Beholding His Glory is the Bible Teaching Ministry of Pastor Bill Slabaugh of Grace Baptist Church in Emmett, Idaho. You can contact Pastor Bill by email at pastorbill@beholdinghisglory.org. For more information please visit www.beholdinghisglory.org and www.beholdinghisglory.podbean.com.
How do you know you are called according to God's purpose (Romans 8:28)?
How do you know that you are one of God's elect (Romans 8:30)?
How do you know that you were chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4)?
The answer is so simple that it might very well surprise you!
Romans 5:5 reads, “The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
When you receive Jesus Christ and trust in Him for the forgiveness of your sins, the Holy Spirit comes to live on the inside of you. Romans 5:5 says that when the Holy Spirit indwelt you, the love of God was poured out within your heart. You enter into a spiritual love relationship with God that lasts throughout all eternity.
The phrase “poured out” refers to the lavish outpouring to the point of overflowing. Someone has said that, “Our heavenly Father does on proffer His love in measured drops, but in immeasurable torrents.”
All the love of God is lavishly poured out within your heart when you receive Christ.
And we know that God causes all things to work together
for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Someone has said, “That if the Bible is a great feast for the soul, then Romans chapter 8 is the main course.”
I would add, “Romans chapter 8, verses 28-30, is the main dish.” Without a doubt, these verses are the most glorious of all of Scripture. They are a summary, an encapsulation, of the whole of the Bible, the whole of the Gospel.
"The Magnificat:" Mary’s Hymn of Praise
Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49 "For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50 "AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
51 "He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52 "He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53 "HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54 "He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever."
A young virgin by the name of Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that by the Holy Spirit she would conceive in her womb and bear the Son of the Most High. Mary’s responded to the angel, “Behold, I am the bondslave of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.”
Think about what Mary’s obedience could potentially cost her. She was betrothed to a carpenter by the name of Joseph. Her reputation in the community would be damaged beyond repair. What would her parents think and how would they treat her? What would Joseph think and how would he treat her? What would Mary’s relationship with Joseph and her family be from here on out?
This was going to be hard for Mary, but God with whom nothing is impossible, is going to confirm it. Along the way, He is going to give confirmation and assurance in Mary’s humble obedience. Along with the greatest task that takes the most determined obedience comes the greatest joy and the greatest assurance and confirmation that this is of God and that He will perform it.
