by Jamie Pantastico | May 18, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
“that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” — Titus 3:7
This powerful verse doesn’t stand alone—it flows directly from one of the clearest presentations of the gospel in Paul’s pastoral epistles. To fully grasp the weight of Titus 3:7, we must look at what comes before it:
“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.”
“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,”
“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,”
“whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,”
— Titus 3:3–6
From Ruin to Redemption
Paul reminds us of what we once were—completely lost. Not just imperfect people making mistakes, but spiritually dead in disobedience and deception. Slaves to sin, filled with envy, and far from God. But then, in one of the most hope-filled transitions in all of Scripture, Paul writes:
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared…”
God didn’t save us because we cleaned ourselves up. He didn’t wait for us to prove ourselves. He saved us out of sheer mercy. It wasn’t “by works of righteousness” (v.5). It was His mercy, expressed through regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit—a complete transformation from the inside out.
Justified by Grace
Then we arrive at verse 7:
“that having been justified by His grace…”
Justification is a legal term. It means to be declared righteous before God. This declaration doesn’t come through effort, obedience, or law-keeping. It comes by grace—God’s unmerited favor, poured out because of what Christ accomplished on the cross.
This aligns perfectly with Paul’s message in Romans 3:24:
“being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Heirs According to the Hope of Eternal Life
But justification isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new one. Once justified, we become heirs. That means full adoption into God’s family with a guaranteed inheritance. What is that inheritance?
“according to the hope of eternal life.”
Eternal life is not just quantity—it’s quality. It’s not just living forever, but living forever with God, in perfect righteousness and joy. And this “hope” isn’t a wish—it’s a confident expectation because it’s based on the promises of a faithful God.
Paul uses the same phrase in Titus 1:2:
“in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.”
Takeaway for the Believer Today
If you’ve trusted in the finished work of Christ—His death for your sins, His burial, and His resurrection—you are justified by grace. You are no longer under wrath, no longer an outsider, no longer a slave to sin. You are an heir, and your inheritance is eternal life in glory.
Don’t let the world—or religion—confuse you. You are saved not by works, but by grace. And the life you now live is rooted in a sure hope, not in constant striving or fearful doubt.
Are You Walking in the Confidence of Grace?
The world needs more believers who rest in the finished work of Christ—who walk in the calm assurance of justification and the joy of their inheritance. This isn’t arrogance; it’s faith.
Let this truth sink in:
- You are justified.
- You are an heir.
- You have the hope of eternal life—because God said so.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Romans 5:1
by Jamie Pantastico | May 15, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
God’s Plan Through Israel and the Church – Part 7
For Your Edification and Encouragement
As Israel settled in the land and became a nation, God raised up prophets—men who were called to remind the people of their covenant, rebuke their sin, and foretell the coming King and Kingdom.
The prophets are essential to God’s plan. Through them, God reveals His intentions not just for Israel, but for the whole world—through Israel’s rise, not her fall.
The Davidic Covenant: A Forever King
“Your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.”
— 2 Samuel 7:16
God made a covenant with David that his throne would be eternal and that his descendant would rule forever. This is the foundation for the Messianic hope—a literal King ruling from Jerusalem over a literal Kingdom.
The Prophets Foretold a Glorious Kingdom
- Isaiah 9:6–7: “Unto us a Child is born… the government will be upon His shoulder… of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.”
- Jeremiah 23:5–6: “I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness… He shall reign as King and execute judgment.”
- Ezekiel 37:24–25: “David My servant shall be king over them… and they shall dwell in the land I have given to Jacob.”
Peace on Earth—Through Israel’s King
The prophets described a time when:
‘And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be— “The Lord is one,” And His name one.’
Zechariah 14:9
- The nations would stream to Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2–4)
- Swords would be beaten into plowshares
- The wolf would lie down with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6–9)
- The knowledge of the Lord would cover the earth (Habakkuk 2:14)
All of this is tied to the promised King—the Messiah—reigning from David’s throne in Jerusalem.
Why This Matters
The prophets never spoke of a spiritual, symbolic Kingdom in heaven. They spoke of a literal, earthly Kingdom with Israel restored and exalted among the nations. This Kingdom is not the Church—it’s still future.
Understanding these promises helps us see:
- The Bible’s unified message: God’s redemptive plan flows through Israel.
- That God keeps His promises literally.
That Jesus is the promised King, but the Kingdom is yet to come.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 14, 2025 | Romans 8 - A Chapter of Victory, Assurance, and Glory |
Focus Verse
Romans 8:31
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Devotional Insight
What an incredible promise: God is for us. But let’s be clear—this doesn’t mean that believers are promised a life free from suffering, danger, or opposition.
