37 lines
4.3 KiB
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37 lines
4.3 KiB
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<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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Day By Day By Grace
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Bob Hoekstra
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August 4
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<h1>Once More on God's Promises and God's Law</h1>
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<div class="block"><i>Therefore it is of <b>faith</b> that it might be <b>according to grace</b>, so that the <b>promise</b> might be <b>sure</b> to all the seed, not only to those who are of the <b>law</b>, but also to those who are of the <b>faith of Abraham</b>, who is the father of us all (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he <b>believed</b>, even God, who gives <b>life to the dead</b> and calls those things which do not exist <b>as though they did</b>.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom', 4, '16-17');">Romans 4:16-17</a>)</div>
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<p>We can have great certainty concerning the fulfillment of God's promises, because <b>grace</b> and <b>faith</b> are the foundation of our assurance. <i>"Therefore it is of <b>faith</b> that it might be <b>according to grace</b>, so that the <b>promise</b> might be <b>sure</b> to all the seed."</i> <b>Grace</b> is the heavenly resource behind all of God's promises. <b>Faith</b> is the simple means of accessing that grace. These realities make God's promises <b>certain</b> to all who <b>believe</b> them, whether Jew (<i>"not only to those who are of the <b>law</b>"</i>) or Gentile (<i>"but also to those who are of the <b>faith of Abraham</b>"</i>). This is how Abraham related to God's promises. Thereby, he became the spiritual leader for all who would follow His example: <i>"who is the <b>father</b> of us <b>all</b> (as it is written, 'I have made you a father of many nations') in the presence of Him whom he <b>believed</b>."</i></p>
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<p>The true and living God, whom Abraham believed, makes two declarations here that strengthen our assurance in His promises. First, He is a God <i>"who gives <b>life to the dead</b>."</i> Consider the impact this attribute has on our confidence in God's promises. Often, the promises of God must overcome death (or deadening circumstances) in order to be fulfilled. The promise that Lazarus would live again was given while his dead body was lying in a tomb. <i>"He who believes in Me, though he may die, <b>he shall live</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn', 11, '25-25');">John 11:25</a>). Often, the deadness of our own circumstances wants to challenge the certitude of God's promises. Yet, the God who has made to us a multitude of promises is the God <i>"who gives <b>life to the dead</b>."</i></p>
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<p>Second, our God of promises is one who <i>"calls those things which do not exist <b>as though they did</b>."</i> We are not yet personally righteous (in any intrinsic sense). Yet, God calls us righteous (justified, declared righteous in Christ). <i>"Whom He called, these He also <b>justified</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom', 8, '30-30');">Romans 8:30a</a>). We are not yet glorified (experientially). Yet, God speaks of our glorification as already accomplished. <i>"Whom He justified, these He also <b>glorified</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom', 8, '30-30');">Romans 8:30b</a>). What a joy to know that our God of promises will bring to pass eventually that which He promises prophetically.</p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">Lord, my heart is comforted, and my faith is strengthened by the undeniable certainty of Your promises. Death or deadness cannot prevent Your keeping of Your promises. Any lack of existence cannot keep You from bringing forth what You declare as real. What blessed assurance is available through Your promises—by grace through faith!</div>
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