WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.919 Good morning, I invite you to open up your Bibles to Hebrews. 00:00:03.220 --> 00:00:04.679 Excuse me, we're not in the book of Hebrews. 00:00:04.740 --> 00:00:07.520 We're in the book of Romans, chapter 10. 00:00:07.719 --> 00:00:10.140 We spent a little time in Hebrews earlier today. 00:00:11.580 --> 00:00:13.099 Romans, chapter 10. 00:00:13.220 --> 00:00:17.960 Our text for today is Romans, chapter 10, verses 5 through 13. 00:00:21.559 --> 00:00:27.260 Before we get into our text, I want to tell you that I am very tired. 00:00:28.440 --> 00:00:29.240 Physically tired. 00:00:29.239 --> 00:00:32.199 We have had a lot going on here in the life of the church. 00:00:32.339 --> 00:00:35.500 Most of you know I'm in the process of building a house. 00:00:37.179 --> 00:00:42.219 Yesterday I was here, down in my study, working on this sermon today. 00:00:42.820 --> 00:00:45.299 And I'm not sure that he knew it, but some people were here cleaning, 00:00:45.480 --> 00:00:48.700 and Coulson came down and knocked on my door to ask me some questions about chairs, 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:53.399 and I had passed out, and not even thought about passing out. 00:00:54.179 --> 00:00:58.179 I don't know if he sensed that I felt awkward when he knocked on the door. 00:00:58.179 --> 00:00:59.759 And I said, come in. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:01.700 I was very startled awake. 00:01:01.780 --> 00:01:06.980 So I'm finding myself sitting and just fading into unconsciousness all of a sudden. 00:01:07.159 --> 00:01:09.879 So physically very tired. 00:01:10.099 --> 00:01:16.219 But more than that, I'm just finding myself lately spiritually tired. 00:01:16.219 --> 00:01:21.620 I am tired of unimportant theological debates. 00:01:22.000 --> 00:01:28.920 There is so much going on out there and sometimes even in here. 00:01:29.480 --> 00:01:34.259 I'm tired of people confusing gospel implications with the gospel itself. 00:01:34.260 --> 00:01:39.420 I'm tired of strained relationships and family conflict. 00:01:40.080 --> 00:01:43.680 I'm tired of misplaced trust in political parties. 00:01:44.480 --> 00:01:48.980 I'm tired of denominational fights and denominational infighting. 00:01:48.980 --> 00:01:54.219 I'm tired of people who profess Christ ignoring the word of Christ. 00:01:54.579 --> 00:02:00.000 Seems often you can't even have a conversation with people who say they're people of the word. 00:02:00.800 --> 00:02:04.900 I'm tired of nitpicky preferences and grumbling. 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:07.600 I'm tired of mission drift. 00:02:08.300 --> 00:02:13.800 I'm tired of mental illness and faith deconstruction and lack of assurance. 00:02:13.800 --> 00:02:19.700 And in all this exhaustion, I am tempted to lose hope. 00:02:20.360 --> 00:02:30.900 Feel this tug to just lose hope as we live in the time between what will be fully realized in Christ. 00:02:31.020 --> 00:02:34.520 The days feel really long. 00:02:35.740 --> 00:02:41.920 So I'm tempted to lose hope or rather, I may say, to forget the hope that is mine. 00:02:41.919 --> 00:02:45.979 And the hope that is the hope of the world. 00:02:47.259 --> 00:02:50.659 Beloved, we ought never to grow tired of hearing the gospel. 00:02:51.179 --> 00:02:56.639 For it is the greatest of news for a dismally rebellious humanity. 00:02:57.519 --> 00:03:02.959 It must be believed, cherished, defended, and shared. 00:03:04.060 --> 00:03:09.219 You and I need to be reminded of the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:03:09.219 --> 00:03:12.240 I need to hear it all the time. 00:03:13.539 --> 00:03:20.979 The following is a quotation that I shared with you on the very first week that we picked up our study of the book of Romans. 00:03:22.020 --> 00:03:24.620 Martin Luther said this of the letter. 00:03:24.620 --> 00:03:31.939 This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament and is truly the purest gospel. 00:03:32.879 --> 00:03:37.080 It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word by heart, 00:03:37.180 --> 00:03:43.180 but also that he should occupy himself with it every day as the daily bread of the soul. 00:03:43.740 --> 00:03:47.620 We can never read it or ponder over it too much. 00:03:47.620 --> 00:03:53.939 For the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes. 00:03:55.140 --> 00:04:02.539 And so we have before us this morning another opportunity to revel in the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:04:03.520 --> 00:04:10.340 This text is straightforward and I expect my comments this morning to be brief. 00:04:10.980 --> 00:04:14.640 Often I struggle to condense my notes for our planned time together. 00:04:14.639 --> 00:04:17.319 Today, that is not the case. 00:04:18.479 --> 00:04:22.560 However, short and simple our consideration of this text is today, 00:04:23.419 --> 00:04:32.279 let us not miss the profundity of God's mercy expressed to a people in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. 00:04:33.379 --> 00:04:36.860 So I'll begin reading in verse 5 of chapter 10. 00:04:37.479 --> 00:04:40.860 Before I read, let me remind you, beloved, that this is God's word to us. 00:04:40.860 --> 00:04:43.819 It was written for his glory and for our good. 00:04:44.720 --> 00:04:50.740 And so we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and to obey its commands. 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:52.740 Paul writes, 00:04:52.740 --> 00:05:16.660 But what does it say? 00:05:16.660 --> 00:05:20.560 The word is near you in your mouth and in your heart. 00:05:20.660 --> 00:05:23.140 That is the word of faith that we proclaim. 00:05:24.160 --> 00:05:30.960 Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, 00:05:31.480 --> 00:05:32.920 you will be saved. 00:05:33.520 --> 00:05:38.920 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 00:05:38.920 --> 00:05:40.980 For the scripture says, 00:05:41.439 --> 00:05:44.500 Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame. 00:05:45.460 --> 00:05:48.000 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek. 00:05:48.439 --> 00:05:53.920 For the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 00:05:54.580 --> 00:05:59.200 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 00:06:00.660 --> 00:06:07.939 The four at the beginning of verse 5 tells us that Paul is further explaining what he has previously stated. 00:06:07.939 --> 00:06:17.139 Last week we saw Paul juxtapose righteousness pursued by the law and righteousness that is by faith. 00:06:17.860 --> 00:06:20.639 And in verse 4 of chapter 10, Paul says, 00:06:21.199 --> 00:06:28.079 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 00:06:28.420 --> 00:06:36.199 That is, Christ puts away any idea that we might pursue the law for righteousness. 00:06:36.199 --> 00:06:43.159 So in today's text, he's going to help his hearers understand exactly what he means in verse 4. 00:06:43.779 --> 00:06:47.779 And he's going to appeal to the writing of Moses to do so. 00:06:47.899 --> 00:06:50.899 He goes to the scripture to make his point. 00:06:51.740 --> 00:06:52.839 So look at verse 5. 00:06:52.839 --> 00:07:10.939 That is, if you desire to live a life that is pleasing to God, to be called righteous, that is to be perfect, 00:07:10.939 --> 00:07:19.879 and you pursue this righteousness by the law, then you will have to conduct yourself entirely by the law. 00:07:20.019 --> 00:07:23.079 Your very life will depend on it. 00:07:23.980 --> 00:07:30.480 Paul here is citing Leviticus 18 and verse 5, where Moses records the words of God. 00:07:30.600 --> 00:07:30.939 Hear them. 00:07:30.939 --> 00:07:34.600 You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules. 00:07:34.759 --> 00:07:38.100 If a person does them, he shall live by them. 00:07:38.680 --> 00:07:40.339 I am the Lord. 00:07:41.360 --> 00:07:44.800 And so let me just say it more plainly. 