Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 15:4-6.

 

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:4-6. 

 

——————–

 

“Perseverance of the saints” is the “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed doctrine of salvation.  We read Scripture so that we may gain perseverance and encouragement.  But, we also realize that such perseverance and encouragement are gifts from God to His elect. 

 

Life is tough.  We need to persevere.  We need to be encouraged.  And so, we read Scripture.

 

But, we also must have faith.  We need to believe not only that God exists but also that God rewards those who seek Him.  We must eagerly seek out God’s promises and cling to them, believing that He is faithful to accomplish what He has promised.  “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6.  

 

And so, we study Scripture for those precious promises which encourage us and help us to persevere through life. 

 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,”  Ephesians 1:3.

 

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”  2 Peter 1:2-4.  

 

1 Peter 5:10
“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

 

 

In conclusion, God gives such perseverance and encouragement:  “so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”