Get the appTheology for Everybody: RomansSample
What is the warning we can learn from Israel’s relationship with God? Suppose He really used them for generations until they stopped caring, and now He is using the Gentiles. In that case, we need to ensure we don’t fall into that same pattern of dishonor, disregard, disrespect, presumption, assumption, and entitlement. When Paul says, “For if God did not spare the natural branches,” he refers to Abraham's physical descendants. “Neither will He spare you” refers to the Gentiles. “Note then the kindness and the severity of God.” Those are the two relationships people have with God—kindness or severity. It’s either heaven or hell, forgiveness or punishment.
Paul continues. “Severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness.” The apostle is referring to the perseverance of the saints. True believers don’t walk away. Even if they wander for a time, they always come back. Apostasy, however, is when someone walks away but never returns.
We live in a day when we assume everyone should be forgiven and allowed entrance into heaven. But God is obligated to no one. Anyone who receives anything gets it only by the grace of God, which allows us to maintain an attitude of gratitude. What we have is a gift; it is not anything we have earned. This gift includes salvation, forgiveness, eternal life, and being grafted into the Lord Jesus Christ. God is obligated to no one, but He is good toward many.
God doesn’t have to work through you, your people, your nation, your culture, or your language. God is creative, and He can take a dead branch anywhere and graft it in, thereby creating a whole new fruitful part of the Church of Jesus Christ. We’ve seen this in our world. As the light of faith dimmed in Europe, it burned brighter in places such as China, Africa, and Brazil. As some nations become more apostate, other places are getting excited about Jesus and the Bible.
Today’s Reflection
Why is it crucial to remember that God is obligated to no one?
Scripture
About this Plan
After Pastor Mark got saved in his college dorm room reading the book of Romans, this 365-day devotional is the culmination of more than 30 years of studying this incredible book. Chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse, this book digs into topics covered in the great book of Romans, such as justification, grace, predestination, legalism, deconstruction, and more.
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