God’s Covenant People: who are they and what do they have?
- jacarroll71
- Jan 6, 2016
- 2 min read
Today’s reading: Genesis 17:1-19:29
Today we read of God’s covenant with Abraham which even included a change of his name. We will see this covenant unfolding throughout the Bible as I have already commented in Cover to Cover.
There is nothing more precious to God’s people than the assurance of belonging to Him. God through His covenant which was fulfilled by Jesus Christ has done many things for us. These include what theologians call the ordo salutis or order of salvation:
Election- He chose us (Ephesians 1).
Calling- He called us to Himself (Romans 8:28-30)
Regeneration- He gave us a new spiritual birth resulting in our conversion by faith and repentance (John 3:1-21)
Justification – He declared us righteous through faith in Jesus Christ who is the propitiation, the offering to satisfy the just wrath of God, for us (Romans 3:21-26)
Adoption – He gave us power to become the sons of God (John 1:12)
Sanctification – He works in us to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12,13)
Perseverance – He promises to complete the work He began in us when we see Christ (Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:2-3).
Glorification- He gave us His glory and promises to come for us and to show us more of His glory (John 17:20-24; 14:1-3).
Salvation is multi-faceted but it is all based on God the Father’s grace, Jesus Christ’s work on the cross, and the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives. We are assured of belonging to God because He has done everything necessary to make us fit to be His own people, His children.
Is this assurance of belonging to God not the most precious thing to your faith? If you are trusting in Christ for your acceptance before God and your salvation, you are assured of all the above and glory awaits you. Praise the Lord!
NOTE: Your thoughtful comments and respectful criticisms are welcome below. Please allow a day or two for approval to see your reply on line.
[For more reflections on today’s passage see the January 6 reading in Cover to Cover: Through the Bible in 365 days].
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