Stop what you're doing and behold your Father's love! San Luis Obispo County, California 1 John 3:1–2 (NIV) 1   See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2   Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 10 & 11 - Assurance Despite Doubts Accordingly, our assurance does not derive from some private revelation beyond or outside the Word, but from faith in the promises of God which he has very plentifully revealed in his Word for our comfort, from the testimony of the Holy Spirit testifying with our spirit that we are God’s children and heirs (Rom. 8:16-17), and finally from a serious and holy pursuit of a clear conscience and of good works. And if God’s chosen ones in this world did not have this well-founded comfort that the victory will be theirs and this reliable guarantee of eternal glory, they would be of all people most miserable. Meanwhile, Scripture testifies that believers have to contend in this life with various doubts of the flesh and that under severe temptation they do not always experience this full assurance of faith and certainty of perseverance. But God, the Father of all comfort, does not let them be tempted beyond what they can bear, but with the temptation he also provides a way out (1 Cor. 10:13), and by the Holy Spirit revives in them the assurance of their perseverance. Summary We have for the most part, and for lots of good reasons, more or less set aside the good 'ol King James Version of the Bible. It served the Church well for hundreds of years, but our usage of English has changed so much that its translation often needs to be translated. After all, thou no longer useth words like peradventure, concupiscence, or wist not whence thou openest thy mouth to speak. But every so often, the KJV can't be topped, and such is the case with this opening verse in today's passage. It's good for you to see what great love the Father has given, as the modern translations render it, but what John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, has in mind here is that you must behold the manner of love the Father hath given unto us! If you grew up going to Sunday School, it's hard not to sing those words! You see tens of thousands of different things each and every day - far too many to focus on each and every detail. In fact, you've gotten really good over time at filtering out all of the extraneous things you see so that you can concentrate on the things that matter. The problem isn't the filtering out part - that's necessary, otherwise you'd never get anything done. The problem is that Sarx (your old sinful nature that's waging war against you) continually tricks you into concentrating on the wrong things. So John here reminds you that every so often, you need stop, drop what you're doing, rid yourself of all other distractions, and behold your Father's great love. What's the difference between seeing and beholding? You see the Buffalo Ridge here in Southwest Minnesota (a nearly imperceptible rise in elevation from the vast plains around it) as you drive by it, but you behold something like the Grand Canyon. It takes your breath away as you gaze over it's expanse in awe.   Dig Deeper   I went to college in San Luis Obispo, California, which is on the Central Coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The university was several miles inland, far away enough that the ocean wasn't visible. The ocean certainly was still there, even though we couldn't see it. But every so often when heading out of town on the Pacific Coast Highway we'd crest the surrounding hills and the vast ocean would appear. No matter how many times we made that drive, it was a sight to behold! We've been reminded these last few weeks that our lives are spent walking through the valley darkened by the shadow of death . God's love is always there but sometimes when it's especially dark, it can be hard to see anything at all, much less the Father's great love. That's why you need to make a concerted effort in your life to get up and out of the valley every so often to behold the great love the Father has lavished on us. Reading the Bible like what you're doing right now is a great way to get a glimpse of this great love. The best way, of course, is to follow the Biblical rhythm of gathering with God's people on the Lord's Day, detaching yourself from all of the valley's details that constantly clog your vision, and beholding God's love as we read it, pray it, explain it, and sing it together. This is one of the reasons the world does not know this love - they don't see it. For them it remains hidden behind the world's distractions. It's through this regular beholding that your assurance of salvation is strengthened, reminding you, as the Canons put it, that the victory will be yours, along with reliable guarantee of eternal glory . AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who lavished us with His great love, that we should be called His children! A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for the wisdom and strength to keep distractions at bay so that you can often behold the Father's great love; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: Revelation 2

