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 - February 5, 2023
More Than Forgiven
Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. The emphasis up to this point in Romans on free grace and justification by faith rather than works is so clear and astonishing that it invites logical, practical, and moral criticism. Masterfully, Paul addresses the anticipated objections with unanticipated explanations. A fatal flaw in the objector’s reasoning is exposed. Salvation involves more than justification and effects more than forgiveness. It is more than legal. It is more than mechanics. The glory of this passage is seen in the centrality of Christ and the works of His grace upon sinners. In Christ, we are more than forgiven.
Scripture References: Romans 6:1-4
