Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Hosea chapter 1.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+1&version=NASB

I quote only the following verse.

“Yet the number of the sons of Israel
Will be like the sand of the sea,
Which cannot be measured or numbered;
And in the place
Where it is said to them,
“You are not My people,”
It will be said to them,
“You are the sons of the living God.”  Hosea 1:10.

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“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God;  you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  1 Peter 2:9-10.

“25 As He says also in Hosea,

“I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’
And her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’”
26 “And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’
There they shall be called sons of the living God.”

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved; 28 for the Lord will execute His word on the earth, thoroughly and quickly.”  29 And just as Isaiah foretold,

“Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left to us a posterity,
We would have become like Sodom, and would have resembled Gomorrah.”

30 What shall we say then?  That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith;  31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.  32 Why?  Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works.  They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 just as it is written,

“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense,
And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”  Romans 9:25-32.

“Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.  And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near;  for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”  Ephesians 2:11-21.

Today’s devotion comes from Daniel chapter 12.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+12&version=NASB

“Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise.  And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time;  and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.  Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt.  Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.  But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time;  many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”  Daniel 12:1-4.

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Other doctrine takes comfort in the increase of knowledge, trusting in man’s wisdom, man’s will, and man’s works.

But, Reformed Doctrine takes comfort in God’s election and in God accomplishing everything else needed for redemption of His people, trusting in God’s wisdom, God’s will, and God’s works:  “everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.”  Verse 1.

“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, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6.

Article 9.  This election was not founded upon foreseen faith, and the obedience of faith, holiness, or any other good quality of disposition in man, as the pre-requisite, cause or condition on which it depended;  but men are chosen to faith and to the obedience of faith, holiness, etc., therefore election is the fountain of every saving good;  from which proceed faith, holiness, and the other gifts of salvation, and finally eternal life itself, as its fruits and effects, according to that of the apostle:  “He hath chosen us (not because we were) but that we should be holy, and without blame, before him in love,”  Ephesians 1:4.  FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination.  Canons of Dordt.

“68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—
70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—
71 Salvation from our enemies,
And from the hand of all who hate us;
72 To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.”  Luke 1:68-75.

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore.  Amen.”  Galatians 1:3-4.

“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  Colossians 1:13-14.

“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom;  to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”  2 Timothy 4:18.

Today’s devotion comes from Daniel chapter 11.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+11&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him.  And now I will tell you the truth.  Behold, three more kings are going to arise in Persia.  Then a fourth will gain far more riches than all of them;  as soon as he becomes strong through his riches, he will arouse the whole empire against the realm of Greece.  And a mighty king will arise, and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases.  But as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them.”  Daniel 11:1-4.

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Kings rise.  Kings fall.  Kingdoms are built up.  Kingdoms are broken up.

But, the Sovereign Almighty God will raise up His Son, Jesus Christ, to be King Who will reign forever and Who will act wisely and do justice and righteousness and Whose kingdom will have no end.

“6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” Psalm 2:6-9.

“6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7.

“5 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch;
And He will reign as king and act wisely
And do justice and righteousness in the land.
6 “In His days Judah will be saved,
And Israel will dwell securely;
And this is His name by which He will be called,
‘The Lord our righteousness.’”  Jeremiah 23:5-6.

“The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary;  for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High;  and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;  and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”  Luke 1:30-33.

Today’s devotion comes from Daniel chapter 10.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+10&version=NASB

I quote only the following verse.

“He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid.  Peace be with you;  take courage and be courageous!”  Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”  Daniel 10:19.

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Speak to us through Your Word, O LORD, and we shall receive strength.  “… Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength …”  Verse 19.

“No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life.  Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you;  I will not fail you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.  Only be strong and very courageous;  be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you;  do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.  This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it;  for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:5-9.

Today’s devotion comes from Daniel chapter 9.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+9&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed and said, “Alas, O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.  Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers and all the people of the land.

“Righteousness belongs to You, O Lord, but to us open shame, as it is this day—to the men of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those who are nearby and those who are far away in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of their unfaithful deeds which they have committed against You.  Open shame belongs to us, O Lord, to our kings, our princes and our fathers, because we have sinned against You.  To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against Him;  nor have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in His teachings which He set before us through His servants the prophets.  Indeed all Israel has transgressed Your law and turned aside, not obeying Your voice;  so the curse has been poured out on us, along with the oath which is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, for we have sinned against Him.

…

So now, our God, listen to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and for Your sake, O Lord, let Your face shine on Your desolate sanctuary.  O my God, incline Your ear and hear!  Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name;  for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion.  O Lord, hear!  O Lord, forgive!  O Lord, listen and take action!  For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”  Daniel 9:4-11 and 17-19.

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In this prayer of confession of Daniel, we notice three elements.

First, there is acknowledgement of sin.  There is no hiding of sin or minimizing sin.  “we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.  Moreover, we have not listened to Your servants the prophets …”  Verses 5-6.

Second, there is recognition of God and Who He is. “Righteousness belongs to You, O Lord …  To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness …”  Verses 7-9.

Third, there is humility that the reason that we receive forgiveness is not our merits, but rather, the reason that we receive forgiveness is for His sake.  God is a God of compassion, and we are His people.  “… we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion.  O Lord, hear!  O Lord, forgive!  O Lord, listen and take action!  For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.”  Verses 18-19.

“How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered!
2 How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!

3 When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.  Selah.
5 I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I did not hide;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”;
And You forgave the guilt of my sin.  Selah.
6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;
You surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah.

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.”  Psalm chapter 32.

Today’s devotion comes from Daniel chapter 8.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+8&version=NASB

I quote only the following verse.