Some people always need more evidence God's Word is true. gotquestions.org Matthew 12:38–42 (NIV) 38  Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” 39  He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40  For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41  The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. 42  The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 10 & 11 - Assurance Despite Doubts Accordingly, our assurance does not derive from some private revelation beyond or outside the Word, but from faith in the promises of God which he has very plentifully revealed in his Word for our comfort, from the testimony of the Holy Spirit testifying with our spirit that we are God’s children and heirs (Rom. 8:16-17), and finally from a serious and holy pursuit of a clear conscience and of good works. And if God’s chosen ones in this world did not have this well-founded comfort that the victory will be theirs and this reliable guarantee of eternal glory, they would be of all people most miserable. Meanwhile, Scripture testifies that believers have to contend in this life with various doubts of the flesh and that under severe temptation they do not always experience this full assurance of faith and certainty of perseverance. But God, the Father of all comfort, does not let them be tempted beyond what they can bear, but with the temptation he also provides a way out (1 Cor. 10:13), and by the Holy Spirit revives in them the assurance of their perseverance. Summary It's been awhile since we've heard from the Establishment . If you're new to our Bible reading plan, we use the term to refer to guys like the Pharisees & Sadducees (two rival religious/political parties), teachers of the laws and other Jewish insiders. They were Jesus' biggest nemesis during His ministry, as they worked overtime to protect their religious rackets. They ultimately saw to His execution on the cross. These guys are so insidious in part because of the syrupy-sincere way they come to Jesus, as if they'd put their trust in Jesus as their Messiah if only He'd give them a bit more evidence. So once again they ask for a sign - this time, right after they had just explained away the miracle Jesus had just performed, saying that Jesus gained His powers demonically. Jesus has no patience for these erudite scoffers, and He doesn't hold back. He answered to their face, A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! Jesus couldn't have used two more stinging words to describe these guys - wicked and adulterous . Can you imagine the looks on their faces as Jesus unloaded on them? No wonder the Establishment hated Him so much! It would have been so easy for Jesus to bust out another miracle right then and there - to call their bluff, displaying His mighty power and giving definitive proof that He really was who He claimed to be. Then they'd really have a look on their faces! But Jesus doesn't do that. Instead, He points them back to the Old Testament account of Jonah. God's gracious faithfulness through dozens of generations was all the miraculous proof they needed.   Dig Deeper   Jesus here isn't saying that you don't need rationale or proof to help establish and build your faith and trust in Him. He's just saying that you don't need more than the massive amount of evidence which He has very plentifully revealed in his Word for our comfort. Ever since the beginning of time, the Establishment has sought to discredit the hundreds of miracles the Bible testifies to. Jesus' point is that if you can't accept the miraculous evidence that already exists, then more miracles won't do the trick either. Maybe you have a friend who often asks something like, “If God is real, why doesn’t He show Himself to me right now?” The problem with the question is that we're already surrounded with evidence of God's existence in the Creation He spoke into being and continues to govern! Even the breath used to voice such a question comes from God! Since the problem for such people isn't a lack of evidence, simply producing more 'miraculous' evidence won't sway anyone. The unbelieving mind would still reinterpret or explain it away. What’s needed is not just more proof, but a new heart. It's good for you to be able to give reasons for your faith in clear, logical language. Nowhere does God ever call anyone to take a blind leap of faith by putting their trust in Him. It's good for you to improve your apologetic skills so you can explain to yourself and others why Christianity is reasonable and true. But ultimately remember that your faith is a gift; you can 'see' things that others can't because your heart and mind have been regenerated . So thank God for His gift to you! AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who saved Jonah after three days in the fish, and His Son after three days in the grave; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that God will continue to build your trust and assurance by helping you see and understand the massive amounts of evidence that His Word is true; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: Revelation 1

God strengthens your soul and revives you as you read (and sing!) His Word. This week we've seen how the best hymns are that which are rooted in scripture. The best way to sing scripture is to sing from the Psalter. Psalm 138 is a perfect example. Psalm 138 Of David. 1   I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. 2   I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. 3   When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me. 4  May all the kings of the earth praise you, LORD, when they hear what you have decreed. 5   May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. 6   Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar. 7   Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. 