00:07:45.800 --> 00:07:53.600 If the basis of your perfection is your perfection, then you will have to be perfect. 00:07:53.600 --> 00:08:04.680 Before we proceed any further, I think at this point it may serve someone here to consider why anyone would even desire to pursue righteousness. 00:08:05.900 --> 00:08:11.300 Gospel responses must start with an understanding of our sinfulness. 00:08:12.040 --> 00:08:17.939 That we are in fact wicked and rebellious and deserve God's wrath. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:20.300 Romans chapter 1. 00:08:20.579 --> 00:08:24.139 Paul has laid this case out for us extensively. 00:08:24.399 --> 00:08:26.759 Let me just read to you a couple of verses. 00:08:26.980 --> 00:08:28.579 First, verse 18. 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:30.060 There he says, 00:08:30.060 --> 00:08:37.539 The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:42.679 who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 00:08:43.159 --> 00:08:47.659 So their non-perfection, their wickedness, right? 00:08:47.659 --> 00:08:53.459 The wrath of God is what is due that kind of living. 00:08:54.919 --> 00:09:03.559 You should want to flee from unrighteousness and toward righteousness to avoid the just wrath of God. 00:09:04.059 --> 00:09:06.939 This is a thing to tremble before. 00:09:07.339 --> 00:09:10.919 That the creator of all things would say of you, 00:09:11.399 --> 00:09:13.620 You deserve wrath. 00:09:13.620 --> 00:09:18.460 God's wrath is white hot. 00:09:19.159 --> 00:09:22.620 And we have purchased it with our sin. 00:09:23.919 --> 00:09:24.980 Someone may say, though, 00:09:25.379 --> 00:09:28.919 I am not sure there even is such a God. 00:09:30.340 --> 00:09:33.980 Well, Paul goes on in verse 19 of the same chapter. 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:38.980 For what could be known about God is plain to them, 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:41.940 because God has shown it to them. 00:09:42.779 --> 00:09:46.300 Paul argues, chapter 1, verse 19, 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:49.560 Oh no, you do know that there is a God, 00:09:49.940 --> 00:09:52.480 and that His wrath awaits you. 00:09:52.519 --> 00:09:52.960 Verse 20, 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:55.000 For His invisible attributes, 00:09:55.200 --> 00:09:58.080 namely, His eternal power and divine nature, 00:09:58.539 --> 00:10:00.779 have been clearly perceived, 00:10:00.779 --> 00:10:03.299 ever since the creation of the world, 00:10:03.419 --> 00:10:06.659 and the things that have been made. 00:10:06.779 --> 00:10:10.879 So it can be seen there is a creator, God. 00:10:11.019 --> 00:10:13.000 And then Paul finishes verse 20 by saying, 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:17.360 So they are without excuse. 00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:22.759 So we will all one day stand before God in judgment. 00:10:23.860 --> 00:10:28.100 And the basis of that judgment will be righteousness. 00:10:29.019 --> 00:10:31.759 You will either be found perfect on that day 00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:33.860 and avoid the wrath of God, 00:10:33.960 --> 00:10:35.740 or found imperfect, 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:40.019 and the wrath of God will bear on you forever. 00:10:40.019 --> 00:10:43.679 And if you need some further evidence, 00:10:43.879 --> 00:10:46.000 Paul goes on into chapter 2 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:49.079 to say that our conscience bears witness 00:10:49.079 --> 00:10:51.059 that there is a God 00:10:51.059 --> 00:10:54.259 because we have God's law on our hearts. 00:10:55.240 --> 00:10:56.799 That you have ever recognized 00:10:56.799 --> 00:10:58.220 that anything is right 00:10:58.220 --> 00:11:00.079 or that anything is wrong 00:11:00.079 --> 00:11:03.220 is because God made you 00:11:03.220 --> 00:11:05.559 and He wrote that law on your hearts. 00:11:05.620 --> 00:11:08.759 That's verse 15 of chapter 2. 00:11:08.759 --> 00:11:12.620 There's evidence even within our own thinking, 00:11:12.779 --> 00:11:15.000 our own moral compass, 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:18.200 that this God does in fact exist. 00:11:18.960 --> 00:11:21.759 And we know that we have all done things 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:23.700 that are wrong. 00:11:25.819 --> 00:11:30.000 Righteousness should be of great concern to everyone. 00:11:31.419 --> 00:11:33.899 Trying to understand and sort out 00:11:33.899 --> 00:11:36.340 the right and the wrong of the world 00:11:36.340 --> 00:11:38.780 should concern us. 00:11:38.960 --> 00:11:41.600 And how we are to be found right 00:11:41.600 --> 00:11:43.879 matters greatly. 00:11:44.899 --> 00:11:45.780 And it matters greatly 00:11:45.780 --> 00:11:48.800 that you know that you cannot achieve 00:11:48.800 --> 00:11:51.740 righteousness on your own. 00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:55.660 It grieves me how many Christian traditions, 00:11:55.860 --> 00:11:58.560 at least claim to be Christian, 00:11:58.840 --> 00:12:00.420 and mess this up, 00:12:00.419 --> 00:12:03.939 want to add to God's grace, 00:12:04.259 --> 00:12:06.199 works for justification. 00:12:07.219 --> 00:12:08.740 If you look out there, 00:12:08.839 --> 00:12:10.699 it's all over the place. 00:12:10.799 --> 00:12:11.959 It's rampant. 00:12:13.919 --> 00:12:14.599 Rob Ventura, 00:12:14.979 --> 00:12:17.039 the author of a great commentary 00:12:17.039 --> 00:12:17.979 on the book of Romans, 00:12:18.079 --> 00:12:18.639 said this, 00:12:18.639 --> 00:12:21.259 This attempting to be made right with God 00:12:21.259 --> 00:12:22.899 by our own strivings 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:25.980 is a tyranny of the highest order 00:12:25.980 --> 00:12:28.259 and tragic for the one 00:12:28.259 --> 00:12:30.580 who does not comply. 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:32.919 It reigns over us 00:12:32.919 --> 00:12:34.480 and it is tragic. 00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:37.259 Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans 00:12:37.259 --> 00:12:39.039 that righteousness is achieved 00:12:39.039 --> 00:12:41.899 through faith alone 00:12:41.899 --> 00:12:43.580 in the person and work 00:12:43.580 --> 00:12:46.759 of Jesus Christ alone. 00:12:46.759 --> 00:12:48.340 I've said to you, 00:12:48.460 --> 00:12:51.000 this is the theme of the book, 00:12:51.100 --> 00:12:51.860 that we're justified 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:52.539 by grace alone, 00:12:52.600 --> 00:12:53.179 through faith alone, 00:12:53.620 --> 00:12:54.419 in Christ alone. 00:12:54.740 --> 00:12:55.919 And Paul is working out 00:12:55.919 --> 00:12:57.279 the great implications of that 00:12:57.279 --> 00:12:58.659 all the way through the end 00:12:58.659 --> 00:13:00.039 of chapter 11. 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:01.439 And then he tells us 00:13:01.439 --> 00:13:02.879 how we should live in light 00:13:02.879 --> 00:13:05.919 of this wonderful truth. 00:13:07.019 --> 00:13:07.879 Proceeding the verses 00:13:07.879 --> 00:13:09.200 that I just read to you 00:13:09.200 --> 00:13:11.039 in Romans chapter 1, 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:12.500 this is verse 16 and 17, 00:13:12.799 --> 00:13:14.720 the thesis statement of the letter. 00:13:14.840 --> 00:13:15.139 He says, 00:13:15.139 --> 00:13:17.240 Therefore I am not ashamed 00:13:17.240 --> 00:13:18.480 of the gospel. 00:13:18.679 --> 00:13:20.000 And I just like to insert 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:21.600 the positive of that. 00:13:21.919 --> 00:13:24.460 For I am proud of the gospel. 