Essential 4 (Romans 3.9-18)

In this week’s message we look at the Doctrines of Sin and Salvation.  The essential states:

Being estranged from God and condemned by our sinfulness, our salvation is wholly dependent upon the work of God’s free grace. God credits His righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation, and thereby justifies them in His sight. Only such as are born of the Holy Spirit and receive Jesus Christ become children of God and heirs of eternal life.

Looking at various Scriptures, we’re reminded of the devastating consequences of sin, the nature of God’s saving work through Christ, and the newness of life for those who receive God’s gracious gift of salvation through faith.

Practically speaking, we discover that whenever we feel estranged from God, it’s likely that our sin is pulling us away; we should repent and reengage with the Lord.  We also learn that because we live and are saved only by God’s grace, we should be growing in humility and relating to others with the same grace we have received from the Lord.  In addition, we learn that, as spiritual children, we have much to learn about God’s new life for us.  Finally, we are reminded that we are living in the greatest ‘rags to riches’ story ever.