Rom. 1:7 ¶ "To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: ¶ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (emphasis mine).
This is written to those whom God loves - the great privilege of all Christians to be "loved by God." This was no generic love, but a very specific salvific love (1 John 3:1). IOW, the persons whom Paul addressed were not those who had been invited to the external privileges of the gospel, but these were the recipients of God's love who had been "called to be saints." His chosen ones, set apart from all eternity as vessels of mercy for HIs good pleasure.
"Grace to you and peace" is the language of the gospel; the language of great affection for those whom our Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed, whom the Father has chosen, and whom the Spirit has regenerated. "Grace" (the means of our redemption) and "peace" (our right standing before God having the enmity removed by the blood of His cross);
If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, there is a profound, unshakable truth to which you may fix your assurance and hope for eternity today; you are "loved by God." Amen?
A La Carte (September 8)
3 days ago
