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The Bible has a story line. It traces an
unfolding drama. The story follows the history of Israel, but it
does not begin there, nor does it contain what you would expect
in a national history. The narrative does not pay tribute to
Israel. Rather, it regularly condemns Israel and justifies God’s
severest judgments. The story is God’s story. It describes His
work to rescue rebels from their folly, guilt, and ruin. And in
His rescue operation, God always takes the initiative. [11]
Faith wins when it knows that all is lost, and
clings to God alone. [73]
The jealous love of marital devotion is given
by God Himself as a pattern of the love of His covenant. Marital
faithfulness would, of course, strengthen family life in Israel
when God’s commandment was obeyed. Yet that command always
pointed beyond itself to the faithful love of God for His
people, and His call for their jealous devotion in return. [104]
The salvation that is ours in Christ is not
just a restoration to innocence, with the debt of sin cancelled.
Far less is it a second chance to earn our own salvation by
having our slate wiped clean. What we receive in Christ is His
righteousness; we are adopted into the perfect sonship of the
second Adam and the true Israel. [105]
God showed Israel their own helplessness in
order that they might find Him to be their help in every
distress. [117]
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