October 2, 2025 -- Romans 5:8-10 -- Saved right to the end

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Romans 5:8-10 ESV
 
On Wednesday evenings our group has been going through: Study Romans, by Dr. Michael Kruger (President of RTS, Charlotte, NC; this video series is free and available on YouTube.) Today’s text is a portion of what we studied last night. The God Who saved us while we were still sinners, is the one who will complete that salvation. We were not participants in our salvation. We were rescued. We didn’t approach God, He rescued us. Doesn’t it make sense that He who saved us by the death of Jesus while we were His enemies should now save us by the life of Jesus. Jesus, Who lives at the Father’s right hand, and Who is always presenting our case to the Father. The same Father who sent Jesus to rescue us, is the Father Who hears Jesus’ prayers on our behalf. The Father and the Son together have given us the Holy Spirit so that we will be saved right to the end.
 
But many people struggle with doubts. Fears. Questions. Sure, God saved me, but will He complete that work He started in me? Kruger gave a wonderful illustration. Jessica Lynch was a 19-year-old U.S. soldier in Iraq. In March 2003 she was captured by the enemy. In April 2003 she was rescued. It was a dramatic and well-published story. Imagine this—while she is on the plane flying her out of Iraq to a safe location, she asks: “Will you feed me there?” Or if she would ask: “Are you going to take me all the way to the base of will you stop half-way and drop me off somewhere unknown?” The thought is ludicrous. Of course, her rescuers would bring her all the way to safety. They would most certainly make sure she received medical attention. They fed her.
 
Dear people, we were once enemies of God. We were actively engaged in warfare against the LORD of Heaven and Earth. When He rescues us, through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ, and guards us in His love by the in-dwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we have spiritual Post-Traumatic Stress-Disorder. We have confusion. We have questions. We have fears. We remember the brutality of the enemy (even our own wickedness when we formerly used to serve the enemy). The passage today assures us of the never-ending, door-crashing, prison-breaking, love of God. He Who rescued you in Christ, how much more now that you are reconciled, shall you be saved by the life of Jesus. The word of God is your surety; it points to the work of Jesus that is “yes” and “amen”. The Spirit is healing you. Fellow Christians further along in the journey of faith are to you mentors and comforters. The history of God’s faithfulness every generation are constant reminders to you that He is trustworthy to save to the uttermost. Take courage in this. Rejoice and be glad—in Jesus Christ you will be brought all the way home to eternity.
 
Infinite wisdom cast the design of salvation
into the mould of purchase and freedom;
Let wrath deserved be written on the door of hell,
But the free gift of grace on the gate of heaven.
I know that my sufferings are the result of my sinning,
but in heaven both shall cease;
Grant me to attain this haven and be done with sailing,
and may the gales of thy mercy blow me safely into harbour.
Let thy love draw me nearer to thyself,
wean me from sin, mortify me to the world,
and make me ready for my departure hence.
Secure me by thy grace as I sail across this stormy sea.
 
(Today’s prayer is the final paragraphs of the prayer: “The Mover”, from The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions).
 
https://youtu.be/XKOoeTbjSeI?si=tpqeLWKpdSaq8JrH Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
 

Copyright © 2025 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.