Now that we learned that through Christ we are free from sin and alive in the Spirit, and that Jesus is our only hope for deliverance, the apostle Paul delivers a message about God’s everlasting Love.
“28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Paul indicates to believers suffering and persecution are to be considered blessings. A vessel that brings strength and wisdom to those in Christ, the sorrow that stems from suffering and persecution comes as a benefit to all believers and will be counted as righteousness upon the day of judgment.
“29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29)
God knew us long before He created us. Because of this foreknowledge of us and our faith in His son, God predestined many of us to fulfill specific duties during our time on earth in this life, in the image of Christ and according to His love.
“30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” (Romans 8:30)
Beginning with predestination, those in Christ were then called to surrender to God through faith in His son. Those who answered the call are then justified having their sins forgiven which leads to glorification by God almighty.
“31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32)
The great generosity of God is shown here by Paul’s pen mentioning the fact God gave His only begotten son, meaning “unique” son to die for our sins so that we could inherit eternal life.
Because God kept His promise to carry us from predestination to glorification, no enemies can impact the process by which believers are made righteous, a journey known as sanctification.
“33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” (Romans 8:33)
Since God is indeed almighty the answer to Paul’s rhetorical question is a simple one: no one! No one can ever bring a charge against the choices and judgment of the one and only all loving God.
“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.” (Romans 8:34)
Believers are free from condemnation because Christ died for us. His sacrifice continues to act as a intercession, as the liaison between us and God. Through His death Jesus blotted all sin, in His rising He fulfilled prophecy.
“35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” (Romans 8:35-36)
Here Paul exposes the truth about Christianity, that all those who believe in Jesus Christ actually offer themselves as living sacrifices, just as He did. Since the wages of our sin is death, to those truly in Christ it makes perfect sense through death we should bring glory to God.
Anyone expecting an inheritance in God’s kingdom should be prepared to surrender his life in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior.
Paul’s life and message indicates the Christian walk should not be an easy one but a journey filled with challenges, persecution and suffering.
“37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)
The love of God continues to be unconditional, and according to His promise to all those who believe in Jesus Christ, to those who repent of their sins and to those who are baptized by immersion, a great inheritance is promised which is eternal life in heaven.
No one can ever undo this divine promise nor can anyone separate us from the gift of eternal life but ourselves. The bottom line is the only person that can prevent you from entering God’s kingdom is you. Once you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and publicly declare Him king over your life, no one can take your inheritance away. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
