Theology / Man and Sin

  • Perfect Obedience

    Romans 5:18-19

    Paul’s comparisons of our unions with Adam and Christ show us how wrong we are in our tendency to think that some goodness in us motivated God to save us. We were lost, justly condemned. But God saved us ...Read More

  • Our First Federal Head

    Romans 5:13-14

    Federalism, Boice says, is “a proof of God’s grace,” for while the failure of our first federal head brought terrible results, federalism “was the only way it would later be possible for God to save us once we had ...Read More

  • Our Union with Adam

    Romans 5:12

    Because Adam did not represent us well, we tend to grumble that God so worked. But we must be careful here, for our salvation is based on the perfect obedience of yet another representative—Christ. Continue to study through the ...Read More

  • An Informed Conscience

    Jeremiah 3:1-5

    How is your conscience? Is it saturated with Biblical wisdom, able to guide you in times of moral murk? Or is it seared, providing no direction whatsoever? If you have not done so, make a commitment today to spend regular ...Read More

  • The Law on the Heart

    Romans 2:12-16

    The fact that God’s standards were written on your heart means you knew God’s law even before you knew Him. The same is true for all people. Never hesitate to proclaim the high moral standards of God. Some ...Read More

  • A Way for Sinners

    Romans 3:21-26

    We speak of God’s dilemma in this study. Of course, God cannot really experience a dilemma, for He is sovereign and unhindered. His plan of redemption is not a plan B in response to man’s surprising behavior. Rather ...Read More

  • The Need for Faith

    Romans 3:10-20

    John Calvin said the law of God is a mirror to reveal our sin and drive us to Christ. It is more than a list of do’s and don’ts designed to show us how to obey God. Think ...Read More

  • Sins Uncovered

    John 8:1-11

    Did Jesus see repentance in the woman’s heart? Like the woman, our sins are known by Christ and will not be hidden when we stand before Him. But He is compassionate toward those who trust in Him. If you ...Read More

  • The Unpardonable Sin

    Matthew 12:22–32

    Are you afraid that you’ve committed the unpardonable sin? If you are concerned about it, you can be assured that you haven’t committed it. Have you purposely called the work of the Holy Spirit the work of the ...Read More

  • Testifying of God’s Mercy

    Psalm 51

    Read John 4:1–42. What did the woman do when she heard that Jesus was the Messiah? What was the result of her testimony? Do you feel compelled to tell others of the mercy of Christ? Think through your ...Read More

  • God and Human Freedom

    John 19

    Read Acts 27. How is God’s sovereign providence revealed in this incident? Paul assures the men that they would be saved, but he also stresses their responsibility in verse 31. What does this teach you about your own freedom ...Read More

  • God and Sin

    James 1

    Think of a time in your life when you sinned and later saw how God brought good out of your sinful actions. Does God’s sovereign control in permitting your sin excuse your sin? How are you comforted knowing God ...Read More

  • Keeping Watch

    Psalm 39

    Do you keep watch over your life daily? List areas where you are most prone to temptation. Beside this list write out situations that are most likely to introduce such temptations. Ask God to help you watch for and guard ...Read More

  • Sin and Judgment

    Psalm 38

    Spend some time today and through the weekend confessing your sins before God. Be specific. Recognize that you deserve God’s disciplines in your life and praise Him for the mercy He has extended to you. Thank Him for Christ ...Read More

  • Suffering in the Spirit

    Romans 8:18–30

    How long has it been since you experienced any of the groaning Paul refers to in Romans 7 and 8? Is it possible that you have allowed your conscience to become hardened to your own waywardness? Ask the Lord to ...Read More