The Core Of The GospelSample

God Loves And Sanctifies You

“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints.” (Romans 1:7 ESV)

At the outset of Romans, Paul identifies his readers as having two fundamental traits: they are loved by God, and they are called to be saints.

They are loved by God. The infinite, sovereign, eternal God of the universe loves them. Despite their sin, their failures, and their flaws, he loves them. He loves them tenderly. He loves them personally, fiercely, stubbornly, and emotionally. He loves them. What if you saw yourself this way, as deeply loved by God? Not because of who you are, but because of who he is, you are tenderly loved by God.

Brennan Manning tells this story in his book, The Lion and Lamb: “Several years ago, Edward Farrell, a priest from Detroit, went on a two-week summer vacation to Ireland to visit relatives. His one living uncle was about to celebrate his eightieth birthday. On the great day, Ed and his uncle got up early. It was before dawn. They took a walk along the shores of Lake Killarney and stopped to watch the sunrise. They stood side-by-side for a full twenty minutes and then resumed walking. Ed glanced at his uncle and saw that his face had broken into a broad smile. Ed said, “Uncle Seamus, you look very happy.” “I am.” Ed asked, “How come?” And his uncle replied, “The Father of Jesus is very fond of me.”

When you see yourself this way, you can smile a big smile. 

The believers in Rome are saints. This word in the Greek language means “holy ones” or “holy people.” Not perfect, but forgiven. All of your sins have been charged to Jesus Christ, so they are gone from you. Paid for. Done. You are a holy one, forgiven, right with God. As blameless as Christ because you are in Christ.

What if you saw yourself this way—completely holy and blameless before God, rather than guilty and unworthy? What could be more important than these two things: being loved by God and being holy before him? Loved by God in a deeply personal way. Holy before God in a fully righteous way.

Perhaps you would do well to confess who you are and your essence: “I am loved by God. I am holy before God. I am loved and holy.”