to the church, this is case-hardened steel, and nothing is going to break this chain. This illustration serves as a reminder to us that there is an unbreakable chain of events that takes place in God’s salvation. It is a chain not made of case-hardened steel, but a God-hardened chain that cannot be broken and that will accomplish God’s sovereign purpose.

Dad’s Study

This morning Paul introduces God’s sovereign chain of salvation from Romans 8:28-30. It is important that you teach your children those great doctrines of the Bible commonly referred to as the doctrines of grace. Today, Paul introduces us to these great truths by looking at God’s unbreakable chain of salvation.

There are links in the chain of salvation. Each link represents a different step in His salvation. If there is a first link there will be the last link. This chain cannot be broken. This salvation chain has five links that begin with the link of foreknowledge and end with man’s glorification.

In verse 28 Paul states a wonderful promise from God. All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. No matter what events strike our life, God sovereignly is causing them to work for the good of those whom God has called unto Himself for His purpose. They alone are the ones who will love God. Did you see in verse 28 that Christians are called to God according to a settled purpose and plan of God? Now in verses 29-30, Paul tells us what that plan is.

1. Foreknowledge.
For whom He did foreknow (verse 29). Here is the first link in the chain of salvation. A person’s salvation begins with the foreknowledge of God. What does Paul mean by foreknow? Some have argued that foreknowledge means that God knew ahead of time, before the foundations of the world, who would believe in Him and based on this knowledge He chose who would be saved. Although it is true that God has eternally had perfect knowledge, this is not what Paul had in view. The only faith that God foresees is the faith that He has produced in a person’s heart (John 3:3-8; 6:44-45; Eph. 2:8 Phil. 1:29; 2 Pet. 1:2). Instead, foreknowledge must be read to mean foreloved (Jer. 31:3). Many times in the Bible know is used synonymously with love (Gen. 18:19; Ex. 2:25; Psalm 1:6; Matt. 7:23; 1 John 3:1). The prefix fore renders the meaning, those whom God before loved. Therefore, the first link in the salvation chain of God is that there were a particular people who became the object of His intimate love. He loved them before they were born, in fact, before He made the heaven and the earth.

2. Predestination.
He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren (verse 29). Predestination is the second link in salvation. Only those God before loved are the ones that He predestinates. This is the act of God whereby He appoints beforehand those whom He loved to be like His Son! The doctrine of unconditional election declares that God, before the world existed, chose certain individuals from among all the fallen members of Adam’s race to be the objects of His favor. Only His elect would He save. We will look at this great and mysterious truth in tomorrow’s Daily Doorstep.

3. Called.
Moreover whom He did predestinate, them he also called (verse 30). Do you see the chain building as Paul adds the third link? God loved a particular people. Those are the people whom He chose to be made in the image of His Son, and those whom He elected, He later called. The call here is an effectual call. It is when God, by the hearing of the Gospel and the powerful working of His grace, makes a rebellious heart ready and willing to trust Christ. All whom are effectual called come to Christ and are saved (1 Cor. 1:9, 24; 7:15, 18; Rom. 9:12; Eph. 4:4; 1 Thess. 2:12).

4. Justified.
Whom He called, them He also justified (verse 30). Everyone whom God before loved He chose to be conformed to be like His Son. Those whom He conformed to be like His Son, He called to be saved. Those whom He called to be saved He justified (Jas. 1:11; 1 Pet. 1:24). This is the fourth link in God’s salvation’s chain. Justification is when God declares a sinner to be just and not guilty before the throne of heaven. You are justified by God’s sovereign grace through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

5. Glorified.
And whom He justified, them he also glorified (verse 30). Finally, we come to the last and fifth link in the salvation chain, glorification. This is a future link, which is yet to come. This is the completion of God’s salvation. It is when God’s elect will see Christ face to face and will be changed to be like Him! God will grace all who are His with a glorified body, retrofitted for eternity!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

We have seen the God-hardened chain of salvation. The link that began before the universe was formed, continues as each of God’s elect are called to salvation, and will continue unbroken until all of those whom He before loved will be eternally with Him in heaven! This means that none whom God has elected will be lost.

What shall we say about such a great panoramic view of God’s salvation? Paul answers by declaring, If God be for us, who can be against us (verse 31)? Nothing can interfere with God’s salvation! No one can break His eternal hold on your life! Nothing will keep God from making His elect holy! If God is saving you, you are part of the sovereign and undefeatable plan of God which is founded on His love and unto His glory! This is all so wonderful; let me conclude with a couple of extra exclamation marks!!!!!

Catechism

Question 66

Q. Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous?

A. Some sins in themselves, and by reason of various aggravations are more heinous in the sight of God than others (John 19:11, 1 John 5:15).

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