When God saved us, He did more than forgive our sins. He welcomed us into His family.

The doctrine of adoption answers one of the most personal questions in salvation: What relationship did God give us with Himself when He saved us? Scripture tells us that those who trust Jesus Christ are not left standing at a distance from God. They are given the privilege of becoming His children and calling Him Father.

In this episode of Written and Read, McKenzie Fleming and Dr. Robert C. Crowder explore the biblical doctrine of adoption through Romans 8, Galatians 4, and other key passages. They examine what it means to receive “the Spirit of adoption,” why believers can cry, “Abba, Father,” and how Christ’s work of redemption made our entrance into God’s family possible.

Adoption gives the believer a new relationship, a place of belonging, the loving care and correction of a heavenly Father, fellowship with God’s family, and the promise of an eternal inheritance. Salvation does more than change our standing before God. Through Jesus Christ, God makes us His children.

Scripture References

Romans 8:14–18, 23, 29; Galatians 4:4–7; John 1:12–13; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 1:3–6; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 12:5–11; 1 John 3:1–3; 1 Peter 1:3–5

If God has given us new life in Christ, why do we still struggle with sin?

That question troubles many sincere Christians. We know we have been saved, yet temptation remains. Old habits sometimes return. Spiritual growth can seem painfully slow. Does the continuing struggle mean something went wrong when we were saved?

In this episode of Written and Read, McKenzie Fleming and Dr. Robert C. Crowder explore the biblical doctrine of sanctification and the encouraging answer Scripture gives to that question. Beginning with Paul’s declaration, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,” they examine how God continues the work He began when He saved us.

Through passages including 1 Thessalonians 4, Romans 12, Galatians 5, and Philippians 1, they consider the believer’s continuing battle with sin, the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, the importance of God’s Word, and the believer’s responsibility to yield to God in faith and obedience.

Regeneration gives us spiritual life. Sanctification is God developing that life. The Christian life is not instant perfection, but continuing growth as God patiently shapes His children into the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Scripture References

1 Thessalonians 4:3–7; Romans 12:1–2; John 17:17; Romans 6:11–14; Romans 7:18–25; Romans 8:29; Galatians 5:16–17, 22–25; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:12–13; 2 Corinthians 3:18

What does it mean to be reconciled to God?

Sin did more than make humanity guilty before God. It broke the fellowship mankind was created to enjoy with Him. From Adam and Eve hiding in the Garden to Paul’s description of sinners as alienated and enemies of God, Scripture reveals a relationship that human effort could never repair.

In this episode of Written and Read, McKenzie Fleming and Dr. Robert C. Crowder explore the biblical doctrine of reconciliation. Beginning in Genesis and moving through Romans 5, 2 Corinthians 5, Colossians 1, and Ephesians 2, they trace how God took the initiative to restore sinners to Himself through Jesus Christ.

Reconciliation shows us another side of the saving work of Christ. Through the blood of His cross, Christ made peace, removed the barrier created by sin, and brought those who were far from God near. The Gospel is not merely about escaping judgment. Through Christ, those who were once enemies are welcomed into fellowship with God.

Scripture References:Genesis 3:8–10, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 5:1, Romans 5:10–11, Romans 12:18, John 15:4, 2 Corinthians 5:18–21, Ephesians 2:13–18, Colossians 1:20–22

Few doctrines have shaped Christian history more profoundly than justification by faith. It answers one of life's greatest questions: How can guilty sinners stand accepted before a perfectly holy God? In this episode of Written and Read, Dr. Robert C. Crowder and McKenzie Fleming examine the biblical doctrine of justification and explain why it stands at the very heart of the Gospel.

Beginning with Abraham's faith in Genesis and continuing through Paul's teaching in Romans and Galatians, this episode demonstrates that salvation has always been by God's grace through faith. God does not justify sinners because they earn His favor or perform enough religious works. He justifies them because Jesus Christ fulfilled every requirement of God's holy law and paid the full penalty for sin through His death on the cross.

Listeners will discover the difference between being forgiven and being justified. Forgiveness removes guilt, but justification goes even further by declaring the believer righteous before God. Through faith in Christ, believers receive a new standing before God that can never be lost because it rests entirely upon Christ's righteousness rather than human performance.

