Preface.

V.

How we are redeemed from sin, death, devil, and hell.

Fifthly, we must also learn how Christ rescues and redeems us from sin, death, the devil, and Hell. Namely, not in such a way that, after the work of redemption has taken place—which Christ the Lord himself accomplished during the time of his office in the world—there would be no more unrighteousness or sin, no death or dying, no devil or Hell. But rather: that to the believers, who comfort themselves through faith in the bitter suffering and merit of Christ, the righteousness acquired through Christ is credited, as it was to Abraham, Genesis 15, Romans 4, Galatians 3. That for such believers, their sin and transgression is forgiven, and is not reckoned to them for damnation. Psalm 32. That for them, their death and dying must be only a sleep, in which they rest from sins and afflictions, from which they will also rise much fresher and healthier than they lay down. 1 Corinthians 15. Indeed, that death must not be a door to eternal damnation for them, but a portal to eternal life. John 5. That the devil, even though he is bound with chains of darkness, cannot harm them in the slightest (if they remain incorporated into Christ through faith and do not draw too close to the devil outside of Christ). And also that Hell, even if it opens its jaws against them, cannot devour them.

Romans 8.

Paul sums all this up in two words and says first: "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Ibid.

Secondly: "For those who love GOD, all things must work together for the best."