Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the glorious distinction of believers. So of Israel (Deuteronomy 33:4). God's love the origin of believers' salvation (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4; 1 John 3:1). God has a common love to all men (Deuteronomy 10:18; John 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:11; Titus 3:4); a special love to believers (1 John 3:1; Jeremiah 31:3; Ephesians 1:3-6; Ephesians 2:4-8). This special love is seen in making them His people and blessing them as such. This love is — I. DISTINGUISHING (1 Corinthians 4:7; Romans 8:28, 29). II. FREE AND SPONTANEOUS (Ephesians 1:2-6; Ephesians 2:4). III. UNCHANGING AND EVERLASTING (John 13:1; Jeremiah 31:3; Isaiah 54:10). IV. INFINITELY COSTLY (Zechariah 13:7; Isaiah 53:6, 10; Romans 8:32). V. OPERATIVE AND EFFICACIOUS (2 Thessalonians 2:16 2 Timothy 1:9). VI. ALL-CONQUERING (Psalm 110:3; Romans 8:30, 35-39). VII. EXISTING IN AND FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST (Romans 8:39; Ephesians 1:8, 6; John 17:23). To be beloved of God is a creature's highest blessedness, secures every blessing, and, when realised, is bliss itself (Psalm 63:3; Psalm 30:5; Song of Solomon 1:2). (T. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
    |