The Book of Romans ~ Lesson Eighteen

"God Is For Us"

Romans 8:31-39 (NLT)  What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

   Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

   And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I read this passage over again, I noticed Paul asked a lot of questions. So I decided to pull out each question and list them below:

* What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? (See Romans 8:28)

*  If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

*  Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 

* Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? 

* Who then will condemn us?

* Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?

* Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

These are tough questions for those who don't know the truth found in a relationship with God through Jesus. Paul gives us the answers to the questions he poses for us. Let's see what he says.

Romans 8:28 (NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

"What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?" The whole first part of Romans Eight, that  leads us up to this point, answers this question. Romans 8:28 sums it up ~ He works everything in our lives for good when we love Him and are obedient to Him. Hallelujah is the answer.

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

"If God is for us who can be against us?" If we believe that God is who He says He is, and Jesus is His exact representation who came to earth to make a way for us to come to Him, then we have to believe this is true. In Isaiah 41:10 we learn not to be afraid or discouraged because His victorious righteous right hand holds us up.

Just an FYI: The right arm meant strength in Biblical times. Jesus sits at the right hand of God. He is God's victorious righteous right hand and He holds us up. When you belong to Jesus, placing your faith in Him, He is your strength.

"Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?" There is nothing greater for God to give us. His Son Jesus is the best. Jesus willingly went to His death for the forgiveness of our sins.

Philippians 2:6-11 (NLT) Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

"Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own?"There is no one to accuse those who have accept God's gift of eternal life through His Son. No one has the authority to accuse us other than God and He, by His mercy and grace has given us the ultimate chance through Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 50:8-9 (NLT) He who gives me justice is near. Who will dare to bring charges against me now? Where are my accusers? Let them appear. See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side! Who will declare me guilty? All my enemies will be destroyed like old clothes that have been eaten by moths!

"Who then will condemn us?" There is no one who has the authority to condemn us either. Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory. (See Romans 3:23) Since that is true, then no one has the right to do so.

Hebrews 7:25 (NLT) Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?" The answer is no. We can refuse His love, but He doesn't stop loving us. His love is so great and so strong.

1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT) For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Nothing can separate us from Jesus and the eternal life He offers to those who choose to call Him Lord. Our lives have been spared an eternal living death. We are brought into His life and His life is eternal. Why would we want it any different? God has given us the ultimate gift. During this Christmas season let's remember just how much He loves us and has prepared a place for us. Accept His gift for He loves you beyond all reason.