Three-in-One: The Relational GodSample

God's Fellowship (1)

A Rescue Story

A man named Paul wrote many of the New Testament letters (also called epistles) to new churches in the ancient world. The letters were first read out loud to a specific church, then they were passed on to other churches so those believers could also listen and learn. Paul’s letters include both important doctrines (things that are true about God and his creation) and practical advice.

Two thousand years later, the doctrines are still true and the advice is still solid.

God’s children should learn the doctrines and pay attention to the advice. When the advice tells us how to live for God, being true to his plans and purposes, we should do it obediently and faithfully.

Romans 4:25-5:11 is a summary of Christ’s rescue mission that saved people and launched God's kingdom on earth.

In just 12 verses, you’ll read about sin, the crucifixion, the resurrection, a new relationship with God, and the role of the Holy Spirit in new life.

Just before these verses, Paul wrote about God’s promise to Abraham in the first book of the Bible, made thousands of years earlier. Remember that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are connected to the events of history recorded in the Old Testament. The crucifixion and resurrection are the centerpiece of Jesus’ earthly life, but the whole Bible points to Jesus and tells his story.

Reflect

• What do you learn about God in these verses? (When Paul writes "God" he almost always means the Father.)
• What do you learn about Jesus in these verses? (When Paul writes "Lord" he almost always means Jesus).
• What do you learn about the Holy Spirit in these verses?
• What do you learn about humanity and yourself in these verses?