00:13:25.519 --> 00:13:27.919 For it is the power of God 00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:28.659 for salvation 00:13:28.659 --> 00:13:31.199 to everyone who believes, 00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:32.480 to the Jew first 00:13:32.480 --> 00:13:34.379 and also to the Greek. 00:13:34.939 --> 00:13:37.000 For in it the righteousness of God 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:38.899 is revealed from faith 00:13:38.899 --> 00:13:40.200 for faith. 00:13:40.500 --> 00:13:41.480 As it is written, 00:13:41.480 --> 00:13:43.600 the righteous shall live 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:44.980 by faith. 00:13:45.440 --> 00:13:46.680 Paul is continually 00:13:46.680 --> 00:13:48.240 unpacking 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:49.360 what he has said 00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:50.659 in verse 16 and 17 00:13:50.659 --> 00:13:52.420 of chapter 1. 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:53.980 We see him here again 00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:55.840 doing that very thing. 00:13:56.440 --> 00:13:57.620 You have to ask the question, 00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:58.000 why? 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:58.879 Why is Paul going 00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:00.340 through such labor 00:14:00.340 --> 00:14:00.899 to do it? 00:14:00.940 --> 00:14:01.540 And it's because 00:14:01.540 --> 00:14:03.220 it's so important 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:03.960 for us 00:14:03.960 --> 00:14:05.399 to understand. 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:07.620 Justification 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:09.180 by faith, 00:14:09.379 --> 00:14:10.580 through faith alone. 00:14:10.580 --> 00:14:11.680 This is exactly 00:14:11.680 --> 00:14:12.720 what Paul is teaching 00:14:12.720 --> 00:14:15.480 here in verses 6-8 00:14:15.480 --> 00:14:17.280 as he further employs 00:14:17.280 --> 00:14:19.200 the writing of Moses. 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:21.120 Here Paul is citing 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:22.879 Deuteronomy chapter 30 00:14:22.879 --> 00:14:25.500 verse 11-14 00:14:25.500 --> 00:14:27.840 with the introductory phrase 00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:28.440 there at the beginning 00:14:28.440 --> 00:14:29.540 of verse 6, 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:30.820 but the righteousness 00:14:30.820 --> 00:14:32.920 based on faith 00:14:32.920 --> 00:14:34.120 says. 00:14:34.620 --> 00:14:36.020 So the righteousness 00:14:36.020 --> 00:14:37.800 based on works, 00:14:37.799 --> 00:14:38.959 this pursuit 00:14:38.959 --> 00:14:40.500 of works 00:14:40.500 --> 00:14:43.039 says you must be perfect 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:44.259 and you must be perfect 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:45.779 by your own doing. 00:14:46.679 --> 00:14:48.199 But the righteousness 00:14:48.199 --> 00:14:49.399 based on faith 00:14:49.399 --> 00:14:50.559 says, 00:14:50.839 --> 00:14:51.459 and here citing 00:14:51.459 --> 00:14:52.459 Deuteronomy 30 00:14:52.459 --> 00:14:53.899 verse 11-14, 00:14:54.459 --> 00:14:55.259 for this commandment 00:14:55.259 --> 00:14:56.399 that I command you today, 00:14:56.599 --> 00:14:57.099 that is, 00:14:57.419 --> 00:14:58.139 to keep the law, 00:14:58.919 --> 00:15:00.519 is not too hard for you, 00:15:00.579 --> 00:15:02.479 neither is it far off. 00:15:03.199 --> 00:15:04.139 It is not in heaven 00:15:04.139 --> 00:15:04.779 that you should say, 00:15:04.859 --> 00:15:05.699 who will ascend to heaven 00:15:05.699 --> 00:15:06.179 for us 00:15:06.179 --> 00:15:07.459 and bring it to us 00:15:07.459 --> 00:15:08.500 that we may hear it 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:09.139 and do it. 00:15:09.779 --> 00:15:11.000 Neither is it beyond the sea 00:15:11.000 --> 00:15:11.599 that you should say, 00:15:11.679 --> 00:15:12.699 who will go over the sea 00:15:12.699 --> 00:15:13.899 or into the abyss 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:14.819 for us 00:15:14.819 --> 00:15:15.879 and bring it to us 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:16.859 that we may hear it 00:15:16.859 --> 00:15:18.120 and do it. 00:15:18.839 --> 00:15:20.639 But the word is very near you. 00:15:20.919 --> 00:15:21.939 It is in your mouth 00:15:21.939 --> 00:15:23.099 and in your heart 00:15:23.099 --> 00:15:25.219 so that you can do it. 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:29.039 If you are looking at chapter 10 00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:30.099 verses 6-8 00:15:30.099 --> 00:15:31.799 and listening astutely 00:15:31.799 --> 00:15:33.039 as I read from Deuteronomy, 00:15:33.039 --> 00:15:35.439 you have surely noticed 00:15:35.439 --> 00:15:37.099 that Paul's inspired 00:15:37.099 --> 00:15:39.279 parenthetical insertions. 00:15:39.699 --> 00:15:40.379 You see them there? 00:15:41.480 --> 00:15:42.519 The Deuteronomy text 00:15:42.519 --> 00:15:44.219 in a simple reading 00:15:44.219 --> 00:15:45.159 seems to be saying 00:15:45.159 --> 00:15:46.019 that God's law 00:15:46.019 --> 00:15:47.179 can be easily kept 00:15:47.179 --> 00:15:49.679 by one's own volition. 00:15:50.259 --> 00:15:51.719 But Paul helps us 00:15:51.719 --> 00:15:53.139 to see its connection 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:54.599 to Christ, 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:57.620 the unfolding reality 00:15:57.620 --> 00:15:59.360 of the gospel. 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:00.879 There he says, 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.820 but the righteousness 00:16:01.820 --> 00:16:02.939 based on faith says, 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:03.980 do not say in your heart 00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:05.080 who will ascend 00:16:05.080 --> 00:16:05.840 into heaven 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:07.080 and here's the inspired 00:16:07.080 --> 00:16:08.139 insertion, 00:16:08.220 --> 00:16:10.360 that is to bring Christ down. 00:16:10.939 --> 00:16:12.100 Or who will descend 00:16:12.100 --> 00:16:12.939 into the abyss, 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:14.200 that is to bring Christ 00:16:14.200 --> 00:16:16.059 up from the dead. 00:16:16.600 --> 00:16:17.700 But what does it say? 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:19.379 The word is near you, 00:16:19.860 --> 00:16:20.659 in your mouth, 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:22.259 and in your heart. 00:16:22.299 --> 00:16:24.360 That is the word of faith 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:25.360 or the gospel 00:16:25.360 --> 00:16:27.740 that we proclaim. 00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:29.759 Now the law 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:31.060 was always 00:16:31.060 --> 00:16:32.019 meant to be kept 00:16:32.019 --> 00:16:33.340 by faith. 00:16:33.419 --> 00:16:34.600 This has not changed 00:16:34.600 --> 00:16:36.600 Old to New Testament. 00:16:36.899 --> 00:16:38.139 It could have never 00:16:38.139 --> 00:16:39.860 been kept perfectly. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:41.299 It was meant 00:16:41.299 --> 00:16:42.340 to press 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:44.080 those who tried 00:16:44.080 --> 00:16:44.980 to keep it 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:45.879 toward faith. 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:47.419 They had to believe 00:16:47.419 --> 00:16:48.220 that they were 00:16:48.220 --> 00:16:50.180 in pursuing righteousness, 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:51.180 somehow 00:16:51.180 --> 00:16:52.240 God 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:53.500 would save them. 00:16:54.100 --> 00:16:54.980 They knew they couldn't 00:16:54.980 --> 00:16:56.120 keep it perfectly, 00:16:56.120 --> 00:16:58.039 but yet promises 00:16:58.039 --> 00:16:58.580 somehow 00:16:58.580 --> 00:16:59.480 are being kept 00:16:59.480 --> 00:17:00.720 as we work 00:17:00.720 --> 00:17:02.980 to do this thing. 