John 19:16b-30

This narrative of Jesus’ suffering and death is structured around Jesus’ completion of the work he received from his Father. He had already spoken of that work as accomplished in his prayer prior to his arrest. What was so certain that he could speak of it in the past tense he now fully executes in harmony with the Father’s sovereign will and the empowering of the Spirit. God in three persons acts in Jesus’ suffering and death to save sinners while yet showing himself to be righteous.

John 18:28-19:6a

This narrative presents in seven scenes, alternating between outside and inside Pilate's palace, which serves as his court of law. The fourth and central scene is the flogging and mocking of Jesus as "King of the Jews," and the theme of Jesus as king dominates the entire narrative. 

John 18:12-27

The narratives of Christ and Simon Peter in this text perfectly confirm Jesus’ words that “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” By giving his own life in atonement for Peter and for all his elect, Jesus saves them. This passage is not to be read as a moralistic story to elicit from us better behavior. Rather, here Scripture shows us Jesus as the one who is the only true and faithful witness to God without sin, the one who made the only good confession not marred by any wavering from his Father’s will, and by that confession accomplished our redemption.

John 18:1-11

The gospel of John gives us a unique view of the events directly associated with the death of Jesus. The apostle John was inspired by the Holy Spirit to focus on different elements than those seen in the other three gospels, and this serves to draw our attention to key truths that reveal to us the true meaning of his death. John 18 opens with a narrative scene that makes it clear that Jesus' death was unique from that of any other human.

Romans 8:31-39

This passage has been called "Paul's Song of Triumph," and that name suits this wonderful affirmation of faith with its emphasis on the surpassing victory that Christ has gained for those who are united with him by faith. There is a wealth of encouragement to be found for us here!

Romans 8:29-30

It may have been John Calvin who first referred to the sequence of verbs in these verses as a chain of God's saving works in our salvation. Here is the foundation for the wonderful promise that is given to all who are called by God.

Romans 8:29

This text states with clarity the purpose of God in saving sinners through the power of the gospel. His purpose in them is at the same time the greatest purpose that they can have for life now and for eternity!

Romans 8:28

The noted Romans commentator C. E. B. Cranfield provides a helpful translation for this verse: "For we know that all things prove advantageous for their true good to those who love God, that is, to those who are called according to his purpose." Here is a wonderful encouragement to us as Christians!

Romans 8:17-27

Holy Scripture captures here a vivid image of the state of tension in which Christians live. In this present time, we know both the reality of suffering and the expectation of glory. What sustains us in the midst of that tension is the hope that is ours through the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:12-17

It is interesting to note that the terms the flesh and death occur frequently in the first half of chapter eight of Romans, but in this text there is a shift, and at the same time the appearance of the terms sons, children, and heirs. This reflects the focus on the Spirit in this chapter, and the Spirit's role in the lives of believers to overcome the flesh and to enjoy the blessings of being God's children.

Romans 8:9-11

The Holy Spirit is central to the teaching of Romans 8, and in this text there is an important affirmation of the truth that the Spirit indwells all of the members of the Body of Christ, the Church. This doctrine has remarkable implications for our understanding of what it is to be a Christian in the here and now, and it gives us an unshakeable hope for eternity.

Romans 8:5-8

This chapter is so filled with solid teaching that we do well to progress through it slowly. In these few verses, Paul provides helpful explanation of verse four, which affirms that the Holy Spirit fulfills the righteous requirement of the law in Christians. How does this happen, and what is meant by "walking in the Spirit"?

Romans 8:1-5

There is much encouragement in this text for believers, with its emphasis on the fact that our salvation and sanctification are not dependent upon us, but God! This text is not often mentioned in connection with the teaching of the Trinity, but it is clearly trinitarian in its presentation of the work of God in us. 

Romans 8:1

Chapter divisions were not in Paul's epistles, but this verse does mark a transition, as is indicated by the connecting word "therefore." Building on the teaching of the letter up to this point, Paul  emphatically states a gospel truth that has great meaning for us as Christians.

Romans 7:21-25

In this text, Paul summarizes in a powerful manner the teaching of the second half of chapter 7. The intensity of his emotions at this point encourage us to take to heart as well as mind the truths that he is affirming.

Romans 7:13-20

Sound theology always begins with objective truth before considering subjective experience, and that pattern is seen in the Epistle to the Romans. In presenting the gospel, Paul has first laid a foundation of truths and now in chapter 7 speaks of his personal experience. His example here will deepen our own understanding of God and of ourselves as his people.

Romans 7:7-12

In this passage, we see a glimpse of Paul's spiritual autobiography as he illustrates from his own life the doctrine he is presenting to his readers. Even today as we read his words, we can identify with his experience and gain insight for our lives.

Romans 7:1-6

This passage introduces important teaching concerning the law from the perspective of those who are united to Christ by faith. What role does the law play in God's work of saving sinners, and what role does the law play in our lives after our conversion? These questions and others have crucial implications for our lives as followers of Christ.

Romans 6:15-23

It has often been commented that Paul is a master teacher, and one method an excellent teacher uses is to present the same basic truth from different perspectives, so that those learning gain a thorough grasp of that truth. In our passage today, Paul underscores the teaching that the gospel, not human effort or will, provides the only truly comprehensive means of dealing with human sin, but he does so from a different viewpoint from that used in the first half of this chapter. 

Romans 6:11-14

Biblical faith certainly includes an emotional aspect, but it is first of all a matter of understanding. For those who are followers of Christ, a true grasp of fact precedes feeling. What we think, then, matters greatly for us as Christians, and this passage is a great help to us in learning to think rightly, to "think God's thoughts after him."