“And through his shrewdness
He will cause deceit to succeed by his influence;
And he will magnify himself in his heart,
And he will destroy many while they are at ease.
He will even oppose the Prince of princes,
But he will be broken without human agency.”  Daniel 8:25.

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The wicked may be powerful and shrewd and boastful.  They may seem unstoppable for a while.  And, they may be unstoppable by man.  But, the wicked will be broken and crushed and destroyed forever by Almighty God.

“16 “But if you have understanding, hear this;
Listen to the sound of my words.
17 “Shall one who hates justice rule?
And will you condemn the righteous mighty One,
18 Who says to a king, ‘Worthless one,’
To nobles, ‘Wicked ones’;
19 Who shows no partiality to princes
Nor regards the rich above the poor,
For they all are the work of His hands?
20 “In a moment they die, and at midnight
People are shaken and pass away,
And the mighty are taken away without a hand.

21 “For His eyes are upon the ways of a man,
And He sees all his steps.
22 “There is no darkness or deep shadow
Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
23 “For He does not need to consider a man further,
That he should go before God in judgment.
24 “He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry,
And sets others in their place.
25 “Therefore He knows their works,
And He overthrows them in the night,
And they are crushed.”  Job 34:16-25.

“You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked;
You have blotted out their name forever and ever.”  Psalm 9:5.

“But transgressors will be altogether destroyed;
The posterity of the wicked will be cut off.”  Psalm 37:38.

“5 How great are Your works, O Lord!
Your thoughts are very deep.
6 A senseless man has no knowledge,
Nor does a stupid man understand this:
7 That when the wicked sprouted up like grass
And all who did iniquity flourished,
It was only that they might be destroyed forevermore.
8 But You, O Lord, are on high forever.
9 For, behold, Your enemies, O Lord,
For, behold, Your enemies will perish;
All who do iniquity will be scattered.”  Psalm 92:5-9.

Today’s devotion comes from Daniel chapter 7.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+7&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“9 “I kept looking
Until thrones were set up,
And the Ancient of Days took His seat;
His vesture was like white snow
And the hair of His head like pure wool.
His throne was ablaze with flames,
Its wheels were a burning fire.
10 “A river of fire was flowing
And coming out from before Him;
Thousands upon thousands were attending Him,
And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him;
The court sat,
And the books were opened.

15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions in my mind kept alarming me.  16 I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this.  So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:  17 ‘These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth.  18 But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come.’

…

23 “Thus he said:  ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it.  24 As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise;  and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings.  25 He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law;  and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.  26 But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever.  27 Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One;  His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’”  Daniel 7:13-18 and 23-27.

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“Why are the nations in an uproar
And the peoples devising a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth take their stand
And the rulers take counsel together
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us tear their fetters apart
And cast away their cords from us!”

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”  Psalm 2:1-9.

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.”  Psalm 103:19.

Today’s devotion comes from Daniel chapter 6.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+6&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den.  The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.”  A stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den;  and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing would be changed in regard to Daniel.  Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him;  and his sleep fled from him.

Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den.  When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice.  The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?”  Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever!  My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him;  and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.”  Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den.  So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.  The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children and their wives into the lions’ den;  and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land:  “May your peace abound!  I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;

For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
And His dominion will be forever.
“He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”  Daniel 6:16-28.

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In today’s Scripture and in Daniel chapter 4, we notice two different kings, kings of different empires with great, far-reaching power, both praise God in similar language for His signs and wonders and His everlasting kingdom and dominion.

In today’s Scripture, King Darius praised God:
“… For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
And His dominion will be forever.
“He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”  Verses 26-27.

In Daniel chapter 4, King Nebuchadnezzar praised God:
“How great are His signs
And how mighty are His wonders!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom
And His dominion is from generation to generation.”  Daniel 4:3.

Reformed Doctrine rejoices over such recognition and honor and praise of God’s signs and wonders and His everlasting kingdom and dominion.

In sharp contrast, other doctrine bristles against such sovereignty of God.  Other doctrine is like those who who say:  “Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!”  Psalm 2:3.

But, God is not restrained.

“4 He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then He will speak to them in His anger
And terrify them in His fury, saying,
6 “But as for Me, I have installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”

7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”  Psalm 2:4-9.

Therefore, all “… men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel  For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion will be forever.”  Verse 26.

Today’s devotion comes from Daniel chapter 5.  I will leaving very early tomorrow for a long weekend vacation.  My next devotion, God willing, will be on Tuesday, December 19.

Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+5&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this, but you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven;  and they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines have been drinking wine from them;  and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which do not see, hear or understand.  But the God in whose hand are your life-breath and all your ways, you have not glorified.  Then the hand was sent from Him and this inscription was written out.

“Now this is the inscription that was written out: ‘MENĒ, MENĒ, TEKĒL, UPHARSIN.’  This is the interpretation of the message: ‘MENĒ’—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it.  ‘TEKĒL’—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient.  ‘PERĒS’—your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.”

Then Belshazzar gave orders, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a necklace of gold around his neck, and issued a proclamation concerning him that he now had authority as the third ruler in the kingdom.

That same night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain.  So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two.  Daniel 5:22-30.

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Consider how terrible it would be to receive a message that God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it, you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient, and your kingdom has been divided and given over to others.

But, in sharpest contrast, consider what we do have.  How wonderful it is that we received an everlasting kingdom of peace and were found blameless!

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”  Luke 12:32.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;  who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”  Philippians 3:20-21.

“6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.”  Isaiah 9:6-7.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God;  you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  1 Peter 2:9.

“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, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-5.