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:03.740 But now because of 00:17:03.740 --> 00:17:05.359 the progressive revelation, 00:17:05.799 --> 00:17:06.579 we understand 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:07.819 how it is 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:09.119 that it's kept. 00:17:09.220 --> 00:17:10.059 We now 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:11.099 have 00:17:11.099 --> 00:17:12.180 Christ 00:17:12.180 --> 00:17:13.220 and He 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:14.460 is not far off. 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:15.740 That is the point 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:16.200 that Paul 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:17.359 is driving at here. 00:17:18.440 --> 00:17:20.039 This confession 00:17:20.039 --> 00:17:21.119 of righteousness 00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:22.500 based on faith 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:24.039 is in a 00:17:24.039 --> 00:17:24.839 Christ 00:17:24.839 --> 00:17:26.339 who is near. 00:17:27.139 --> 00:17:27.579 He 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:29.039 is near. 00:17:30.420 --> 00:17:30.859 Paul 00:17:30.859 --> 00:17:32.079 arcs us 00:17:32.079 --> 00:17:32.379 through 00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:33.220 all that he 00:17:33.220 --> 00:17:33.619 has taught 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:34.259 so far 00:17:34.259 --> 00:17:35.759 and he brings 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:36.259 us 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:37.680 to the 00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:38.079 simple 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:38.779 profundity 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.259 of verses 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:41.019 9 and 10. 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:42.279 There he says, 00:17:42.379 --> 00:17:42.819 because 00:17:42.819 --> 00:17:44.539 if you confess 00:17:44.539 --> 00:17:45.279 with your mouth 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:46.480 that Jesus 00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:47.039 is Lord 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:47.700 and believe 00:17:47.700 --> 00:17:48.299 in your heart 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:48.680 that God 00:17:48.680 --> 00:17:49.200 raised Him 00:17:49.200 --> 00:17:49.859 from the dead, 00:17:50.379 --> 00:17:50.619 you 00:17:50.619 --> 00:17:51.619 will 00:17:51.619 --> 00:17:52.419 be 00:17:52.419 --> 00:17:53.779 saved. 00:17:54.879 --> 00:17:55.639 For with the 00:17:55.639 --> 00:17:56.159 heart one 00:17:56.159 --> 00:17:56.699 believes 00:17:56.699 --> 00:17:57.479 and is justified 00:17:57.479 --> 00:17:58.739 and with the 00:17:58.739 --> 00:17:59.139 mouth 00:17:59.139 --> 00:18:00.779 one confesses 00:18:00.779 --> 00:18:02.199 and is saved. 00:18:03.899 --> 00:18:04.579 Sincerity 00:18:04.579 --> 00:18:05.199 of belief 00:18:05.199 --> 00:18:06.719 at the very 00:18:06.719 --> 00:18:07.459 core 00:18:07.459 --> 00:18:07.919 of 00:18:07.919 --> 00:18:08.699 your 00:18:08.699 --> 00:18:09.659 being. 00:18:10.719 --> 00:18:11.399 Believing 00:18:11.399 --> 00:18:12.239 something is 00:18:12.239 --> 00:18:13.039 true 00:18:13.039 --> 00:18:13.919 and then living 00:18:13.919 --> 00:18:14.479 in light 00:18:14.479 --> 00:18:15.099 of that truth 00:18:15.099 --> 00:18:16.439 and confession 00:18:16.439 --> 00:18:17.939 with your mouth 00:18:17.940 --> 00:18:19.299 the initial 00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:20.000 evidence 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:20.779 of your 00:18:20.779 --> 00:18:21.279 belief 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:22.380 that Jesus 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:23.600 is God. 00:18:23.700 --> 00:18:24.220 He is 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:24.960 who He 00:18:24.960 --> 00:18:25.620 said He 00:18:25.620 --> 00:18:26.180 is. 00:18:26.440 --> 00:18:26.920 He is 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:27.420 who God 00:18:27.420 --> 00:18:27.980 the Father 00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:29.140 said He 00:18:29.140 --> 00:18:29.980 is. 00:18:30.600 --> 00:18:31.059 And that His 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:31.620 resurrection 00:18:31.620 --> 00:18:32.820 is factual 00:18:32.820 --> 00:18:33.480 and it 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:34.160 validates 00:18:34.160 --> 00:18:34.380 His 00:18:34.380 --> 00:18:34.880 completed 00:18:34.880 --> 00:18:35.840 work 00:18:35.840 --> 00:18:37.259 is the 00:18:37.259 --> 00:18:37.700 work 00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:39.299 of faith. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:40.519 Believing 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:41.000 in your heart, 00:18:41.140 --> 00:18:41.660 confessing 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:42.420 with your 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:42.700 mouth 00:18:42.700 --> 00:18:43.420 is the 00:18:43.420 --> 00:18:43.840 work 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:45.340 of faith 00:18:45.340 --> 00:18:45.779 and the 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:46.220 means 00:18:46.220 --> 00:18:46.740 and the 00:18:46.740 --> 00:18:47.460 only 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:48.279 means 00:18:48.279 --> 00:18:48.839 through 00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:49.019 which 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:49.440 God 00:18:49.440 --> 00:18:50.339 saves 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:51.480 sinners. 00:18:52.860 --> 00:18:53.559 And this 00:18:53.559 --> 00:18:53.880 is not 00:18:53.880 --> 00:18:54.279 meant to 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:54.680 be 00:18:54.680 --> 00:18:55.740 formulaic. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:56.420 Paul is 00:18:56.420 --> 00:18:57.220 not laying 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:57.799 out a 00:18:57.799 --> 00:18:58.360 rubric 00:18:58.360 --> 00:18:58.779 for us 00:18:58.779 --> 00:18:59.059 that we 00:18:59.059 --> 00:18:59.539 must go 00:18:59.539 --> 00:18:59.759 through 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:00.200 in order 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:00.860 to be 00:19:00.860 --> 00:19:01.100 saved. 00:19:01.160 --> 00:19:01.400 It is 00:19:01.400 --> 00:19:01.579 just 00:19:01.579 --> 00:19:01.980 rather 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:02.240 an 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:03.000 explanation 00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:04.059 of 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:04.539 faith. 