We are a forgetful people in a land of distractions. Our minds are easily captivated by trivial and temporary inducements. New things quickly become old. In our mind’s eye even glory tends to fade and warnings tend to wane. It is no wonder that we who are invisibly united to Christ and visibly in and not of this world live in constant need of renewal. And what is true for the Christian is true for the church. This is a series that seeks to renew the mind of the church. Not so much by reviewing what she is called to do as much as what she is called. As with the Christian so with church, her God-given identity defines her. We who are the church are a people for God and none other.
Before we return to the book of Romans, we will be looking at the what scripture says about the Church, in its nature, how she expresses herself in song, and how the church cares and equips for its members.
The messages from this series can be found here:
Manny Pereira - October 2, 2022
Justified by Faith Alone
The crux of the gospel has been sounded. The rest of Romans unfolds it, starting with the grand doctrine that insists that the unjust are justified by faith alone (sola fide). This statement later became the battle-cry of the Reformation. Most central to it is Romans 3:28. This whole passage stands as a compendious response to the cross work of Christ. Only humble faith truly answers to such grace. Paul has emphasized what faith alone includes, now he shows what it excludes. Faith was portrayed instrumentally, now its exclusive sufficiency for justification is the focus. Here, the place of both the law and faith are clarified. Here, in no uncertain terms, the sinner is shown that one is justified by faith alone, for the promotion of Christ to God’s glory and man’s joy.
Scripture References: Romans 3:27-31