8   The LORD will vindicate me; your love, LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 9: The Assurance of This Preservation Concerning this preservation of those chosen to salvation and concerning the perseverance of true believers in faith, believers themselves can and do become assured in accordance with the measure of their faith, by which they firmly believe that they are and always will remain true and living members of the church, and that they have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Summary Psalm 138 is clearly and easily classified as a psalm of thanksgiving. David has a reason for his decision to praise you, LORD with all my heart. David's praise comes in response to all of the LORD's unfailing love and faithfulness. Every time David has called out to the LORD, He answered. It's not just David singing thanksgiving praises here in Psalm 138. ALL the kings of the earth will join in praising the LORD! David's ancient world was far more fractured geopolitically than ours is, so what would could possibly make the pagan kings of the world praise the LORD? It's the power of God's Word! They will praise you, LORD, David writes, when they hear what you've decreed. Some of these kings will voluntarily and gladly praise the LORD, others will have their knees bow in defeated submission (Philippians 2:10-11). The LORD has His eye on far more than just kings like David and his persecutors; though the LORD is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly. Whatever station in life that you read these words from today, you can be certain that our lofty LORD sees you from afar. He will not abandon the work of His hands - and you are part of that work! Psalm 138 finishes by picking up on a theme David much more famously developed in the 23rd Psalm, where he writes that the LORD is with me as I walked through the darkest valley . Here David uses the same formula: though I walk in the midst of trouble... . But David here indicates that the LORD is more than just with him. Here the LORD preserves, stretches His hand, saves, and vindicates.   Dig Deeper   Most of you will be reading this the day after Thanksgiving here in the US. If you were able to gather with fellow Christians in the Lord's house yesterday, you were likely reminded that our thanksgiving ought not to be contained to just one day a year. And so it's good in that regard to spend another day in God's Word focused on thanksgiving! Ironically, though, it's not the thanksgiving aspects of Psalm 138 that bring us to it today. Rather, it's the confidence David expresses. He writes that having the LORD answer him greatly emboldened him. I like how the ESV renders v3 - my strength of soul you increased. David's confidence continued even as he walked in the midst of trouble - the LORD preserved his life. That seems to really fit well with this fifth point of the Canons we call perseverance of the saints! But the NET Bible really brings out how God preserves the lives of His saints: Even when I must walk in the midst of danger, you revive me . The Canons this week have emphasized that you can have this same confidence and assurance that David did, even in the midst of danger. The LORD may or may not choose to deliver you from that which persecutes you in this life, but you can be absolutely certain that come what may here and now, you always will remain a true and living member of the church, and that you [always will] have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who is exalted and who has promised to preserve our lives; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that the LORD would revive you through His Word and Spirit even as you walk in the midst of trouble; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: Jude

You can increase your assurance as you give thanks. Today's passage helps form the basis for the classic hymn Not What My Hands Have Done (especially v4-5) 1 John 4:13-16 (NIV) 13  This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15  If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16  And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 9: The Assurance of This Preservation Concerning this preservation of those chosen to salvation and concerning the perseverance of true believers in faith, believers themselves can and do become assured in accordance with the measure of their faith, by which they firmly believe that they are and always will remain true and living members of the church, and that they have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Summary One of the saddest realities in the Christian church is the number of people who aren't really sure if they're a Christian or not. They believe in Jesus, but they don't firmly believe that they are and always will remain true and living members of the church, and that they have forgiveness of sins and eternal life . They completely lack assurance . Maybe you're one of them. The Apostle John wants you to know that you live in Christ, and that Christ lives in you. Notice here that John doesn't want you to just feel this, or even just to intellectually understand it. The word he uses here translated as know represents an experiential, learned, relational knowledge. In other words, John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wants you to experience this certain assurance in every aspect of your being!   Dig Deeper   So John doesn't just explain that you ought to know that you live in Christ, he here explains that you know that you live in Christ because He has given us of His Spirit. Commentator Karen Jobes explains that the Spirit helps you know that you live in Christ by "convicting us of our need for atonement, applying the blood of Jesus to each one of us, and reassuring believers of the central truth of the gospel, that Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the entrance to eternal life." But maybe you're still left wondering. If your knowledge of being included in Christ comes from the Spirt, how can you be sure that you've been given the Spirit? John anticipated your question. If you acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in you and you in God.  Simply put, the more you confess your faith in Christ, the more proof and assurance you'll have that the Spirit lives in you. This Thanksgiving (or whenever you're reading this), remember these words of John: And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, whose love we know and rely upon. A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Thank God for the assurance the Spirit gives you, and pray that you'll confess Christ all the more so you can experience even more assurance; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: 2 Peter 3

