Ep. 154 – While we were still sinners…
In this episode of Focused on Christ, host Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith dive into Romans 5, a chapter that Mike credits with revolutionizing his understanding of the Gospel. They explore the profound shift from a legalistic, performance-based faith to a life grounded in the unassailable security of Christ’s work.
Key Discussion Points:
- Peace and Access: Discover how justification provides both judicial peace (legal standing before God) and relational peace, granting us bold access to the Father.
- Purpose in Suffering: Why does Paul link salvation to suffering? The duo discusses how our security in Christ allows us to rejoice in trials, knowing God is using them to produce endurance, character, and hope.
- The Two Adams: Nathan breaks down the “linguistic density” of Paul’s comparison between Adam and Christ. If one man’s sin could bring death to all, how much more can the infinite Son of God bring eternal life?.
- God’s Initiating Love: A powerful reminder that God is moved by His love for us, not our love for Him. He went to the cross while we were still “scoundrels” and enemies in active rebellion.”Salvation that is bound up in our nature sounds like you, you, you… Salvation that is bound up in the nature of Christ and God sounds like he, he, he.”
About Focused on ChristFocused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church, dedicated to exalting Christ and equipping the church.