This episode also addresses common misunderstandings about faith, works, legalism, and assurance of salvation, helping believers understand why justification provides both confidence and humility. When we understand justification correctly, our gratitude for God's grace grows, our worship deepens, and our confidence rests securely in Christ alone.

The word redeemed appears throughout Scripture, but what does it actually mean? In this episode of Written and Read, Dr. Robert C. Crowder and McKenzie Fleming explore one of the most beautiful pictures of salvation found in the Bible. Redemption speaks of a price being paid to secure freedom, and throughout both the Old and New Testaments, God uses this imagery to reveal the saving work of Jesus Christ.

Beginning with Israel's deliverance from Egypt and continuing through the laws concerning the kinsman-redeemer, listeners will discover that redemption is woven into the very fabric of God's redemptive story. Every sacrifice, every ransom, and every act of deliverance pointed forward to the One who would come to purchase sinners with His own blood.

The New Testament declares that Jesus Christ came "to give his life a ransom for many." His death on the cross was not merely an act of compassion; it was the payment that secured our eternal freedom. Through His blood, believers have forgiveness of sins, release from bondage, and the promise of everlasting life.

This episode explains why redemption is much more than forgiveness alone. Christ not only cancels our debt but transfers us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Understanding redemption fills the believer's heart with gratitude and deepens our worship of the Redeemer who willingly paid the price we could never pay.

Why did Jesus have to die? Could God simply forgive sin without the cross? In this episode of Written and Read, Dr. Robert C. Crowder and McKenzie Fleming examine one of the most foundational truths of the Gospel: Jesus Christ died as our Substitute.

From Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah to the Passover lamb in Egypt, the Old Testament repeatedly points forward to the coming Savior who would take the place of guilty sinners. Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would bear our griefs, carry our sorrows, and be wounded for our transgressions. The New Testament declares that these promises found their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who bore our sins in His own body on the cross.

This episode explains why substitution is essential to understanding salvation. Christ did not merely die alongside sinners or provide an inspiring example of love. He stood in our place, received the judgment we deserved, and accomplished what we never could. His death satisfied the demands of God's holiness while opening the way for forgiveness and reconciliation.

As listeners trace this doctrine through Scripture, they will gain a deeper appreciation for the cost of redemption and the immeasurable grace demonstrated at Calvary. The doctrine of substitution reminds every believer that salvation rests entirely upon the finished work of Christ.

In Episode 5 of Written and Read, Dr. Crowder and McKenzie explore the doctrine of Propitiation and answer one of theology’s most important questions: How can a holy God forgive guilty sinners? Discover how the Mercy Seat, the Day of Atonement, Isaiah 53, Hebrews, and the cross of Christ all reveal God’s perfect plan to satisfy justice while extending mercy.

Submit your questions here - Written and Read Podcast Question Submission – Fill out form

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Foundational scripture to study this week-

• Exodus 25:17–22
• Leviticus 16:14–17
• Isaiah 53:4–12
• Romans 3:21–26
• Romans 5:6–11
• Hebrews 9:11–28
• Hebrews 10:11–14
• John 19:30
• 1 John 2:1–2
• 1 John 4:10

Key terms from todays episode -

• Propitiation
• Mercy Seat
• Wrath of God
• Atonement
• Justification

In Episode 4 of Season 2, Dr. Crowder and McKenzie explore the doctrine of faith and what it truly means to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. This episode examines salvation by grace through faith, the relationship between faith and works, Abraham as the example of faith, and how believers can rest confidently in Christ rather than their own efforts.

To enter the coffee mug giveaway, post a comment on YouTube episodes 1-4 of season 2 to enter up to 4 times!

Submit your questions here - Written and Read Podcast Question Submission – Fill out form

VBS (July27th-July30th) Registration - https://www.myvbs.org/illumination-vbs-2026

For more information visit - https://www.73twenty.com/

Foundational scripture to study this week-

• Hebrews 11:1–6
• Romans 4:1–8
• Romans 10:8–17
• Galatians 2:16
• Ephesians 2:8–10
• John 3:16–18
• Acts 16:30–31
• James 2:14–26

Key terms from today's episode -

• Faith
• Grace
• Justification
• Works