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God’s glorification and vindication of believers
Romans 8:26–39 is part of the lectionary readings for the eighth Sunday after Pentecost, which is July 26th. In 7:1–12, Paul described how sin (personified as a despotic power) used the Mosaic Law to arouse the desire for iniquity within people. When believers trusted in the Son, their relationship to the Law was severed. In turn, this undercut a major way sin exercised its unchallenged authority in their lives. Next, in verses 13–25, the apostle described what life dominated by the sinful nature looked like. He affirmed how easy it was for people to succumb to sin’s control. He also revealed that it was only through faith in the Son…
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Christus Victor through Penal Substitution
Around the globe, Christians gather together on Easter Sunday to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Despite the assertions made by skeptics, there is a considerable amount of evidence confirming the factuality of the empty tomb. Indeed, the above was the topic of a recent podcast involving Professors Darrell Bock and Gary Habermas.[1] Together, they deliberated the relevant historical data affirming that Jesus of Nazareth not only died on the cross, but also bodily rose from the dead on the third day. For instance, there are several early, distinctive literary sources that individually and collectively substantiate the historicity of the cross-resurrection event (e.g. each of the four Gospels,…
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A New Year’s Benediction
The book of Numbers reports the account of the Israelites’ breaking camp at the foot of Mount Sinai and renewing their wandering in the wilderness. The opening chapters tell about the priests who served at the tabernacle and about the regulations the priests and people were to follow. Number 6:24–26 records a priestly blessing directed toward the Israelites. As God’s spokesperson, the Aaronic priest first made atonement for the covenant community in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle. Then, the priest offered the benediction on behalf of God’s people. This blessing is also an appropriate New Year’s benediction for contemporary believers, especially as they navigate the uncharted…