Don't trust your feelings. Trust in what the Spirit testifies about you! Today's passage forms the basis for the classic hymn Blessed Assurance Romans 8:14-17 ( LSB ) 14 For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the  Spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, also heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him  so that we may also be glorified with Him . Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 9: The Assurance of This Preservation Concerning this preservation of those chosen to salvation and concerning the perseverance of true believers in faith, believers themselves can and do become assured in accordance with the measure of their faith, by which they firmly believe that they are and always will remain true and living members of the church, and that they have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Summary This is the fourth time now just this year that we've returned to the 8th chapter of Romans. And at this point, I can't promise you this will be our last time in what is arguably the greatest chapter in the whole Bible. This short portion we're considering today reminds you your true identity. Society is consumed with curating your identity: to them you're a conservative or liberal, boomer or generation X, Y or Z; you're an American, Canadian, Mexican, or some other kind of 'an'. The list of variants goes on endlessly. But the Bible here, as it does elsewhere, keeps your identity far more simple: if you are being led by the Spirit of God, you are a son of God! This sonship that you've been adopted into provides you with two key benefits. First of all, it changes your relationship with God. For you, He's not just the omnipotent ruler of all things, to whom you owe an unpayable debt. Rather, He's your Father - Paul here couples two languages to describe it: He's your Patēr, a Greek word designating Him as the sovereign head of household, but Paul also describes Him in much more intimate terms, using the Aramaic word Abba that Paul likely called his own father as a child. Secondly, your adopted sonship gives you new legal status. You are now also an heir; an heir of God and fellow heirs of Christ. Notice, though, that this aspect of sonship comes with a caveat: You are an heir IF indeed you suffer with Christ so that you may also be glorified with Him. What will you do today that will help cement your legal status as a son?   Dig Deeper   Daniel Doriani offers an excellent explanation of the assurance that today's passage, especially the promise that the Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God , offers to you: Adoption is no tenuous gift. Paul suggests that believers agree with the Spirit that we are God’s children. We ask, “How can this be, since my feelings may deny this?” Our emotions are as flawed as any other faculty. The mind forgets names, the body aches for no reason, and in our emotional self-appraisal, we may feel nothing like a child of God. If we grew up in the faith, we may wonder whether that faith is genuine, or whether we merely conform to parental expectations. Sin can also prompt a downward spiral. Anxiety or depression can become unwanted companions during a winter of the soul. Yet the Father does not abandon us to our doubts. The Holy Spirit confirms that we are children of God. This happens in varied ways. In worship, he “tunes our heart to sing his praise.” In prayer, he answers in ways that surpass our petitions. He may stir our spirit and grant a visceral certainty that we belong to him. If we came to faith as adults, we may remember that we felt a nudging to ask spiritual questions and to give credit to biblical answers, even if we once dismissed them. Perhaps a feeling swept over us—a sense of healing and joy. Or perhaps faith brought calm or a conviction that this is the truth about the world and the right map for negotiating it. Yes, doubts intrude. Feelings fade and vacillate. We wonder, philosophically, how words can establish a relationship with the eternal God. Or we question our sincerity: “Am I different from anyone else? Am I stronger than I was two years ago?” We are impatient gardeners, waiting for seeds to sprout, and then tugging on those sprouts and judging them feeble. But if we wait, assurance comes as the Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit. As Sinclair Ferguson remarks in Children of the Living God, we can make two mistakes here: to expect a mystical, transporting experience and to expect nothing. Assurance can be dramatic or calm, but either way, it is a “joint witness” of God’s Spirit and ours. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Abba / Father, whose Spirit testifies we are God's children A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you would recognize and accept opportunities to suffer with Christ so that we may also be glorified with Him; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: 2 Peter 1

