Heralds Digest

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:8-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.5.8-9.nkjv   When believers and the Redeemed of the Lord get entrapped in trials and tribulations, the popular question in every concerned mind is always “where is the loving God in all of this?”.  Most times, finding a fitting word of comfort for the afflicted is difficult. But here the apostle Paul applied the logic of love for believers to imagine the unsearchable riches of God’s love, especially in believers’ moment of despair. Undoubtedly, the divine destination of all permitted wrath wagon in believer’s life is always joy, peace and promotion. And anyone in an ongoing distress call to the throne of grace can always learn from patriarch, like Joseph in prison, Daniel in the lion’s den, and his own previous personal...

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:1, 3-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.5.1,3-4.nkjv   The only language of interaction outside the tent of grace is fear or just anything that reflect the opposite of peace. Therefore, it makes sense whenever the Redeemed of the Lord query his security in times of trials and tribulations. Whereas, in actual fact, there is always a special purpose for the moments of troubles in the affairs of children of God, like character and experience. Notwithstanding, the secret of a persevering peace in times of troubles is here revealed - which is God’s justification by faith. It is important to note that the justification of believers’ actions and inaction are necessarily driven by this superior justification, and not th...

“He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭ 4:20-21 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.4.20-21.nkjv   The reality of faith is the fact that scriptural promises remain probable promises until something desperate is activated. It is always easier to claim the promises of Abraham, Hezekiah and Jabez, but not many people are willing to walk up to God for a persuasive promise. Probable promises represent every believers’ collectibles at the corridor of prayer; but Abraham was not really convinced by collectibles. He walked up to God and groaned in His presence, until he received a persuasive promise from the Lord. Challenges of life and difficulties relating to the performance of probable promises in life, family and ministry may endure for endless nights, until believers are ready to say “Enough is Enough”. Fortunately,...

“and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭ 4:12 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.4.12.nkjv   Since the blessedness or privileges of Abraham’s relationship with God was accounted to him before circumcision, it shows that Abraham chose to be the father of circumcision on the basis of love. It is always wonderful for believers to reference their confidence in the promises from God as the basis for following. However, the challenge here is that faith built on the evidence of divine blessings will drawback in times of stagnancy or apparent drought. Whereas, true faith in God is built on transparent trust and pure love, even when all that life holds dear are temporarily withdrawn. And like Abraham and Ruth did, faithful followers are fully persuaded to follow their convictions about the beauty in God rather than the blessedness fr...

“Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭4:4-5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.4.4-5.nkjv   When Winston Churchill said that “the greatest price of greatness is responsibility”, his reference to works among humanity is that of duty. In spite of the corruption and possible misrepresentation in the interpretation of dignity, responsibility in service at home, fellowship and the society still stands out at the long run. However, with reference to Paul’s inspired exhortation, believers’ works are acknowledged as debt by those who would live daily for the righteousness of God. And since righteousness without responsibility is dead, the pursuit of freedom from the imposed debt often begins a life of grace and good relationship with God. In the context of works as duty, appreciation of human responsibility and sacrifices...

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law...since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭ 3:28 , 30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.3.28,30.nkjv   One of the major challenges of the world’s justice system is the diversity in the interpretation of the laws. Besides the contention with restricted jurisdiction, human conscience is hardly nurtured by absolute truth. Here, Paul drew the attention of the brethren to the beauty of justification by faith, rather than through the restricted Jewish laws. In spite of the fact that the law is given by God, it cannot guarantees justification by faith and total freedom from sin. More importantly, faith is accessible to all (unrestricted jurisdiction), i.e., both Jews and gentiles can freely access God’s righteousness and justification by faith. However, freedom from the guilt of sin through faith comes with fellowship wit...

“even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭ 3:22-23 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.3.22-23.nkjv   Apart from Adam and Eve, who experienced relationship with God before the fall of man, it is naturally difficult for all to understand the original status of man in the glory of God. Notwithstanding, we believe the scriptural testimony that falling short of the glory of God is the same thing as losing the righteousness of God. In pursuit of God’s glory (the righteousness of God), sinners simply need to believe in the finished work of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And in the preservation of God’s glory, believers has nothing extra to add to their call to daily live by faith. Since righteousness based on man’s ability to keep the law is not sustainable, all of his brilliant manipulation and manifestation in life cannot prod...