00:19:05.360 --> 00:19:05.920 Believing 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:06.420 in your 00:19:06.420 --> 00:19:06.759 heart, 00:19:07.120 --> 00:19:07.660 grasping 00:19:07.660 --> 00:19:08.360 hold of 00:19:08.360 --> 00:19:09.039 the reality 00:19:09.039 --> 00:19:09.380 of who 00:19:09.380 --> 00:19:09.660 Jesus 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:10.220 is 00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:10.600 and 00:19:10.600 --> 00:19:10.759 what 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:10.920 He 00:19:10.920 --> 00:19:11.160 has 00:19:11.160 --> 00:19:12.120 accomplished 00:19:12.120 --> 00:19:13.200 and 00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:14.360 evidencing 00:19:14.360 --> 00:19:15.299 that that's 00:19:15.299 --> 00:19:15.660 true. 00:19:15.660 --> 00:19:16.700 confessing 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:17.320 with your 00:19:17.320 --> 00:19:17.540 mouth 00:19:17.540 --> 00:19:17.900 that He 00:19:17.900 --> 00:19:18.380 is 00:19:18.380 --> 00:19:18.800 in 00:19:18.800 --> 00:19:19.460 fact 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:19.840 who 00:19:19.840 --> 00:19:20.120 He 00:19:20.120 --> 00:19:20.540 said 00:19:20.540 --> 00:19:21.460 He 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:21.940 is. 00:19:23.460 --> 00:19:24.220 It's an 00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:24.540 explanation 00:19:24.540 --> 00:19:25.080 of faith. 00:19:25.940 --> 00:19:26.259 And it's 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:26.720 not a 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:27.200 lifelong 00:19:27.200 --> 00:19:28.400 labor. 00:19:29.400 --> 00:19:30.340 It sets 00:19:30.340 --> 00:19:30.779 us on a 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:31.259 course where 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:31.680 we must 00:19:31.680 --> 00:19:32.960 now earn 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:33.540 God's 00:19:33.540 --> 00:19:34.080 favor. 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:35.560 It's a 00:19:35.560 --> 00:19:36.200 liberating 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:37.300 hope. 00:19:38.220 --> 00:19:38.640 It sets 00:19:38.640 --> 00:19:39.440 us free 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:40.340 from the 00:19:40.340 --> 00:19:41.600 law for 00:19:41.600 --> 00:19:42.720 righteousness. 00:19:43.759 --> 00:19:44.080 We're still 00:19:44.080 --> 00:19:44.440 given the 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:45.019 moral law 00:19:45.019 --> 00:19:45.480 as a 00:19:45.480 --> 00:19:45.960 guide for 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:46.279 us that 00:19:46.279 --> 00:19:46.559 we might 00:19:46.559 --> 00:19:47.039 grow in 00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:47.420 holiness, 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:48.059 but it 00:19:48.059 --> 00:19:48.480 is not 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:49.660 for our 00:19:49.660 --> 00:19:50.160 standing 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:51.539 before God. 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:52.299 When we 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:52.579 become 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:53.039 Christians, 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:53.319 we're 00:19:53.319 --> 00:19:54.180 changed in 00:19:54.180 --> 00:19:54.980 kind. 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:55.559 We're 00:19:55.559 --> 00:19:55.920 those who 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:56.240 will stand 00:19:56.240 --> 00:19:56.819 before Him 00:19:56.819 --> 00:19:57.319 in judgment 00:19:57.319 --> 00:19:58.039 and He 00:19:58.039 --> 00:19:58.420 will say 00:19:58.420 --> 00:19:58.799 of us, 00:19:58.879 --> 00:19:59.299 well done, 00:19:59.359 --> 00:19:59.720 my good 00:19:59.720 --> 00:20:00.359 and faithful 00:20:00.359 --> 00:20:00.740 servant, 00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:01.359 because we're 00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:02.420 clothed in 00:20:02.420 --> 00:20:02.980 the righteousness 00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:04.139 of Christ. 00:20:05.460 --> 00:20:05.700 You've 00:20:05.700 --> 00:20:05.879 heard me 00:20:05.879 --> 00:20:06.579 talk at 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:07.019 length 00:20:07.019 --> 00:20:07.660 about 00:20:07.660 --> 00:20:08.039 double 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:08.639 imputation 00:20:08.639 --> 00:20:09.319 and I 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:09.619 think it's 00:20:09.619 --> 00:20:10.240 so important. 00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:10.619 That's why 00:20:10.619 --> 00:20:11.099 I say it 00:20:11.099 --> 00:20:12.339 so often. 00:20:12.339 --> 00:20:13.439 That is 00:20:13.439 --> 00:20:13.980 to say, 00:20:14.819 --> 00:20:15.359 believing in 00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:15.819 the gospel 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:16.679 doesn't just 00:20:16.679 --> 00:20:17.199 forgive us 00:20:17.199 --> 00:20:17.720 our sin, 00:20:17.839 --> 00:20:19.000 which is so 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:19.759 incredibly 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:20.339 important. 00:20:20.699 --> 00:20:21.419 We need our 00:20:21.419 --> 00:20:23.299 record expunged 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:23.879 if we're not 00:20:23.879 --> 00:20:24.199 going to bear 00:20:24.199 --> 00:20:25.240 God's wrath 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:25.699 forever. 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:26.819 But not 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:27.819 only that, 00:20:28.079 --> 00:20:28.720 we need 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:29.939 the perfection 00:20:29.939 --> 00:20:31.319 that the law 00:20:31.319 --> 00:20:32.179 requires. 00:20:32.779 --> 00:20:33.339 And so we're 00:20:33.339 --> 00:20:34.159 granted that 00:20:34.159 --> 00:20:35.799 also in 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:36.279 Christ, 00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:37.559 the double 00:20:37.559 --> 00:20:38.259 trade, 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:38.799 right? 00:20:38.799 --> 00:20:39.980 Christ taking 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:40.759 away our 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:41.279 sin and 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:41.859 giving to 00:20:41.859 --> 00:20:43.180 us his 00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:44.359 righteousness. 00:20:44.919 --> 00:20:45.440 We need 00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:46.460 both things. 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:47.339 And if we 00:20:47.339 --> 00:20:48.119 only think 00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:48.559 that Christ 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:49.480 died to 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:50.139 expunge 00:20:50.139 --> 00:20:51.039 my sin, 00:20:51.559 --> 00:20:52.200 we often 00:20:52.200 --> 00:20:52.899 think that 00:20:52.899 --> 00:20:53.339 he expunged 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:53.799 my sin 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:54.619 past. 00:20:54.879 --> 00:20:55.240 And now 00:20:55.240 --> 00:20:55.659 it's up to 00:20:55.659 --> 00:20:56.099 me to 00:20:56.099 --> 00:20:56.419 live 00:20:56.419 --> 00:20:57.200 righteously, 00:20:57.759 --> 00:20:58.099 prove that 00:20:58.099 --> 00:20:58.579 I was worth 00:20:58.579 --> 00:20:58.740 it, 00:20:58.839 --> 00:20:58.980 right? 00:20:59.019 --> 00:20:59.279 Some kind 00:20:59.279 --> 00:20:59.740 of debtor's 00:20:59.740 --> 00:21:00.659 ethic kicks 00:21:00.659 --> 00:21:01.259 into our 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:02.220 minds. 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:03.759 And in 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.039 fact, 00:21:04.099 --> 00:21:04.599 he's also 00:21:04.599 --> 00:21:05.599 granted us 00:21:05.599 --> 00:21:06.519 his 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:06.899 righteousness. 