God Always Loves His Own

February 2023 – Grace & Truth Magazine

God Always Loves His Own

It is very good to read the Bible each day in an organized manner, so that what is read one day builds on or flows from the day before. Doing so prayerfully can provide us with numerous nuggets of truth, which should cause our relationship with God to grow.

Many things in the Bible are easily understood; other points or subjects may seem more challenging to understand. Personal study and help from those who accurately explain Scripture can help us grasp what is written (2 Tim. 2:15; Neh. 8:8). We see the Lord explaining portions of the Old Testament to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk. 24:27). Various Bible helps can be a blessing; but we must be discerning, making sure that what is said is accurate according to the Word of God (Acts 17:11). Scripture really does interpret itself, and the Holy Spirit is willing and ready to teach us all things (Jn. 14:26). The Bible is absolutely God’s Word! He is able to explain it to us.

As we carefully read the Bible we see that God dealt with His people differently during various periods, and He will do so in the time yet to come. The periods are distinct in their characteristics and interactions. For example, God’s dealings with mankind from the middle of Exodus through the Gospels were focused on the nation of Israel and centered on the law. Following that period we see God’s grace as being prominent, from Acts 2 and on into much of Revelation. Looking at these things we should realize that the nation of Israel and the Church are distinct entities. This is different from what is often taught now among Christians, suggesting that the Church is simply an extension of Israel of old. Such errant teaching causes much confusion among believers.

Regardless of the time period, God will always love His people. Mankind’s entrance into a relationship with Him, to enjoy His love, has always been through faith. We see this particularly in Hebrews 11, but it is presented throughout Scripture. “The just shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4 nkjv, see Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). Faith is the key for salvation in any period of time (consider Rom. 4) and is manifested, or displayed, by our obedience, as the book of James shows. God was able to open the way because of His Son giving Himself at Calvary. All glory belongs to Him!

By Paul Alberts