You can be absolutely certain of your salvation! Today's passage forms the basis for the classic hymn "I Know Whom I have Believed" 2 Timothy 1:9–12 (NIV) 9  God has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10  but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11  And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12  That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 9: The Assurance of This Preservation Concerning this preservation of those chosen to salvation and concerning the perseverance of true believers in faith, believers themselves can and do become assured in accordance with the measure of their faith, by which they firmly believe that they are and always will remain true and living members of the church, and that they have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Summary It's interesting how it is that Paul describes what it is that God has done for us as Paul writes to Pastor Timothy, his young protégé. We're quick to pick up on and celebrate the first aspect: God has saved us, but we tend to skip right over the second part: that God has called us to a holy life. We like the salvation God grants, but not the commitment He now expects! We focused on the comforting, yet mind bending, reality that this grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time at the beginning year , but it's good to come back and be reminded of this once again as we wrap up our study of these wonderful doctrines of grace and focus on the certain assurance of salvation you can have because of these truths. As important as these truths are - that God called us to salvation and holiness before time began - Paul's emphasis here is that these blessings come to us not because of anything we have done, but because of God's own purpose and grace. Indeed, that's the core definition of grace: an undeserved gift. If you deserved salvation, you would not be saved by grace. But if you were somehow able to be able to both atone (pay) for your sins and live with the perfect righteousness you're covenantaly obligated to , you'd have to let go of this comforting doctrine of the perseverance of the saints . For if you had what it takes to earn salvation on your own to begin with, you'd have what you need to hang on to it yourself. But you don't have either of those abilities. So thank God for His grace, both that brought you into His salvation through Christ alone and that keeps you there!   Dig Deeper   Unfortunately way too many Christians make a subtle error in how they understand what Paul writes here, thinking it to be that God has saved people and called them to a holy life. They know all about God's grace, but they lack the full assurance that it's been given to them personally. They know how ugly and awful their own sins not only have been, but still continue to be. They've ironically concluded that since they don't deserve God's grace, they don't have God's grace. This angst has been compounded by preachers and theologians - even those who call themselves Reformed - who now denounce what they call “the sin of certainty.” They insist it is wrong to claim that one’s understanding of anything could be exclusively correct. To do so necessarily implies that anyone who disagrees is wrong - and to call someone wrong has become, in their view, the height of arrogance and the antithesis of tolerance (ironically, though, they do seem certain that uncertainty is wrong). While it's good to humbly hold most of your opinions lightly, God wants you to be absolutely certain beyond even the shadow of doubt about the grace He gave you before the beginning of time and that He will preserve you in until all things have been made new and sin and death are completely destroyed. God wants you to have the same confidence that Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, imparts to Timothy and us. God wants you to know whom you have believed and to be persuaded that He is able to keep what you have entrusted to Him until that day! AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who gave you grace in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you would be absolutely certain of your salvation in this otherwise uncertain world; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: 2 Peter 1

God promises to keep you in perfect šhālôm. Today's passage forms the basis of the classic hymn Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken, Zion City of our God Isaiah 26:1–4 (NIV) 26 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. 2  Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. 3   You will keep in perfect peace ( šhālôm šhālôm ) those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 9: The Assurance of This Preservation Concerning this preservation of those chosen to salvation and concerning the perseverance of true believers in faith, believers themselves can and do become assured in accordance with the measure of their faith, by which they firmly believe that they are and always will remain true and living members of the church, and that they have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Summary Isaiah doesn't look forward to just any ordinary city as this chapter begins. The strong city he sings of here isn't Jerusalem or even located in the land of Judah, or anywhere in this world for that matter. This is a city which has walls and ramparts - in other words, its full security - built from God's salvation. This is the city we often sing about yet today - Zion, City of our God (be sure to listen to the video posted above)! This city has an exclusive population - only the righteous nation may enter. Be careful when you read the word nation in the Bible; it doesn't mean country or state the way we often use the word, it simply refers to various ethnicities. The ethnicities welcome in Zion aren't based on skin color, language or any other physical trait, but whether or not its people keep faith. That word keep is an important word in the Bible: It was what God commanded of Adam in the Garden: to work it and keep it . But we know that Adam and all who are in him failed to keep God's world and their own lives holy. This means the only 'ethnicity' welcome in this City are those who are in Christ , who perfectly kept Adam's covenantal requirements for those who trust in Him. Make sure that you properly understand the citizenship requirements for Zion: the nations [people] that keep faith. Otherwise you'll quickly sink into despair and doubt, constantly wondering if you've done enough. Remember what you've been reminded of so often this last year as we've read the Bible together: that you can keep faith only because it's been given to you by God. So you can have full assurance that you are and always will remain a true and living member of the church, and that you have the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.   