In reflecting on Romans 8:32, we delve into the profound assurance of God's unwavering love and commitment to us. The verse, "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" serves as a cornerstone for understanding the doctrine of the final perseverance of the saints. This doctrine assures us that God, having begun a good work in us, will see it through to completion, bringing us to ultimate glorification.
The argument is built on the premise that if God did not withhold His own Son, but rather delivered Him up for our salvation, then there is nothing He will withhold from us that is necessary for our spiritual journey and ultimate glorification. This is an argument from the greater to the lesser; having done the greatest thing, God will surely do the lesser. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and commitment, where He did not spare His own Son but allowed Him to endure the full wrath and penalty of sin on our behalf.
The sermon emphasizes that the cross was not merely a demonstration of love but a necessary act of justice. God's holiness and righteousness demanded that sin be punished, and in His love, He provided His Son as the substitute. This act of delivering up His Son was not done reluctantly but freely, out of His grace and love for us, even while we were still sinners and enemies of God.
Understanding this profound truth should lead us to a place of assurance and confidence in our salvation. If God has already done the greatest thing by giving His Son, He will certainly provide all that is necessary for our perseverance and ultimate glorification. This assurance is not based on our merit but on God's unchanging character and His eternal purpose.
Key Takeaways
- 1. God's Unwavering Love: The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love, where He did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us. This act assures us that God's love is steadfast and unchanging, providing a foundation for our faith and hope. [03:05]
- 2. The Doctrine of Perseverance: The assurance of our final perseverance is rooted in the fact that God, having begun a good work in us, will complete it. This is not based on our ability but on God's faithfulness and the finished work of Christ. [01:36]
- 3. The Necessity of the Cross: The cross was not just a demonstration of love but a necessary act of justice. God's holiness required that sin be punished, and in His love, He provided His Son as the substitute, bearing the full wrath of God. [16:55]
- 4. Freely Given Grace: God's act of delivering up His Son was done freely, out of His grace, not in response to anything in us. This highlights the freeness of God's grace and the depth of His love for us, even while we were still sinners. [34:54]
- 5. Assurance in All Circumstances: If God has already done the greatest thing by giving His Son, He will certainly provide all that is necessary for our perseverance and ultimate glorification. This assurance is not based on our merit but on God's unchanging character. [39:44]
** [39:44]
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