"Beloved of God, called to be saints." Romans 1:7

GOD'S RELATIONSHIP WITH US

How wonderful it is to know that God wishes to relate to sinful mankind at all. Even more amazing is the fact that He has such a tender regard for those who are His. Paul warmly described the way God relates to His people.

"To all who are in Rome, beloved of God,
called to be saints: Grace to you and peace
from God our Father and the LordJesus Christ."
Romans 1:7

1. Who are those who made up the church in Rome?

Broadly speaking, we may identify the following two groups:-

a) Jews

b) Gentiles

2. Israel's privileged heritage

Israel had a very special heritage. Tender words like these were used time and again in the Old Testament Scriptures. For example,

"Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honoured,
And I have loved you."
Isaiah 43:4

3. A special favour extended to Gentles

When Paul used the word "all" he had in mind both Jews and Gentiles! Imagine the joy of the Gentiles to read these precious words.

a) "Beloved of God"

What a precious term of endearment! This term was tenderly used by the Lord to faithful Daniel (Cf. Daniel 10:11, 19 "greatly beloved"). Imagine this term used to describe all believers!

b) "Called to be saints"

The word "saints" simply means "holy ones". In God's sight, those who had come to have faith in the Lord Jesus were "saints".

i) Sainthood is not something that we achieve because of great personal merit!

ii) Believers are called "saints" because they have been saved and sanctified by the Lord Jesus!

c) "Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"

How wonderful it is to know that both grace and peace are given to all believers!