00:21:07.180 --> 00:21:07.819 We are 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:08.720 declared 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:09.839 perfect 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:11.039 already. 00:21:11.659 --> 00:21:12.039 And this 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:12.639 becomes the 00:21:12.639 --> 00:21:13.720 impetus for, 00:21:13.939 --> 00:21:14.759 the power for, 00:21:14.960 --> 00:21:15.839 the foundation 00:21:15.839 --> 00:21:17.379 for righteous 00:21:17.379 --> 00:21:17.899 living, 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:18.519 right? 00:21:18.839 --> 00:21:19.559 I now 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:20.019 pursue 00:21:20.019 --> 00:21:20.480 righteousness 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:20.839 by the 00:21:20.839 --> 00:21:21.179 power of 00:21:21.179 --> 00:21:21.539 the Spirit 00:21:21.539 --> 00:21:23.480 of grateful 00:21:23.480 --> 00:21:24.559 heart. 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:25.700 I want 00:21:25.700 --> 00:21:26.859 to live 00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:27.279 a life 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:27.899 that honors 00:21:27.899 --> 00:21:28.399 my God 00:21:28.399 --> 00:21:28.980 because he 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:29.960 has declared 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:30.519 me 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:32.000 righteous. 00:21:33.419 --> 00:21:34.460 Charles Spurgeon 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:35.019 said this 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:35.779 of this text, 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:37.419 how very 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:38.380 simple. 00:21:39.320 --> 00:21:39.680 No 00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:40.259 climbing, 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:41.180 no diving, 00:21:41.539 --> 00:21:42.480 no imagining, 00:21:43.019 --> 00:21:44.060 no long 00:21:44.060 --> 00:21:44.900 reckoning of 00:21:44.900 --> 00:21:45.660 the understanding, 00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:47.460 no strangling 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:48.200 of the mental 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:49.019 faculties. 00:21:49.600 --> 00:21:50.440 It is just 00:21:50.440 --> 00:21:52.080 believe God's 00:21:52.080 --> 00:21:52.800 testimony 00:21:52.800 --> 00:21:53.500 concerning 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.620 his Son 00:21:54.620 --> 00:21:55.700 and thou 00:21:55.700 --> 00:21:56.320 shalt 00:21:56.320 --> 00:21:56.860 be 00:21:56.860 --> 00:21:58.340 saved. 00:21:59.800 --> 00:22:00.920 You need 00:22:00.920 --> 00:22:01.420 not be 00:22:01.420 --> 00:22:02.000 brilliant 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:03.080 to come 00:22:03.080 --> 00:22:03.620 to Christ. 00:22:03.619 --> 00:22:03.739 Christ. 00:22:04.539 --> 00:22:05.199 You need 00:22:05.199 --> 00:22:05.759 only to 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.299 recognize 00:22:06.299 --> 00:22:06.939 your 00:22:06.939 --> 00:22:08.019 transgression 00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:08.559 and your 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:09.259 need of 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:09.699 a Savior 00:22:09.699 --> 00:22:10.639 and then 00:22:10.639 --> 00:22:11.119 to believe 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:12.000 that Jesus 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:13.919 is that 00:22:13.919 --> 00:22:14.259 Savior. 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:15.899 We are 00:22:15.899 --> 00:22:16.319 justified 00:22:16.319 --> 00:22:17.619 by grace 00:22:17.619 --> 00:22:18.019 alone, 00:22:18.479 --> 00:22:19.179 through faith 00:22:19.179 --> 00:22:19.639 alone, 00:22:20.099 --> 00:22:20.899 in the person 00:22:20.899 --> 00:22:21.359 and work 00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:21.959 of Jesus 00:22:21.959 --> 00:22:22.500 Christ 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:23.719 alone. 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:25.860 I will 00:22:25.860 --> 00:22:26.140 read to 00:22:26.140 --> 00:22:26.579 you a 00:22:26.579 --> 00:22:27.299 poem. 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:28.240 I believe 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:28.700 the last 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:29.180 time I 00:22:29.180 --> 00:22:29.620 read this 00:22:29.620 --> 00:22:29.960 poem, 00:22:30.120 --> 00:22:30.539 I didn't 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:30.880 know who 00:22:30.880 --> 00:22:31.600 to attribute 00:22:31.600 --> 00:22:32.059 it to. 00:22:33.980 --> 00:22:34.600 I now 00:22:34.600 --> 00:22:35.360 know who 00:22:35.360 --> 00:22:35.660 to attribute 00:22:35.660 --> 00:22:35.799 it to. 00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:35.940 It is 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:36.100 called 00:22:36.100 --> 00:22:36.579 The Stairs 00:22:36.579 --> 00:22:37.400 and it is 00:22:37.400 --> 00:22:38.940 by Theodosia 00:22:38.940 --> 00:22:39.740 Pickering 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:40.799 Garrison. 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:41.539 It was 00:22:41.539 --> 00:22:42.000 written in 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:42.880 1907. 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:44.640 If this 00:22:44.640 --> 00:22:44.980 comes up 00:22:44.980 --> 00:22:45.460 familiar to 00:22:45.460 --> 00:22:45.600 you, 00:22:45.700 --> 00:22:46.079 now we 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:46.660 know who 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:47.100 actually 00:22:47.100 --> 00:22:48.339 wrote this 00:22:48.339 --> 00:22:48.539 poem. 00:22:48.620 --> 00:22:48.900 She wrote 00:22:48.900 --> 00:22:49.220 this. 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:51.100 Oh, 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:52.319 long and 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:52.900 dark, 00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:53.759 the stairs 00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:54.700 I trod, 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.059 with stumbling 00:22:56.059 --> 00:22:56.860 feet to 00:22:56.860 --> 00:22:57.940 find my 00:22:57.940 --> 00:22:58.360 God, 00:22:59.220 --> 00:22:59.799 gaining a 00:22:59.799 --> 00:23:00.519 foothold bit 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:01.140 by bit, 00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:01.759 then slipping 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:03.160 back and 00:23:03.160 --> 00:23:03.799 losing it. 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:05.640 There came 00:23:05.640 --> 00:23:06.100 a certain 00:23:06.100 --> 00:23:06.799 time when 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:07.759 I loosened 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:08.519 my hold 00:23:08.519 --> 00:23:09.039 and fell 00:23:09.039 --> 00:23:09.420 thereby, 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:11.019 down to 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:11.460 the lowest 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:12.059 step my 00:23:12.059 --> 00:23:12.720 fall as 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:13.600 if I had 00:23:13.600 --> 00:23:14.980 not climbed 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:15.799 at all. 