“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:32-34
This passage of Scripture is an incredible source of hope, comfort and rejoicing for God’s children! Whether we find ourselves in a difficult situation, or are simply enjoying God’s gifts, this passage serves as a wonderful reminder and springboard to the fact that all of the promises of God find their “yes” in Jesus Christ.
When I find myself doubting the goodness of God, or wondering if He really cares about me, I turn to this passage. I ground myself in the truth that the victory of Jesus is also my victory; because of my trust in His righteousness, God declares me righteous! God has promised to provide for my needs, to care for me, and the backing or undergirding of that promise is that He has already given all things when He “did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all…”
Through God’s act of sending His son, and not sparing Him from the punishment that I deserve, He is able to justify me. When my mind is plagued by guilt or condemnation from the enemy, I return to this Scripture and rest my heart in the truth that God has made me free from the sins that that I committed, because Jesus took my punishment for them. No one can condemn me, because God has chosen and justified me! I am a chosen child of God and no one has the power to change that. God is the justifier; therefore I am free from condemnation. This is cause for great rejoicing!
But it doesn’t stop there… the inclusion of the phrase “more than that, who was raised to life” serves as a reminder to me that not only is God going to “graciously give us all things”, but also that He has the power to do so. The resurrection of Jesus convinces me that since Jesus overcame death itself, He is truly able to do anything. He is the God of forgiveness and the God of miracles.
The last phrase in this excerpt from Romans is one I find much comfort in. “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Jesus Christ, the One through whom all the promises of God find their “yes”, is at the right hand of God praying for us. In some of my darker times, when I doubt whether or not God actually cares about my pain, this verse comes to mind. Not only does Jesus care, He is at the Father’s right hand interceding for us. For me. Jesus truly does give His children good things, and I am so grateful!
(Photo credits: Liz Fisher)
Sweet Contemplations 