Encouragements for our troubled times No. 06
COVID-19 Series | Date: 01 May 2020
The Elders and Deacons want to encourage the members and those who regularly meet with us through this weekly series of encouragement for our troubled times from the scriptures.
A message from your Pastor
Romans 8:34
"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."
In verse 33, Paul has told us that no one can bring a charge against us because we are God’s elect whom God has justified in Christ Jesus. We did not seek to justify ourselves but stand before our God justified by God’s grace and Christ’s perfect work of redemption for us. How comforting that is to us when we are accused of being unworthy and feel ourselves to be so unworthy. At those times we can say it’s true we are unworthy but we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves it is the gift of God.
Now after the charge comes the trial and condemnation and this is the issue Paul addresses next. “Who is he who condemns?” he asks. The word means to censure, to judge, or to disapprove of someone or something. Paul tells us that there are no grounds on which anyone can condemn us. That is of course, as long as we have not done anything wrong. And when we have, as long as we have repented of our sins and returned to God through the blood of the Lamb, then there are no grounds for censure before our God. But that doesn’t stop people or even ourselves from condemning us. We are accused of being extremist, intolerant, arrogant, hypocritical, or holier than thou. They love to sling mud at us and have done since they condemned our Saviour and accused Him unjustly. But their condemnation is of little consequence as it is God whom we serve and it is His opinion that matters and as far as He is concerned we are justified in Christ Jesus.
Next, Paul reminds us of the sure grounds of our justification. Firstly, “it is Christ who died”. We have a Saviour who was chosen, anointed, and sent to save us (God’s Elect) from our sins and the condemnation of the law. Secondly, who “is also risen”. He has finished the work of redemption for us, has satisfied God’s justice on our behalf, and has been received up on high proving that His work has been accepted for us. Thirdly, He is “even at the right hand of God”. He stands in the presence of God, at His right hand of favour, ever representing us as His own redeemed ones. And fourthly, it is our Saviour “who also makes intercession for us”. He is our advocate on high, ever ready to answer every charge brought against us, with His blood.
Therefore, whenever we feel condemned either by ourselves or by others, remember we have a Saviour and we stand justified in Him.
I hope these words will be a blessing to you at this time and will encourage your souls to appreciate your Saviour and all He means to you.