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.259 And as 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:17.779 I lay, 00:23:18.380 --> 00:23:18.960 despairing 00:23:18.960 --> 00:23:19.299 there, 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:20.819 there came 00:23:20.819 --> 00:23:21.539 a footfall 00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:22.420 on the 00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:22.880 stairs, 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:24.600 and lo, 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:25.500 when hope 00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:26.079 had ceased 00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:26.539 to be, 00:23:27.240 --> 00:23:28.019 my God, 00:23:28.140 --> 00:23:29.240 this poem 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.299 of one 00:23:30.299 --> 00:23:30.640 who had 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:31.680 labored 00:23:31.680 --> 00:23:32.360 to find 00:23:32.360 --> 00:23:32.819 themselves 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:33.220 approved 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:33.779 before God 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:34.180 by their 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:34.900 own effort 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:35.559 and failed 00:23:35.559 --> 00:23:36.279 and failed 00:23:36.279 --> 00:23:36.900 and failed 00:23:36.900 --> 00:23:37.600 and came 00:23:37.600 --> 00:23:38.160 to a point 00:23:38.160 --> 00:23:39.579 of absolute 00:23:39.579 --> 00:23:41.759 despair. 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.700 I have 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:44.039 nothing, 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:44.819 I can do 00:23:44.819 --> 00:23:45.180 nothing, 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:46.120 which is a 00:23:46.120 --> 00:23:46.579 prerequisite 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.140 that we might 00:23:47.140 --> 00:23:47.539 be saved, 00:23:47.600 --> 00:23:47.799 that we 00:23:47.799 --> 00:23:48.140 would be 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:48.579 humble. 00:23:48.579 --> 00:23:49.179 I can 00:23:49.179 --> 00:23:49.639 add nothing 00:23:49.639 --> 00:23:50.019 to the 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:50.359 equation 00:23:50.359 --> 00:23:51.220 of my 00:23:51.220 --> 00:23:52.240 salvation 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:53.000 and God 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:53.939 becomes a 00:23:53.939 --> 00:23:54.359 man, 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:55.720 comes into 00:23:55.720 --> 00:23:56.220 a world, 00:23:56.359 --> 00:23:56.740 perfectly 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:57.259 keeps the 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:57.980 law on 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:58.539 our behalf, 00:23:58.879 --> 00:23:59.419 dies the 00:23:59.419 --> 00:23:59.839 death that 00:23:59.839 --> 00:24:01.039 we deserved, 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:02.059 doesn't stay 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:02.759 dead but is 00:24:02.759 --> 00:24:03.559 resurrected three 00:24:03.559 --> 00:24:04.039 days later, 00:24:04.119 --> 00:24:04.639 proving that he 00:24:04.639 --> 00:24:05.379 is in fact 00:24:05.379 --> 00:24:06.259 the Christ. 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:07.839 He is now 00:24:07.839 --> 00:24:08.439 ascended, 00:24:08.899 --> 00:24:09.439 seated at the 00:24:09.439 --> 00:24:09.859 right hand 00:24:09.859 --> 00:24:10.339 of God. 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:11.399 He intercedes 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:12.159 for his 00:24:12.159 --> 00:24:13.419 people and he 00:24:13.419 --> 00:24:14.439 reigns from 00:24:14.439 --> 00:24:16.099 that place. 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:17.879 one day 00:24:17.879 --> 00:24:19.480 he will be 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.000 told to get 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:20.480 up and come 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:21.059 back for his 00:24:21.059 --> 00:24:21.419 people. 00:24:22.980 --> 00:24:24.539 If we 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:25.539 are alive 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:26.079 in that day, 00:24:26.159 --> 00:24:26.679 we will join 00:24:26.679 --> 00:24:27.079 him in the 00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:27.279 air, 00:24:27.359 --> 00:24:27.899 he will judge 00:24:27.899 --> 00:24:28.179 all the 00:24:28.179 --> 00:24:28.619 peoples and 00:24:28.619 --> 00:24:29.000 he will make 00:24:29.000 --> 00:24:30.619 all things 00:24:30.619 --> 00:24:31.740 new. 00:24:33.119 --> 00:24:33.619 And it's 00:24:33.619 --> 00:24:34.399 because of 00:24:34.399 --> 00:24:36.039 that that we 00:24:36.039 --> 00:24:36.639 have hope 00:24:36.639 --> 00:24:37.619 in tired 00:24:37.619 --> 00:24:38.659 days. 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:40.419 On the 00:24:40.419 --> 00:24:40.919 final day 00:24:40.919 --> 00:24:41.299 when we 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:41.899 stand before 00:24:41.899 --> 00:24:42.619 God in 00:24:42.619 --> 00:24:42.980 judgment, 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:44.400 Paul tells 00:24:44.400 --> 00:24:44.720 us in 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:46.059 verse 11, 00:24:46.360 --> 00:24:46.720 for the 00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.400 scripture says, 00:24:47.460 --> 00:24:47.819 and here he 00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:48.900 is quoting 00:24:48.900 --> 00:24:49.839 Isaiah 28 00:24:49.839 --> 00:24:50.759 and verse 16, 00:24:50.940 --> 00:24:51.980 everyone who 00:24:51.980 --> 00:24:52.900 believes in 00:24:52.900 --> 00:24:53.920 him will 00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:54.880 not be put 00:24:54.880 --> 00:24:56.039 to shame. 00:24:57.140 --> 00:24:58.160 He goes on 00:24:58.160 --> 00:24:58.839 to tell us 00:24:58.839 --> 00:25:00.299 the extent 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:00.720 of the 00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:02.220 offer of 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:02.660 the gospel 00:25:02.660 --> 00:25:03.380 which we'll 00:25:03.380 --> 00:25:03.700 look at 00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:04.920 further next 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:05.240 week. 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:05.579 He has 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:06.559 stated 00:25:06.559 --> 00:25:07.860 precisely in 00:25:07.860 --> 00:25:08.240 his letter 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:08.900 that all, 00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:10.059 whether Jew 00:25:10.059 --> 00:25:10.860 or Greek, 00:25:11.120 --> 00:25:11.819 are saved 00:25:11.819 --> 00:25:12.400 by graceful 00:25:12.400 --> 00:25:12.640 and through 00:25:12.640 --> 00:25:12.940 faithful, 00:25:12.980 --> 00:25:13.140 alone, 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:13.380 and the 00:25:13.380 --> 00:25:13.720 completed 00:25:13.720 --> 00:25:14.360 person and 00:25:14.360 --> 00:25:14.779 work of 00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:15.720 Jesus Christ 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:16.660 alone. 00:25:17.599 --> 00:25:18.319 He said 00:25:18.319 --> 00:25:18.759 this before, 00:25:18.860 --> 00:25:19.299 but it 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:20.360 bears repeating, 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:21.740 especially as 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.799 he unfolds 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.880 God's purpose 00:25:23.880 --> 00:25:24.920 for Jews 00:25:24.920 --> 00:25:25.940 and Gentiles 00:25:25.940 --> 00:25:26.500 in chapters 00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:28.220 9 through 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:28.599 11. 