Romans 8:31
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?The us in this verse is referring to those who are in Christ Jesus and are clinging and trusting in the solid rock that is Jesus. This is illustrated in the photo above by a Bible resting on a rock with an attached cross. Chapter 8 of Romans has shown us in great detail how God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit accomplish redemption by conforming a people to the image of Christ. Every step along the way has been accomplished by our triune God to redeem sinners who are unable, apart from this grace, to come to faith in Christ. Since God is for us by doing all of this, Paul asks rhetorically, who can be against us? While many can be and are against Christians, no one can be successful in their opposition to the children of God. Many Christians express concerns about worldly adversaries to the Christian Church, but no one can prevent a single saint from reaching his heavenly home, let alone destroy the Church of Christ. Christians may have problems, suffer persecution and even go through premature death, but nothing or no one can change their inevitable salvation in Jesus Christ or frustrate God’s purposes for their lives. This comforting truth is one that gives peace and joy to Christians as they consider and meditate on this magnificent chapter.
Praise God that, through his grace, he generously gives to sinners everything that is needed for their salvation. This grace is secure and nothing can alter or change what God has predestined to occur.
9 comments:
That was very encouraging. And it's this truth which moves our hearts to hate our sin, and to love our Savior.
"Nothing can alter what God has predestined to occur"
Great thoughts!
Your views on His conforming us to the image of His Son... Excellent!
Indeed! Who is it who stands against us? From where does their strength come? What threat can they really lay before us?
When we compare the power that is for us to the one who opposes us we end up asking, "Who's there?"
We need not fear those who would plan our destruction. Our glorification is sure. God has said it and so it shall be!
Thanks for this, Wayne!
One more thought. "If God is against you, who can be for you? "
That's something that seems to be totally foreign in the preaching of the Word today.
Thanks donsands, Mark, and Dave:
Great points by all. I have been meditating on how we (even some in the church) seem to take such a light view of sin, and yet when I consider the cross, it brings home just how serious of an offense sin is to God. As donsands said God is againist those that are not covered by the blood of Jesus and it is serious indeed.
Reminds me of the passage about the foolish man and the wise man.
Surely we can weather any storm when we are built upon the Rock.
sista cala,
Good point that is the passage I thought of when I selected this photo as an illustration. I use my own photos and sometimes I struggle trying to get a suitable one to illustrate the point.
Wayne
Wayne, when you're finished with this series, I'm going to print out the whole thing. It will be a good study guide on Romans 8. :)
BTW, I'd like to get your e-mail. Would it be ok for Mark to give it to me. I'd just like to share a thought I have with you two.
Gayla,
Thank you. That is encouraging for you to want to make a hard copy. I plan to do that also for gifts.
That is providence that you mentioned e-mail as I had just looked for yours at your site. I will e-mail Mark and tell him to send it to you.
Wayne
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