Romans 8

Thursday, 1 August 2013

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.  Romans 8:34

In the preceding verse it was implied through a rhetorical question that no one could bring a charge against God’s elect because it is God who justifies. In continuation of our surety over the forces which would presume to come against us, Paul now asks his next question, “Who is he who condemns?” Like the previous question, the answer demands a “No one!” And then comes the explanation, “It is Christ who died.”

Christ died for us. He became our substitute. His death paid our penalty, carried away our sin, and restored to us a propitious relationship with God. His righteousness has been imputed to us! Sin no longer separates us from the One who created us. So who then could condemn us? It’s simply not possible. And there is more…

“Furthermore” Christ “is also risen.” His death and resurrection take us back to Romans 4:25 –

It was He, “who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.”

Not only died Christ pay our penalty, carry away our sins, and restore our relationship to God, but He was raised for our justification. The resurrection proves these things for the soul who believes. This is why Paul ties the resurrection in with our calling on Jesus (Romans 10:9). Who would call on a dead Lord? But we don’t call on a dead Lord. Instead, we call on the risen Christ “who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”

Christ died for our sins, was raised for our justification, and is now performing His functions as our Mediator and our Advocate. He is interceding for us from the position of authority, symbolized by the term “right hand of God.” This doesn’t mean God has body and is sitting on an actual throne with Jesus sitting on another throne next to Him. Rather, Jesus is in the position of God’s authority.

Because He has done all these things, and because all authority has been granted to Him – who has done all these things for us – then how could another condemn us? It isn’t possible. We are in Christ and fully protected from any external force which would dare attempt to do so. Such is the honor and blessing of being a child of God.

Life application: No person, no demon, no devil can condemn you. There is a far higher and greater power who has you completely safe and secure in the palm of His hand. When you feel the accusation of Satan telling you that you aren’t worthy, remind him that though that may be true, Jesus is worthy and you are in Him. No charge can stand against God’s elect.

Lord, sometimes Satan tells me that I am unworthy of the blessings you’ve bestowed upon me. And I know it is true, but I remind him that though I am unworthy, I am in You – My faith is in You, my trust is in You, my hope is in You. Though I am unworthy by myself, in You I have all the rights of a child of God. Thank You Lord for bestowing upon me that which I do not deserve. Thank you for Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:33

As if a lawyer in a courtroom, Paul argues his case – “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?” Because God is the ultimate authority, who would even dare to do so? In the United States, we have what is known as the “presidential pardon.” If a person is convicted of some crime, the US President has the authority to grant a pardon for that crime. Once the pardon is accepted by the person who has been named (and he can in fact turn it down), the crime is completely erased from the record. No one can ever come to them again and bring that charge against them. The highest authority of the land has approved it and it is gone completely and forever.

Every person on earth has likewise been granted a pardon before God. It is incumbent on them to receive it by calling on Jesus as Lord. When the conditions are met, the pardon is granted. As God is the Creator, He is the highest authority of all. Therefore no person, no spirit, no demon or devil, can bring a charge against one who has been so forgiven. They are the elect of God and have been cleansed by the most purifying substance of all, “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19).

In Christ’s work in fulfillment of the law, in His death, and in His resurrection “it is God who justifies.” The lost soul is found, the sentence is pardoned, the declaration is pronounced – “Not guilty.” This is the force and intent of what the Bible teaches. And, as an interesting note that no further explanation is needed on this matter, this is the last of the 13 times the word for “justify” is used in Romans.

Again, if one thinks this through with clarity of reasoning, it should be obvious that this implies eternal salvation. If a man is justified before God, will God -who is outside of time – change His mind about what has transpired? Of course not. The translation of this verse even covers that base because in the Greek it can be stated in the form of a question as well as a statement of fact, “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?  Shall God who justifies?”

It is absurd in the highest sense to think that God would be fickle enough to condemn the same person He has justified. Eternal salvation is the only obvious conclusion to what has occurred in the pardoned soul.

Life application: Looking at what occurs in the believer from a legal standpoint – and it is a heavenly court by which we will be judged – we can know with absolute certainty that God is perfectly fair in His decisions and that those decisions bear eternal weight. Call on Jesus and rest in His eternal graces.

O God, too often we act as if You could somehow act in an unjust or unrighteous manner. How slow we are to think through Your unchanging and perfect nature. I know that everything You do is in accord with Your nature and that You are perfectly fair in how You conduct all things. I rest in this as a great comfort. You have promised peace through Your Son and so in receiving Him, I have peace. Amen.

Tuesday, 30 July 2013

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32

In verse 31, we were asked that if God is for us, who can be against us. In continuation of that thought, Paul explains why. “He who did not spare His own Son” is obviously speaking of God the Father. Father-ship implies Son-ship. However, this Father/Son relationship does not imply something which occurred in time. God created time and we are living in it. We cannot apply family concepts to the Godhead in a one to one comparison with that of humanity.

The humanity of Jesus is united to the deity of Jesus without intermingling or separation of any kind. Jesus, the Son of Man was born into the stream of humanity, but the divine Son eternally exists within the Godhead, just as the Spirit does. God the Father, did not spare His own Son (Jesus), but delivered Him up for us all. The fault which occurred in the stream of time demanded that action be taken to correct the fault. This is the incarnation; the uniting of God and Man in the Person of Jesus.

