This verse follows one of the most explicit statements explaining that salvation is by faith and not works in the Bible (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are saved by Christ’s righteousness and not our own, and yet we are called to […]

  This verse is situated in the midst of Paul’s long discussion of the role of Israel in the story of salvation. His central point in this verse is that belief and confession of faith in Jesus Christ are both […]

  The book of James is best understood as wisdom literature, and here it is trials themselves that lead to wisdom. Hence trials and tests are not only something that should not be a source of complaining, but they should […]

  Psalm 105 is a historical song that recounts the mighty acts of God from the time of the patriarchs to the entrance to the promised land. The central theme of the song is God’s faithfulness to his covenant promises. […]

  This verse contains the “Great commission” which Jesus gave to the disciples to build the Church. Its four imperatives (go, make disciples, baptize, and verse 20’s teach) ground the mission of the Church to this day. The word for […]

  In this penultimate stanza of Psalm 119’s magnificent tribute to the Law of God, the psalmist assumes an overwhelmingly personal tone. In these verses, the psalmist’s “heart trembles” at the law (161), its promises cause him to “rejoice” (162), […]