Then being justified by faith, we have peace toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also through faith we have had this access into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice under the hope of the glory of God.(a) Neither that only, but also we rejoice in tribulations, knowing that tribulation bringeth forth patience.(b) And patience experience, and experience hope. And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost,which is given unto us.

The Epistle to the Romans 5:1-5 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

(a) Read also Isaiah 32:17, Ephesians 2:14, 18

(b) Read also James 1:12

Greetings to all peoples in the name of our risen Savior Christ Jesus

Friends, while perusing the net last evening, it was found one meme, about a young man, who has a conversation with God. It entailed his complaints about how bad his day had gone. When finished, God responded by giving reason to all the young man’s complaints. In the end, even though the young man’s day had gone badly, he was chagrined to learn the reasons why what had happened to him had occurred.  The gist of all of this was that God, has it under control, and while we cannot see it, for as the Apostle Paul wrote, we see things only in part, He is there silently working in the background for our well being. 

In the book of Job, we read of a man who has everything in life, and is indeed a righteous man. However, suddenly all is taken away from him.  He sits among friends, who instead of comforting him, basically accuse him of having done something so wrong that God removed all his blessings and is in effect punishing him. Yet in the end, Job confesses his shortcomings to God, and is then restored many times over by His hand. 

There is a similarity, between the two situations mentioned above, and the one point in common was both the young man, and Job questioned the reasoning of God by believing that their righteousness was from their own hand, and not one that is given to them by our Father. 

Friends, we all face trials, we all face tribulations. It is through these that God is working to train us up to have patience and to continue to believe in the hope that is set before us. We are being refined daily to be of the best gold and silver, so as to be a treasure worthy unto to Him. So as we read in Hebrews 11:1, let us cast away all worldly things that presses down upon us, and to cast away our sins, to run the race with patience. 

Pray with me today:
Father, if there is any that have read this today, and have not yet come to you, I offer of these prayers on their behalf that they come to the knowledge that is of you, and your Son, and to accept the grace that you freely offer them every day.  

Also, if one has read this and believed, I ask that you pray with me:
Father I have heard your word today, and I am responding to your call. Please come into my life, as I give it over to you. I accept your grace and mercy, and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Wash me of my sins, and remember them no more. Amen

 Neither did he doubt of the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in the faith, and gave glory to God, Being fully assured that he which had promised, was also able to do it. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now is it not written for him only, that it was imputed to him for righteousness, But also for us, to whom it shall be imputed for righteousness, which believe in him that raised up Jesus our from the dead

The Epistle to the Romans 4:20-24 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

To the brethren and all peoples Greetings in the mighty name of Jesus Christ

Today, we read how God imputed, that is to say credited our patriarch Abraham with righteousness because he believed that God would do as promised. Even though, he was very old, as was his wife Sara, he understood that what God's word set out to do, It would do. (See Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 55:11) Now, if Abraham, can believe on the promises of God, why can we not likewise believe on the promise of God that our justification for redemption can only come through Christ Jesus?

Friends the path to righteousness, and eternal salvation ends at the cross at Calvary. It is here that we lay down our burdens, our sins, our worldly carnality, and confess our flaws to our God. It is here that we will be washed clean by the blood of Christ. When we accept this offer of grace and mercy we become new creations in Christ. And although we're not yet perfected as He now is, we will be transformed upon our deaths to be as Him who saved us.

If you've not believed until now, but are now filled with the understanding of what it takes to get there, please pray with me now;

Father, I kneel down before the foot of the cross, and place my life in Your hands. I confess my sins, accept your offer of grace, and ask that You cleanse me of all unrighteousness, and set me on the path towards salvation. I acknowledge the sacrifice of Your only Son, Jesus Christ to be my redeemer, and now my advocate before you. Amen

13 For the promise that he should be the heir of the world, was not given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.

16 Therefore it is by faith, that it might come by grace, and the promise might be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the Law: but also to that which is of the faith of Abraham who is the father of us all,

The Epistle to the Romans 4:13, 16 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

Good morning in the mighty name of Jesus Christ

Friends, and brethren, as we have so far learned that our salvation is only from God, through His mercy and grace. It is a fact that we accept through faith. It is faith that gives us the ability to look upon the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, and believe on Him, and what He did for us.  It is faith that allows us to say, we are forgiven because He died for us. It is faith that allows us to say, we are redeemed unto the Father, because we now have an advocate to speak on our behalf. It is faith that allows us to say we are saved and will spend our eternity with Him because Christ rose again. And most importantly, it is faith that provides us with the understanding that not only will the above happen, but we will be like our Father in all things. 