The Apostle Paul, who wrote these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, endured unimaginable hardship for the sake of the Gospel (see 2 Corinthians 11:24–28). He was beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and constantly in peril—yet he confidently declared, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
That’s the key: our confidence isn’t rooted in circumstances—it’s rooted in Christ.
This same pattern is seen throughout Scripture. Hebrews 11 speaks of faithful believers who accomplished mighty victories through faith—“subdued kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions”—but it also tells of those who suffered, were tortured, mocked, and killed, “that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35).
Being a child of God doesn’t mean we are immune to the pain of this world. It means that even in the fire, even in the trial, we are never alone. Nothing and no one can ultimately stand against those who belong to Christ. Not because we’re strong—but because He is.
God’s love, His calling, and His eternal purposes are unstoppable. And that’s what Romans 8:31 assures us of: whatever we face, no enemy can triumph over the one whom God has justified and glorified. The powers of darkness may touch the body, but they cannot touch the soul—for we are eternally secure in Him.
So when hardship comes—and it will—remember this unshakable truth:
God is for you. Who can possibly stand against that?
Reading Plan
- 2 Corinthians 11:24–28 — Paul’s sufferings as a servant of Christ
- Hebrews 11:33–38 — The victories and the sufferings of faithful believers
- Matthew 10:28 — Jesus’ warning and comfort about the fear of man
- Romans 8:28–39 — The unstoppable love and purpose of God for His people
A Word of Encouragement
No matter what trial, persecution, or loss you may face, you are never alone. God is not only with you—He is for you. Let that promise silence fear and anchor your heart. You belong to Him, and He will carry you through.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 13, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
God’s Plan Through Israel and the Church – Part 6
For Your Edification and Encouragement
After calling Abraham, God began to form a new race of people—a nation for Himself. These people would come from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They would be God’s earthly people, set apart from all the nations.
“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”
— Deuteronomy 7:6
Not Because of Greatness—But Because of Love
“The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people… but because the Lord loves you…”
— Deuteronomy 7:7–8
God didn’t choose Israel because they were mighty or righteous. He chose them because of His love and sovereign purpose. He had a plan—and it would unfold through this people.
You might ask, “If God chose Israel, does that mean He doesn’t love the rest of us?”
Absolutely not.
God is sovereign—He can do whatever He wants. And in His perfect plan, He chose to reveal Himself through one nation, Israel, but He also made provision to save the whole world. Today, in this age of grace, anyone—Jew or Gentile—can be saved by believing the gospel. That’s it.
‘But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ‘
Ephesians 2:4-5
“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself…”
— 2 Corinthians 5:19
Even when we were lost in sin, God loved us. He sent His Son to die in our place, pay the debt we could never pay, and reconcile us to Himself—so He could pour out His grace upon all who believe.
🕊️ No rituals. No religious system.
✝️ Just faith in the finished work of Christ.
That’s the power of God’s grace.
Israel Was to Be a Kingdom of Priests
“And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
— Exodus 19:6
Israel’s ultimate role was to be a light to the Gentiles, to mediate the knowledge of the one true God to the world. Though that role is postponed because they’re unbelief that Jesus was indeed the Christ, it will be fulfilled in the future Kingdom when Israel takes her place as the head of the nations (Isaiah 2:1–3).
The Mosaic Covenant: A National Constitution
At Mount Sinai, God gave Israel the Law—not as a means of salvation, but as a way to govern the nation and prepare them for their Kingdom role. This included:
- The Ten Commandments
- Ceremonial law (sacrifices, feasts, priesthood)
- Civil law (judgments, national structure)
This covenant was conditional: blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). But it never replaced the Abrahamic Covenant, which was unconditional.
Why This Matters
From this point in Scripture (Exodus onward), God deals exclusively with Israel. Gentiles are strangers to the covenants (Ephesians 2:11–12). Until Paul, God works through Israel alone—with very rare exceptions (e.g., Rahab, Ruth, Naaman, Cornelius). From Abraham to Paul, 2000 years, there were only 9 Gentiles saved.
