CVCers, how would summarize all the amazing truths we have been learning in the book of Romans? Can you summarize God’s mercies as they have been revealed chapter by chapter?
I was thinking this through as I prep for a message on Romans 12:1-2. Paul writes,“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God…”
What are these mercies? Here’s the Cliff Notes version (or the Rick Notes version) of the mercies of God as revealed in Romans …
Even though we are guilty sinners, rebellious enemies, and deserve the wrath of God, we have been justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Jesus has become the propitiation for our sins – the wrath of God that should have been poured out onto us has been poured out, instead, onto Jesus on the cross so that He is both just and justifier.
All of our sins – past present and future – have been freely, fully, and finally forgiven. Plus, we have been clothed with the righteousness of Christ. Forgiveness keeps us out of hell and imputed righteousness gets us into heaven.
We now are not longer at war with God, but have peace with God. We can hope in God even when trials come. We are no longer in Adam, but are now in Christ.
We have died to sin and can now Live New as we present the members of our bodies to God as instruments of righteousness.
We don’t have to please God by obeying the law in the old way by trying harder and doing more. We can obey in a new, joyous way from the heart by the Spirit.
There is no condemnation for us in Christ Jesus – Woohoo! All things work together for our good because we’ve been chosen by God. Nothing can ever separate us from His love.
Because we have been chosen by God as a free act of His grace, we can have assurance of our salvation.
