The 8th chapter of Romans has always been a favorite of mine. The verses at the end of the chapter contain marvelous truth. Verse 31 asks the question, "What shall we say to these things?" What things are we considering? In the immediate context five great truths; foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. When you go back to the beginning of the chapter, you find "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (8:1)" How does that happen? " For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (8:2)" For that to be true, four great things have transpired. Foreknew, predestined, called, and justified have all been realized now since we are new creatures in Christ. Now we are His children, " and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (8:17)" Though we don't look forward to it, suffering is a necessary part of our Christian life. The fear of it goes away when we get to verses 28 through 30. " And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose, For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
When we find ourselves in situations that are difficult to bear, unwanted, undeserved, and fraught with fear, our usual response is, "Why is this happening to me?" Imagine the difference in response if we were to call to mind these five truths. It might go something like this," I have been foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and one day to be glorified, God is for me, and the sufferings now can't compare with that which is mine in Christ." Unfortunately, we get more involved in the moment and let it capture our attention. There are times when that is necessary and proper in dealing with a situation. In a free moment, however, our thoughts need to be captured by eternal truth. That word "if" in verse 31 is better translated "since." Since God is for us, who can be against us? Just think, God is for me! He is for me when things go well or when problems arise. He is for me whether I am well or sick. He is for me whether I have plenty or I am in need. He is for me when I am loved or persecuted for my faith. Regardless of any situation you can name, HE IS FOR ME!
Matthew Henry has a great quote," All that he is, and has, and does, is for his people. He performs all things for them. He is for them, even when he seems to act against them". Add to that, the insight from John Gill, "seeing he is for us", has an affection for us, which appears from the gift of himself, Son, and Spirit, and all the blessings of grace and glory; and is on our side: as that he is on the side of his people, is evident from his preservation of them from the evils of the world and their own corruptions; from the supports he gives them under afflictions and temptations; from his carrying on the work of grace upon them, notwithstanding all the opposition made unto it; and from their safety and security they enjoy by him, notwithstanding the power of their enemies; he is so for them, and on their side, as that he will certainly save them. This he has determined to do, he has sent his Son to obtain salvation for them, his Spirit to apply it to them, and keeps them by his power to the full enjoyment of it: and since this is the case,
This should put a different start to your day, make it a new day! Yesterday is past,
tomorrow is not here, make today something special.
Yours for a bright, new day.
SWORDMAN.
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