Romans 9:25 | Called Beloved
As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
Romans 9:25 ESV
As Paul addresses the identity of God’s people in Romans 9, he quotes a passage from Hosea 2, reminding us that it is God who redeems us to his heart.
One fundamental principle I try to address as much as possible is that religiosity never gets us close enough to God to experience freedom. Religion keeps many people near enough proximity to God that they feel self-righteous, but it keeps us far enough away that we don’t experience God’s love and power.
Religiosity kicks in the strongest when we feel like we have failed God. When we recognize our inadequacy, we are tempted to engage in self-reform to make ourselves presentable to God. Maybe this is just something that I struggle with, but for some reason, my sin and failure are the first things to drive me to religious performance.
Freedom is found when we turn to God and receive his gift of grace. There is nothing more to the gospel story than a God who steps into our darkness to offer us undeserved freedom.
That is why this quote from Romans and Hosea is so powerful. God reminds us that while we were “not beloved” and “not his people,” he calls us “my beloved child” all the same.
Abiding is broken and diluted by religious striving, but the one who abides in Christ will soon discover the capacity to out-serve the most religiously zealous. I’m convinced that learning our identity in Christ is the most fundamental and transformative aspect of abiding. When we understand who we are in Christ, we can step into freedom.
One piece of that heavenly identity is that you are beloved by God. Perhaps you can scarcely believe it, but I want to invite you by the Spirit to listen and receive this promise. As God calls you his beloved, he will both point out your offenses and sins and graciously uncover the beauty of how he created you. Would you surrender and submit to his leadership in your life today? Join me in waiting before the Lord as he renews our souls.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 ESV
Abiding happens daily in his presence. Abiding Daily is a simple and practical reminder to stay connected to the vine. Each prompt is inspired from the scriptures and designed to point you toward prayer and encounter. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To get the Daily Invitation sent to you every day click this link or text “Daily” to +1 (779) 237-3914.