This is the One whom God did not spare. He “delivered Him up for us all.” This thought can be taken in one of several ways. Note: this list is not all-inclusive –

1) Jesus was delivered up for “all the elect” only – limited atonement
2) Jesus was delivered up for “all” meaning everyone, and everyone is saved – universal salvation
3) Jesus was delivered up for “all” everyone (unlimited atonement potential), but not everyone will receive Christ and be saved (limited atonement actual)

Based on the entire scope and premise of the Bible, the nature of God, and the obvious (and yet often denied) truth of free-will, the third option is correct. God delivered Christ up for all people. To those who have received this offering, “how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” The term “with Him” is meant to show that even though Christ was delivered up for us, He prevailed over the ordeal and is Heir to all things.

Because He is Heir to all things and God delivered Him up for us, then it is evident that we also are given all things. This takes us back to verse 17 which noted that we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. We were crucified with Christ, meaning that when He went to the cross, we likewise were there with Him. Our sin-nature was nailed to it. Because of this we are the recipients of what the Son receives – given freely by God to us because of the work of Another. Simply amazing.

Life application: Time and again we can see that Romans 8 is a wonderful place to go when life has us down. Though we lose all in this life, so much more awaits us in glory. Yes, things may be tough, but God will bring us through to riches unimaginable.

Lord, would I trade the riches of Your word for an easy message which doesn’t truly satisfy? Would I cling to a hope which isn’t grounded in the truth? Would I be wise to listen to the fading sounds of clanging cymbals and the cackling of thorns lit under a pot? Rather Lord, I will listen to You as You have spoken to me through Your wondrous word. Give me wisdom and insight into this glorious gift – the Holy Bible. Amen.

Monday, 29 July 2013

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

In Romans 8:31, Paul takes what has been stated thus far concerning the work of Christ and how it relates to us and he turns it around into a series of six questions. Why would he do this? What is it about questions that refocus our attention? When you are presented with a question, do you evaluate it as a tool to get you to think on what has already been submitted? Are you ready for me to stop asking questions?…

Paul’s first question encompasses the entire discourse of chapter 8. “What then shall we say to these things?” Review what has been stated, think on it, and resolve to align your thoughts about Christ with what you have read. I am free from the law of sin and death. Is this salvation eternal? Am I truly a son of God through adoption? Yes! I received the Spirit of adoption, I was predestined and called, and I accepted the call. Now I stand justified and even glorified because of this. Because of all that has been stated, “What then shall we say to these things?”

The answer is a resounding note of the victory found in Christ… “If God is for us, who can be against us?” There isn’t enough ink in the world to type the number of exclamation points which should follow this thought! It is a truth we can stand on when the forces of sin and wickedness come against us. When our hearts are weighed down, we can meditate on this verse and others like it and receive strength to continue on –

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
…
All nations surrounded me,
But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

Psalm 118:6 & 10

Life application: If you have received Jesus as Lord, God is in fact “for” you. As He is the owner of eternity and possessor of your soul, then nothing else can truly harm you. Stand fast in this fact and be comforted in the power of God which is now on your side.

Lord, there are certain times that I need reassurance that You are there. When those times come, all I need to do is open Your word and read the marvelous truths which are contained in it. Because of Jesus, You are on my side. No power can take me from Your grasp, no fear will consume me, no heartache will overcome me. Instead, I have my confidence and hope in You! Amen.

Sunday, 28 July 2013

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:30

“Moreover” adds to the great news of the previous verse. Yes, before creation God foreknew those who would receive His gift of grace found in Christ. Those whom He knew would receive this offer, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. But, as Paul notes, there is more. “Moreover” those “whom He predestined” for this honor, these He also called. This is the calling of the Spirit. However, this isn’t just an offer, but rather it is an offer received.

We know this is the case because Paul next says that those “whom He called, these He also justified.” The actions thus far, and the next to be mentioned, are connected in God’s intuitive mind in a way which will be displayed in a sequence of time, which He created.

As Albert Barnes observes, “The connection is so certain that the one infallibly secures the other.” Because God doesn’t think in a sequence (He is outside of time), these things are as certain as if they had occurred at one moment. This includes his last thought of the verse, “and those whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

Some claim that salvation isn’t eternal, but when looking at such things from God’s perspective, it becomes apparent that it must be. One action is no different than all of them as far as His eternal purposes are concerned. The foreknowledge, conforming, calling, justification, and glorification were purposed in His eternal mind, but they occur in time. The evidence for this is the last thought of the verse, “those whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

We could possibly deny the sequence of events has eternal significance up to this point, but Paul is absolutely clear that we are “glorified.” However, this is something that hasn’t yet happened to any saved believer who is right now reading Paul’s words. They are still in their fallen body, living in a fallen world, and from time to time sinning. And yet, according to this verse, we are already in heaven. This ties in with the thought in Ephesians 2:4-6 –

“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), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…”

We are, according to this passage, seated “together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” The honor is already accomplished in God’s mind and we are positionally with Christ in heaven, and yet we are in actuality still here on earth. Someday, according to the truth of eternal salvation, we will be actually sitting in this glorious spot.

Life application: Salvation is eternal, Christ is in control, and nothing can separate you from the love of God in Him. Stand firmly and unwaveringly on the truth that you are saved if you are in Christ. Be at peace in His work which got you there. He didn’t hang on the cross to provide you with eternal insecurity.

Heavenly Father, thank you that nothing in all of creation can separate me from Your love which is found in my Lord Jesus. In Him, I have all the assurances of eternal life and freedom from the bondage which once bound me. I know that what He did is all-sufficient to carry me safely to You even despite the times I fail. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.