Friends, if you have not taken that step towards this eternal life, it is with the utmost urgency that you do so. The age we live in is coming to an end. God has been patient, but even so, it will end. He wants all his children to flock to Him, and wishes that none be lost. Pray with me if you will;
Father, I want to be like you, and I accept the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ, who went to the punishment of sin, that is death in my stead. I ask for your grace and mercy. Come into my heart and dwell with me. Amen

What shall we say then, that Abraham our father hath found concerning the flesh? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath wherein to rejoice, but not with God. For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.

The Epistle to the Romans 4:1-3 (Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599)

To the brethren in Christ and to all peoples good morning

As Paul has said above, “what shall we say then?” Abraham, our patriarch, was credited with righteousness, not for his works, (of which men might speak highly), but that he believed (a) in the One that sent him forth to a new land. And so it should be with us today. Believe on the sacrifice of the Son, and be imputed with the righteousness of God. God has given us His grace and mercy. Friends, take it while it is still offered. For it is the thought of this writer that the time is growing shorter daily. 

(a) Read Romans 11:6

Where is then the rejoicing? It is excluded. By what Law? of works? Nay: but by the Law of faith Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith, without the works of the Law. God, is he the God of the Jews only, and not of the Gentiles also? Yes, even of the Gentiles also. For it is one God, who shall justify circumcision of faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

The Epistle to the Romans 3:27-30 Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599

Greetings friends and brethren in the might name of Christ

We read today how Paul is expanding on his explanation of how one is saved by faith. The Law, as was given to Moses could not bring about salvation. (As we have been reading this has been what this writer has named a doctrine of Salvation by Works). It is only through faith in the redemption of fallen man by the sacrifice of Jesus wherein we are saved. It is to this end that all glory goes to our Creator. For, how could it be so, if it were we who worked our way into salvation. What glory would that give our Creator? None, or at best very little. It would just increase our own bragging, and would provide an even greater sense of self, as opposed to dying to self to serve God. Why indeed, would we even want to serve Him if we could earn our own way?  

Paul continues in his epistle by saying that even though the Law was given to first the children of Israel, it applies to all, for He is God of all His creations. In fact all who are in Christ are equal (Read Galatians 3:28). God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to be an atonement to for all peoples. Not for for this group or that group, but for all. This is the Good News, the Gospel of Christ Jesus. 

Friends, this is what it is all about. The grace that is given freely from our Creator, to restore us to our original state, being blameless before Him. Take this offer today, right now, as you read these words. Redemption is just a few words away. Pray with me. 

Father, I come before you this morning. I confess my sins, and take your offer of grace by making known to all people that I accept the sacrifice of your Son Jesus for the atonement of my sins.  I ask that you pour your spirit down upon me, and restore me back to Yourself. Cleanse me, wash away my transgressions, and see them no more. Amen

But now is the righteousness of God made manifest without the Law, having witness of the Law, and of the Prophets,To wit, the righteousness of God by the faith of Jesus Christ, unto all, and upon all that believe. For there is no difference: for all have sinned, and are deprived of the glory of God, And are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Whom God hath set forth to be a reconciliation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness, by the forgiveness of the sins that are passed, Through the patience of God, to show at this time his righteousness, that he might be just, and a justifier of him which is of the faith of Jesus.

The Epistle to the Romans 3:21-26 Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599

Good morning in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ

Over the last two days we have read in our studies how Paul builds up his writings from the point of showing how none of us are worthy of salvation, to where we are now at in today’s reading by stating that our belief in Christ as Savior has now made cleansed us of unworthiness.  Now friends do not misunderstand,  we are still sinners, but we’re no longer under the curse of the law, so let us be clear on that point. 

