The first link in the unbreakable chain that eternally binds believes to Christ is seen in Romans 5:1 “Peace with God!” It is important to recognize that this is “peace WITH God”, not “the peace OF God” What is the difference? “The peace of God” is what we receive because of the relationship we have with God through Jesus Christ. “Peace with God” is established when we trust the work of Jesus Christ to provide for us the reconciliation we need to approach God. John MacArthur writes, “Most people do not see themselves at “War” with God, they consider themselves, at worst, to be “neutral” about God. But no such neutrality is possible.” We need to understand that when we do not have a relationship with God we are at war against Him. Jesus said that we are either for Him or against Him, there was no neutral ground. It is the awareness of the reality of our reconciliation that gives us peace. When we are convinced we are eternally secure in Christ, we are freed from focusing on our own goodness and merit and are able to serve the Lord with the unqualified confidence that nothing can separate us … READ MORE

One of Satan’s primary tactics against believers is that he attacks us with thoughts of doubt concerning the security of our salvation. In Romans 3-4, Paul proves that salvation comes only on the basis of God’s grace working through man’s faith. Man’s only part in becoming saved is to receive forgiveness and reconciliation freely in faith from God’s gracious hand. The apostle has established through the life and testimony of Abraham that faith has always been the only way to salvation. Beginning in Chapter 5 Paul begins to address questions and objections dealing with how is our salvation maintained. Paul wants us to understand that if the preservation of our salvation depends on what we do or do not do, then our salvation is only as secure as our faithfulness to God, which provides no security at all. As Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, develops his defense of our security, here in Romans 5:1-11 he provides 6 links in the chain of truth that binds a true believer eternally to His Savior and Lord, completely apart from any effort or merit on their part. Look over this passage as you stand against the challenge of Satan to … READ MORE

In Romans 8:31-33, Paul starts this great passage by making an interesting statement, “If God be for us” – The word translated “If” in the Greek signifies a fulfilled condition, and would be better translated “BECAUSE God is for us” (emphasis mine). The obvious implication is that if anyone were to attempt to rob us of the salvation we enjoy, they would have to be greater than God himself, because God is both the giver and sustainer of our salvation. In light of this we are told that, “Who can be against us, because God is our protector. While many may are that theoretically God could take away salvation if He wanted to we are reminded in verse 32, He “spared not his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also FREEELY GIVE us all things” (emphasis mine). “freely give means that it was bestowed graciously and means that we cannot by or sell this from ourselves. The manifestation that we are his will be that we are obedient to His Word, and are not comfortable living in sin. This reminds us that He is our provider (v32) The purpose of this … READ MORE