Dig Deeper   It's the third verse that attracted our attention today: the absolute assurance that the residents of this city (that's you, by the way) can have: they will be kept in perfect peace. Isaiah poetically places an exclamation point on this statement by repeating the word peace ; the LORD will keep [us] in šhālôm šhālôm. Once again, the reminder comes of the importance your mind  has in how you experience this šhālôm: it comes when your mind is steadfast. Or, as the ESV translates it, šhālôm comes to those whose minds are stayed on you. In other words, stay focused on the LORD and His Word, and remember the world will do all it can to shatter this all important trust in the LORD. There's so much competition for your mind . Just as your body is what you eat, your mind is what you watch, listen to, read and think about. This is why it's so important for you to fill your mind with the Word of the LORD, each weekday as we read together, and especially on the Lord's Day as you meet with God's people and hear His Word proclaimed and applied. The better you understand the full theology of your salvation - that is, everything the Bible says about it in both the Old and New Testaments - the more šhālôm you will have! This is what it means to Trust in the LORD forever! Set your mind on knowing the personal nature of your salvation: The LORD, the LORD Himself - is your eternal Rock! AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, the eternal Rock of our salvation; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you would keep your mind filled with the knowledge and assurance of your citizenship in Zion, the glorious city of our God; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: 2 Thessalonians 3

You will certainly stumble, but the LORD keeps you from falling. Photo: Jake Mills, via Unsplash CONTEXT: Psalm 37 is a collection of proverbs, each set in two line couplets that form an acrostic, in which each set of couplets begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alefbet . Although each couplet stands on its own, the overall theme of Psalm 37 is clear: to answer the age old question of how it is that the wicked prosper, while the righteous so often seem to languish. Today we'll just be reading a few couplets that capture the gist of this long psalm. Psalm 37 Of David. 1   Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; 2   for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3   Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4  Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5   Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6  He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7   Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. -- 12  The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; 13  but the LORD laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. 14  The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. 15  But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. -- 23  The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24  though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. -- 27  Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. 28  For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. -- 39  The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD ; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. 40  The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 8: The Certainty of This Preservation It is not by our own merits or strength but by God’s undeserved mercy that we neither forfeit faith and grace totally nor remain in our downfalls to the end and are lost. With respect to ourselves this not only easily could happen, but also undoubtedly would happen; but with respect to God it cannot possibly happen, since his plan cannot be changed, his promise cannot fail, the calling according to his purpose cannot be revoked, the merit of Christ as well as his interceding and preserving cannot be nullified, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit can neither be invalidated nor wiped out. Summary One of the most frustrating aspects of the Christian life is the fact that so many people who have little to no regard for the way of the LORD seem to be doing so much better than those who earnestly desire to live a godly life. Seeing people succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes can cause one to wonder if the sacrifices the LORD calls us to make to follow His law are really worth it. Notice that throughout this psalm, David doesn't call you to deny the reality that you see around you. He doesn't try to convince his readers that the prosperity we see godless people enjoying is just an illusion or something other that what it seems to be, or that the suffering God's people endure isn't real. Rather, David - inspired by the Holy Spirit - calls you to reorient your perspective. Don't be so preoccupied with the way things are now. Instead, see things from the vantage point of eternity. The success the wicked enjoy now will not last: it will soon die away. David reminds you that even as they revel in their prosperity, the LORD laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming. So do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Instead, cling to the rock solid promises that Psalm 37 reminds you of: The LORD will give you the desires of your heart; He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn; The LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD ; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.   