Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (3) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
Romans 1:1-3

Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (3)
The good news that Paul preached could naturally be announced only after Jesus' death. His resurrection and ascension. In the Old Testament scriptures, however, it had already been promised.
In His plan, God had determined to send His Son as Saviour already before the foundation of the world (cf. 1 Peter 1:19-20). The long period between the fall of the first human couple and the coming of Jesus to earth had a particular purpose. People had to recognise that they needed salvation from their sins and also from the power of sin. Whoever confessed to God in the Old Testament era that he had no standing before Him because of his sins, could rest on God's indications that he Himself would send the Saviour.
Already in the garden of Eden, God had told the devil (the serpent) that the seed of the woman would "bruise his head", while the aged, patient Job knew that his "Redeemer lives" (Genesis 3:15; Job 19:25).
Nor could any of the other Old Testament believers look back on the work of redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ. They did not know the full blessing that that work would bring with it. But by faith they anticipated the promised Redeemer. Thus they were also saved by Christ and His blood (cf. Hebrews 11:13-16 & 39 - 40).
Now, however, the Son of God had come; His work of redemption was accomplished. So Paul could preach the good news in its full import.
(to be continued next Sunday)
Today's reading: 1 Kings 5