Lord's Day 18

How do we benefit from the doctrines of justification, adoption, and sanctification? Sometimes as we study these lofty and heady topics of theology, we forget that these doctrines are intended for the encouragement and inspiration of those who believe. We are reminded today that justification, adoption, and sanctification speak to our hearts. 

First we find that these doctrines provide unquestionable assurance of God’s love. Ephesians 2:4 teaches us that it was because of God’s great love for us that he made us alive together with Christ. God declared us just through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, who was given in love. We have been adopted by a loving Father, and as such, our heavenly father continues to provide, through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, His guidance and nurture for His children. 

Knowing that we have been made right with God, adopted by God, and growing in the grace of God, we also know that we now have a secured peace with God. John teaches that “whenever our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” Although we may have insecurities and doubts, we can rest assured because our salvation is secured by God, and God is greater than even our hearts. 

Furthermore, we receive an abiding joy in the Holy Spirit. Joy, being one of the fruits of the Spirit, runs deeper than happiness, is more permanent than the temporary highs afforded by the successes of this life. Joy is an attitude of praise and thanksgiving regardless of the circumstances, which is the result of the knowledge that the sovereign God of the universe has called, renewed, saved, and established us in His love. 

A final benefit of these doctrines is the comfort of knowing that if God has provided for our salvation, then God will also ensure that His saints will persevere unto the end. Our salvation is fixed, and there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.