Dig Deeper   In Hebrew poetry, the primary meaning of a poem or narrative often comes right in the middle, rather than in the end as we would often expect it to. Verses 23-24 come right smack in the middle, and therefore the primary point of Psalm 37: 23  The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; 24  though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. It's passages like this that form the foundation for the doctrines of the Canons of Dordt. If you needed to rely upon your own stumbling strength to get you across the heavenly finish line, not only could you fall, forfeiting faith and grace totally, but you undoubtedly would. David here reminds you that you will stumble through life. But he also reminds you that, like a loving Father, the LORD upholds you with His hand so that you will not fall. So put your hope in the LORD, who helps and delivers you as you take refuge in Him. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who upholds us with His hand even as we stumble; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you would be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; and that you would not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: 2 Thessalonians 2

Though you continue to fall, Christ continues to lift you back up. All throughout history, God's people have followed a rhythm of sin that led to suffering. But God ALWAYS preserved a remnant, just as He preserves you in your salvation. Micah 7:8–9 (NIV) CONTEXT: Today's passage comes at the end of a book full of judgment and lament. Micah ends with a forward look of hope. The current cataclysmic circumstances do not encompass reality in its entirety. Nations that opposed God’s kingdom will come undone. Walls torn down will be rebuilt. God’s mighty acts of salvation accomplished at the exodus will happen again. How can Micah be so confident? Because there is no God like Yahweh. Micah’s very name means “Who is like Yahweh?” The implied answer is no one. God’s character is revealed in his name ( Lexham Context Commentary ) . 8   Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. 9   Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the Lord’s wrath, until he pleads my case and upholds my cause. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 8: The Certainty of This Preservation It is not by our own merits or strength but by God’s undeserved mercy that we neither forfeit faith and grace totally nor remain in our downfalls to the end and are lost. With respect to ourselves this not only easily could happen, but also undoubtedly would happen; but with respect to God it cannot possibly happen, since his plan cannot be changed, his promise cannot fail, the calling according to his purpose cannot be revoked, the merit of Christ as well as his interceding and preserving cannot be nullified, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit can neither be invalidated nor wiped out. Summary It would be difficult to summarize all of God's people all throughout all times using just one word, but a good candidate might be the word remnant. After all, the history of God's people shows a continual cycle that's almost as consistent as a healthy heart rhythm on an EKG monitor. God saves His people, they rejoice and obey Him for a time, but after a generation or so, most people fall back into sin and its consequences. But there's always a remnant. There's always a small number of people God preserves and restores. Think of Noah and his family, Joseph, the judges God raised up to save His people every other generation as they settled Canaan, the exiles that God brought back from Babylon, and the faithful Jews who put their hope in Jesus. God has always preserved a remnant in this new age as well throughout all the ebbs and flows of Church history. Technically speaking, the prophet Micah wasn't formally part of a remnant group. He was part of the sinful generation that lived before Israel would fall to Babylon. As a prophet (one who represents God to the people), Micah called out the sins of his people, warning of judgment for their social injustice and false religion. A chapter before today's passage, Micah famously proclaimed the LORD's requirements for His people: that they would act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Yet the people continued to miss God's simple mark. But Micah knows the LORD will be faithful, despite the ongoing and cyclical sins of His people. So even as he warns Israel of the LORD's coming wrath and the dark days to come, Micah has hope. He knows that the LORD will be his light , and will ultimately bring me (God's remnant people) out of the darkness and into the light.   