Third Sunday in Lent: Epistle, Romans 5:1-8                        

Romans 5:1-8 

I have been reading all day about the assault on the Bible that came from heretical professors and pastors in Germany from the early 18th century. The frontal assault lasted close to two centuries and its effects are still felt widely throughout the Christian Church. Interesting that the assault came to the very country that birthed the Lutheran Reformation and restored clarity to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Satan has a fair aim. 

But it doesn't matter. As Dr. Mitchell said again and again at the seminary: “When all the Bible’s critics have gone off the scene, the Book will still be here.” He was right then and his words hit their mark every day. Nothing can defeat the gospel of Christ. Salvation doesn’t come through human effort alone. And it doesn’t come from holding up the gospel by our works either. As the Old Testament rings again and again: “Salvation is of the LORD.”

 Just read. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person–though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die–but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:7-8). That’s it. No matter the assaults on the Bible or on the God who authored and gave it to you and me, the hope it declares is that our only hope lies in Him. From first to last. That’s where I make my boast. You?