Justified, Reconciled, and Rejoicing

A quick survey of the Scriptures and the New Testament particularly shows many possible summary statements regarding the faith, salvation, and the Christian life. The text before us today is one of those summaries. The inspired apostle has led us point by point to certain inevitable conclusions regarding the true nature of human depravity through Adam, gracious justification by saving faith in the sacrifice and merits of Jesus Christ, and the enduring hope of every true believer which is the great blessing of the Christian walk even in a fallen world. One would be hard-pressed to find a clearer expression of these truths as they are in our text. Over and over again, the apostle has linked solid doctrine with the realities of life today. That is, he has provided us with the implications and applications of good doctrine to life now and in anticipation of the final consummation of all things at the Last Day. Let us not fail to learn the proper lesson for, "Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding." (Pro. 4:7) – Pastor Schlegel