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Daily Devotionals
Grace for Today
Romans 8:31-35
Four bold challenges of faith
Read 2 Timothy 4:1-18
The believer’s assurance does not depend upon his outward circumstances, his inward feelings, or his personal obedience. Our assurance rests entirely upon the person and finished work of Christ, as it is set forth in the Word of God. In this passage of Scripture, the apostle Paul breaks out into exultant praise. Having established the great truths of God’s rich grace in Christ, he seems unable to restrain himself. Waving the palm branches of victory through Christ, this redeemed sinner defies all his enemies and glories in salvation by Christ, raising these four bold challenges.
1. ‘If God be for us, who can be against us?’ The God of all power, of sovereign dominion, and eternal love is for us. He is for us in his sovereign providence, working all things together for our good. God is for us in his saving purpose, in electing love, predestinating grace, effectual calling, perfect justification and eternal glorification. He is for us in his substitutionary provision, sparing not his only Son. Let earth and hell unite in their rage against God’s elect we will not fear, for God is for us!
2. ‘Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?’ Nobody can! Satan cannot; he is defeated. The world cannot; it is condemned. The law cannot; it is honored. God in justice cannot; ‘it is God that justifieth’. God declares that we are perfectly righteous in Christ. He will never charge us with sin. ‘Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin!'
3. ‘Who is he that condemneth?’ It is impossible that one of Christ’s sheep should ever perish, because Christ died in our place. He was raised again for our justification. He finished the work of our redemption and sat down in heaven. Christ himself intercedes for us in glory.
4. ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?’ No power, no being and no act of men, of Satan, or of the demons of hell, can separate us from the Savior’s love.