00:25:29.120 --> 00:25:29.759 Whether 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:30.720 Jew 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:31.799 or Greek, 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:33.099 there is 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:34.299 no distinction, 00:25:34.640 --> 00:25:35.140 verse 12 00:25:35.140 --> 00:25:35.839 tells us, 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:36.920 for the same 00:25:36.920 --> 00:25:38.039 Lord is 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:38.960 Lord of 00:25:38.960 --> 00:25:39.740 all, 00:25:40.339 --> 00:25:40.640 bestowing 00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:41.220 his riches 00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:42.140 on all 00:25:42.140 --> 00:25:42.840 who call 00:25:42.840 --> 00:25:44.040 on him, 00:25:44.140 --> 00:25:44.360 that we 00:25:44.360 --> 00:25:44.640 would be 00:25:44.640 --> 00:25:45.940 saved, 00:25:46.100 --> 00:25:46.360 right, 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.480 for everyone 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.880 who calls 00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:49.280 on the 00:25:49.280 --> 00:25:50.280 name of 00:25:50.280 --> 00:25:50.660 the Lord. 00:25:50.740 --> 00:25:50.960 And that 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:51.200 is to 00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:51.420 say, 00:25:52.080 --> 00:25:52.660 the name 00:25:52.660 --> 00:25:52.860 of the 00:25:52.860 --> 00:25:52.960 Lord 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:53.340 represents 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:53.960 all that 00:25:53.960 --> 00:25:54.680 he is, 00:25:54.940 --> 00:25:55.960 cries out 00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:56.380 to him, 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:56.980 his person 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:57.440 and his 00:25:57.440 --> 00:25:57.800 work 00:25:57.800 --> 00:25:59.160 will 00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:00.360 be 00:26:00.360 --> 00:26:01.620 saved. 00:26:01.619 --> 00:26:03.619 God 00:26:03.619 --> 00:26:03.599 and 00:26:03.599 --> 00:26:04.359 so today, 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:05.019 if you 00:26:05.019 --> 00:26:05.759 have yet 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:06.319 to call 00:26:06.319 --> 00:26:07.159 on the 00:26:07.159 --> 00:26:07.479 name 00:26:07.479 --> 00:26:08.179 of the 00:26:08.179 --> 00:26:08.459 Lord, 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.799 do so. 00:26:11.619 --> 00:26:12.139 I feel 00:26:12.139 --> 00:26:12.579 like the 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:13.039 application 00:26:13.039 --> 00:26:13.599 is much 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:14.219 more complicated 00:26:14.219 --> 00:26:14.739 than that. 00:26:14.839 --> 00:26:15.579 There is 00:26:15.579 --> 00:26:15.919 a way 00:26:15.919 --> 00:26:16.239 to be 00:26:16.239 --> 00:26:16.699 saved, 00:26:17.059 --> 00:26:17.399 and it 00:26:17.399 --> 00:26:17.839 is by 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:18.699 grace 00:26:18.699 --> 00:26:18.939 through 00:26:18.939 --> 00:26:19.319 faith 00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:20.379 in 00:26:20.379 --> 00:26:20.779 Christ. 00:26:21.839 --> 00:26:22.139 Do 00:26:22.139 --> 00:26:22.479 not 00:26:22.479 --> 00:26:22.919 labor 00:26:22.919 --> 00:26:23.199 to 00:26:23.199 --> 00:26:23.799 save 00:26:23.799 --> 00:26:24.979 yourself, 00:26:25.579 --> 00:26:26.039 which 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:26.419 will end 00:26:26.419 --> 00:26:26.739 in your 00:26:26.739 --> 00:26:27.219 demise, 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:28.739 but throw 00:26:28.739 --> 00:26:29.179 yourself 00:26:29.180 --> 00:26:29.500 on the 00:26:29.500 --> 00:26:29.840 mercy 00:26:29.840 --> 00:26:30.440 of 00:26:30.440 --> 00:26:30.740 God. 00:26:31.820 --> 00:26:32.299 Confess 00:26:32.299 --> 00:26:32.620 with your 00:26:32.620 --> 00:26:33.060 mouth that 00:26:33.060 --> 00:26:33.480 Jesus is 00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:33.700 Lord, 00:26:33.820 --> 00:26:34.400 and believe 00:26:34.400 --> 00:26:34.920 in your 00:26:34.920 --> 00:26:35.480 heart that 00:26:35.480 --> 00:26:36.060 God raised 00:26:36.060 --> 00:26:37.420 him from 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:37.820 the dead. 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:39.880 If you 00:26:39.880 --> 00:26:40.720 have called 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:41.779 on the 00:26:41.779 --> 00:26:42.000 name of 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:42.380 the Lord, 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:44.080 do not 00:26:44.080 --> 00:26:44.680 lose hope. 00:26:45.860 --> 00:26:46.120 The 00:26:46.120 --> 00:26:46.880 gospel is 00:26:46.880 --> 00:26:47.420 the power 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:47.960 of God 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:48.759 for salvation, 00:26:49.320 --> 00:26:49.940 and we 00:26:49.940 --> 00:26:50.500 should be 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:51.360 proud of 00:26:51.360 --> 00:26:51.560 it. 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:52.440 We 00:26:52.440 --> 00:26:52.600 should 00:26:52.600 --> 00:26:52.900 believe 00:26:52.900 --> 00:26:53.100 it, 00:26:53.820 --> 00:26:54.120 we 00:26:54.120 --> 00:26:54.279 should 00:26:54.279 --> 00:26:54.680 cherish 00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:55.019 it, 00:26:55.420 --> 00:26:55.880 we 00:26:55.880 --> 00:26:56.080 should 00:26:56.080 --> 00:26:56.620 defend 00:26:56.620 --> 00:26:56.900 it, 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:57.640 and we 00:26:57.640 --> 00:26:58.320 should 00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.339 share 00:26:59.339 --> 00:26:59.619 it. 00:27:00.159 --> 00:27:00.599 For 00:27:00.599 --> 00:27:01.000 everyone 00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:01.299 who 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:01.859 believes 00:27:01.859 --> 00:27:02.259 in 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:02.559 him 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:02.960 will 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:03.359 not 00:27:03.359 --> 00:27:03.700 be 00:27:03.700 --> 00:27:03.960 put 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:05.119 to 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:05.399 shame. 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:08.299 I'm 00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:08.799 so very 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:09.200 glad 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:09.500 that we 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:09.919 have 00:27:09.919 --> 00:27:11.099 this 00:27:11.099 --> 00:27:11.419 letter 00:27:11.419 --> 00:27:11.659 that 00:27:11.659 --> 00:27:11.980 Paul 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.339 wrote 00:27:12.339 --> 00:27:13.139 under 00:27:13.139 --> 00:27:13.799 inspiration 00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:14.619 to the 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:14.859 Roman 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:15.480 believers 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.839 here in 00:27:16.839 --> 00:27:17.139 front of 00:27:17.139 --> 00:27:17.419 us for 00:27:17.419 --> 00:27:17.740 our 00:27:17.740 --> 00:27:18.179 benefit 00:27:18.179 --> 00:27:19.220 today.