Israel is central to:
- The giving of the Law
- The priesthood and tabernacle
- The promise of the Messiah
- The future earthly Kingdom
God’s plan is moving forward—not through the Gentiles, and not through the Church—but through Israel.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 13, 2025 | Daily Encouragement |
Introduction: Historical and Prophetic Background of Psalm 83
- Author: Asaph (Levite, prophet, and worship leader under King David)
- Date Written: ~1000–950 BC
- Audience: The nation of Israel
- Purpose: A national plea for divine intervention against a hostile alliance
Psalm 83 is the final song in the collection attributed to Asaph (Psalms 73–83). It captures a time when Israel faced the threat of annihilation by a confederation of neighboring enemies. While there is no historical record of all ten listed nations uniting in one war, the psalm reflects the ongoing, surrounding hostility Israel endured during the early monarchy—and may prophetically speak to a future attempt to erase Israel from existence.
This psalm is not only a prayer for deliverance but also a prophetic foreshadowing of end-time opposition against Israel, reminding readers:
“That they may know that You, whose name alone is the Lord, Are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalm 83:18)
Psalm 83: A Timeless Warning Against the Enemies of Israel
Psalm 83 is not merely a historical lament—it is an eternal warning. It was true in Asaph’s day (3000 years ago), and it’s still true now. This psalm reveals Satan’s relentless strategy: eliminate Israel to thwart God’s promises. No Israel, no King. No King, no Kingdom. That’s the aim behind every alliance, resolution, protest, or policy that seeks to weaken or erase the Jewish nation. The confederacy of nations listed in Psalm 83—Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and others—may have ancient names, but their modern counterparts are very much alive and conspiring today. These enemies haven’t disappeared; they’ve simply rebranded.
We are witnessing Psalm 83 in real time. Arab nations and global powers are once again gathering behind closed doors, scheming under the banner of “peace” or “justice” for Gaza—but their true aim is Israel’s isolation and destruction. The war in Gaza has become the excuse, the smoke screen. Headlines today echo the ancient cry: “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation.” The pressure against Israel is global. The United Nations. The European Union. Iran. Russia. And yes, even our beloved America—once a faithful ally—is now wavering. But God is not silent, and Psalm 83 reminds us that He will have the final word.
Ancient Enemies, Modern Counterparts and a Close Allie
Psalm 83 describes a confederation of nations plotting to “cut off Israel from being a nation.” Though this has never happened in history exactly as described, we may be witnessing the early stages of this prophecy unfolding today.
Here’s how the nations listed in Psalm 83 correspond to modern-day locations and their relevance:
| Psalm 83 Nation |
Modern Equivalent |
Current Relevance |
| Edom |
Southern Jordan |
Jordan maintains a fragile peace with Israel; tensions persist. |
| Ishmaelites |
Arab tribes (Saudi Arabia) |
Warming ties with Israel, but underlying religious hostility remains. |
| Moab |
Central Jordan |
Jordan’s population includes many Palestinians; still a source of tension. |
| Hagrites |
Northern Saudi Arabia |
Historically hostile; region symbolic of early Arab opposition. |
| Gebal |
Lebanon (southern coastal region) |
Hezbollah stronghold—openly anti-Israel. |
| Ammon |
Northern Jordan |
Diplomatic ties, but Jordan’s role in Arab alliances keeps pressure on Israel. |
| Amalek |
Southern Israel / Sinai / Negev area |
Symbolic of long-standing spiritual enmity toward Israel. |
| Philistia |
Gaza Strip (Palestinians) |
Ruled by Hamas—actively seeks Israel’s destruction. |
| Tyre |
Lebanon (modern-day Hezbollah territory) |
Tyre was a wealthy city; now part of Hezbollah’s terror network. |
| Assyria |
Syria and parts of Iraq |
Syrian regime and Iranian-backed militias threaten northern Israel. |
A Call to Prayer and Watchfulness
Now is the time for the Body of Christ to be sober and watchful. We must not remain silent as the world gathers against Israel. If Psalm 83 teaches us anything, it’s that God is not indifferent to the schemes of the nations—He sees, He hears, and in His perfect time, He acts. So we pray: not in fear, but in faith. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). Pray for Israel’s protection. And pray that many—Jew and Gentile alike—come to salvation through Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Let us also take heart in this truth:
“Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4)
And to Gentile believers, Romans 11:16–24 serves as both a reminder and a warning. We are not the root—we are grafted in, partakers of the rich blessings of the olive tree only because of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. Paul urges us not to boast against the natural branches, for it is not we who support the root, but the root that supports us. This should produce in us gratitude and humility, not pride. The blessings we enjoy under grace flow through the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
‘do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.’
Romans 11:18
So as we see the nations gather once again against Israel, let us pray with urgency, stand with boldness, and rest in the assurance that the God who keeps Israel never sleeps. And neither do His promises.