Paul likewise moves us to the understanding that because our Creator placed the sins of us all upon the shoulders of Jesus Christ(a), and as is written would spare not His only Son to suffer the punishment of death under the curse of the Law, then it is also His right, to be judge of us all. For His judgments are based on His righteousness. Remember friends, we are not even close to it. In the OT, it is compared to filthy rags ( Read Isaiah 64:6)

Now let us take this grace that is freely given to us in love by our Father and apply it to our lives. First, we need to make atonement and confess the sin in our lives and accept the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ as the punishment that we deserved. Second, we likewise need to become more like Him, in all that we do in this temporal plane. Slow to anger, quick to forgive, and to do all that we do in the same love that has been shown to us by, and to the glory of God. 

Friends, if you are reading this for the first time, and have not yet committed yourself to Christ, it is urged that you seek Him for salvation. Do not be led by the lie (put forth by the wisdom of man) to what has been referred to here as the doctrine of Salvation by works. Works are great, when done with love and compassion, but they are meaningless until they are accompanied by the salvation that can only be brought about by the acceptance of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, who went to the cross for our sins, and more importantly, rose again, having conquered the death which is brought about by the curse of the law. 

Pray with me friends:
Today, I confess my sins, and seek your mercy Heavenly Father. I accept the grace that you offer, and place my life in your hands, and acknowledge the sacrifice of your only Son, Jesus Christ as an atonement, a redemption of my sins. Amen

(a) The New King James Translation uses the word “propitiation” which according to Webster’s Dictionary is defined as;  The act of appeasing the wrath (Ed. 1913 & 1828)

 What then? are we more excellent? No, in no wise: for we have already proved, that all, both Jews and Gentiles are under sin,

Romans 3:9 Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599

Good morning in the name of Jesus

Herein the Apostle Paul states that all are guilty under sin. There is not one, no, not one, as he continues through verses 10-18 that either is righteous under the Law. Likewise not one even seeks to even try to live. 

If we recall in the Gospels, Jesus confronts the religious leaders and calls them whitewashed tombs, full of death and decay. Such is the same above with Paul’s epistle. None, are clean period. 

However, God has provided a way to live under His righteousness, and that is by the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior. Friends, call on Him today, for as is written in the scriptures all who believe on Him shall be saved in the day of judgment.

Now if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? is God unrighteous which punisheth? (I speak as a man.) God forbid: (else how shall God judge the world?) - Romans 3:5-6 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)

Greetings in the name of Christ Jesus

It is intention of this writer to once again resume posting studies. During the absence study was still going on, but was not being posted.  Suffice to say that the reasons have been resolved. Great thanks to be conveyed to Mr.Al Byknow, for filling in from time to time. 

Friends, we so often sin. In this Paul acknowledges(see Romans 7:14, 19, 24) that each of us do so daily many times without even thinking about it or realizing that we have sinned. What the Apostle is saying above, that there are those in the world that use sin as excuse to continue to sin, by justifying it in such a way as to prove that God is righteous and they are not, ergo they will continue on their paths. In fact many have said how can a God of love inflict judgment upon His creations. However, first and foremost God is a God of Righteousness and cannot look upon sin and allow it in the end. Hence, he WILL judge in the end, and all found in disbelief will be judged guilty. 

Friends, do not continue in your sin, repent and accept Christ as Savior. Turn towards walking in the ways of the Lord.  Remember, none can be saved without this offer of God’s grace and mercy. Your life, no matter how good, (it is noted here of a false doctrine of salvation via works), is simply not enough to make it.  Please see below Psalm 51, and use it as a guide to repentance. 

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according to the multitude of thy compassions put away mine iniquities.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from mine sin.
3 For I know mine iniquities, and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against thee, against thee only have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight, that thou mayest be just when thou speakest, and pure when thou judgest.
5 Behold, I was born in iniquity, and in sin hath my mother conceived me.
6 Behold, thou lovest truth in the inward affections: therefore hast thou taught me wisdom in the secret of mine heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones, which thou hast broken, may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and put away all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thine holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, and establish me with thy free Spirit.
13 Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from blood, O God, which art the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing joyfully of thy righteousness.
15 Open thou my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest no sacrifice, though I would give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a contrite spirit: a contrite and a broken heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18 Be favorable unto Zion for thy good pleasure: build the walls of Jerusalem.
19 Then shalt thou accept the sacrifices of righteousness, even the burnt offering and oblation: then shall they offer calves upon thine altar.