From the MLJ Archive

Romans 1:6-7 — Why does God love people? Many believe He loves those who do good. This belief stems from the idea that one must first change and then God will love them. Is His loved based on human ability to change? In this sermon on Romans 1:6–7 titled “The Called of Jesus Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains that God’s love is not contingent on the person changing, but just the opposite. That change is based on God’s love. Christians are not those who are earning love from God, but rather Christians are those who already are loved by God. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that God loves His people in the same way He loves His Son. This love is based purely on His grace and it’s a love that has the power to change. Because of His love, Christians are called the beloved; they are called saints. The motivation to change is no longer based upon human hope that God might accept them. The motivation to change now comes from the call: “Be who you are.” If Christians are indeed the beloved of God, let them display it. If they are indeed saints, let them show that they are saints. Christians are who they are by grace and distinct from the world, that they may glorify God.