Dig Deeper   This remnant theme forms a significant basis for this doctrine of the perseverance of the saints that we've been studying. The cycle of sin / suffering / salvation / sin / suffering / salvation keeps repeating like a heartbeat... not just generationally, but personally in each of our lives... sometimes on a daily basis! Like Micah, you can look at yourself and see how you have fallen and sinned against Him, so you deservedly bear the LORD's wrath as you so often sit in darkness as your enemy gloats over you. And this doesn't just describe your life before you've come to realize your salvation in Christ, but even after! But just as the LORD has always preserved a remnant of His people, you can be certain that He will preserve you. As the Canons put it, by God’s undeserved mercy, you can be certain that you will neither forfeit faith and grace totally nor remain in your downfalls to the end and be lost. Micah knew that the LORD's grace is stronger than His wayward people. He knew that although he had fallen, he would rise, and that even though he sat in the darkness, the LORD would be his light. Living a millennia before Christ, Micah didn't know how, but he knew His God would plead his case, uphold his cause, and bring him out into the light. You know that Christ's interceding and preserving cannot be nullified , so you have even more reason for optimism and confidence than Micah did! AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who always preserves His people; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that as you live in Micah's confidence, that you would act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: 2 Thessalonians 1

Your salvation is secure because your Savior always lives to intercede for you! Bible.com Hebrews 7:23-25 (NIV) CONTEXT: One of the key themes of Hebrews is 'Jesus is better than...'. He's better than the angels, better than Moses, and in this particular section of the book demonstrates how He's better than any earthly priest. 23  Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24  but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25  Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Point 2 - Limited Atonement Point 3 - Total Depravity Point 4 - Irresistible Grace Point 5 - Perseverance of the Saints Article 8: The Certainty of This Preservation It is not by our own merits or strength but by God’s undeserved mercy that we neither forfeit faith and grace totally nor remain in our downfalls to the end and are lost. With respect to ourselves this not only easily could happen, but also undoubtedly would happen; but with respect to God it cannot possibly happen, since his plan cannot be changed, his promise cannot fail, the calling according to his purpose cannot be revoked, the merit of Christ as well as his interceding and preserving cannot be nullified, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit can neither be invalidated nor wiped out. Summary If the final verse of our short passage today were the only explanation we had about who Jesus is and what He's accomplished and continues to do, it would be enough! Hebrews 7:25 makes three hugely significant claims about who Jesus is and what He's done and will always do for your salvation. First, you can know that Jesus is able to save you completely. This is one of those fascinating words that gets rendered differently across various Bible translations. The ESV says that Jesus is able to save you to the uttermost. Both of these translations explain that Jesus has done everything necessary to redeem and restore you - nothing else is required! It's from phrases like this that the phrase Solus Christus (Christ Alone) was added to the Reformation motto. But the LSB adds an interesting twist to the word in its translation: Jesus is able to save forever! This is the case as well, for it only makes sense that if you've been completely saved to the uttermost, then such a salvation should last for all eternity. It's verses like this one that form the foundation of this comforting doctrine that we call the perseverance of the saints. Secondly, this verse adds a bit of tensegrity (the good tension that maintains integrity) to our theology of salvation by Christ alone: Although Christ saves completely, He doesn't just dole it out from afar. Rather, He gives it to those who come to God through Him. We've already been reminded this year that the reason you're able to come is because God has sovereignly called and equipped you to do so , but the fact remains that salvation is not passively received. You must come!   Dig Deeper   It's the third aspect of this short verse that brings us to it today: Jesus always lives to intercede for you. Commentator RT France unpacks what this means and why it's so important: The primary sense in which we come to God through Jesus is that he has offered on our behalf the perfect sacrifice. But the priests in the OT had also another function, not so often mentioned—the role of intercession for the people before God ( perhaps best exemplified by Moses , but also symbolized in the high priest’s “bearing the names of the sons of Israel over his heart … as a continuing memorial before the LORD,” Ex 28:29), and that role too is fulfilled by our high priest. Whereas his sacrifice was offered once for all, his intercession continues, and that is why we need a high priest who always lives. While he was on earth, Jesus prayed for his people , and Paul speaks in Romans 8 not only of the Spirit pleading on our behalf but also of Jesus interceding for us at God’s right hand . The theme may not be frequently mentioned, but it is a vital source of pastoral assurance and one without which the process of our salvation would be incomplete ( Hebrews 9:24 ). Remember that Jesus' title of Christ means that He's anointed to be our Prophet, Priest and King. Whereas a prophet represents God to the people, a priest represents the people to God. Know that your salvation is secure because your Savior, who has a perfect and permanent priesthood, always lives to intercede for you! AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who welcomes all who come to Him through Jesus; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you would trust Christ completely, to the uttermost and forever for your salvation since He intercedes for you; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: 1 Thessalonians 5