October 12, 2025 - Romans 5-8

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (8:1).  I just have to wonder, have many sweeter words ever, I mean ever, been written?  I think about who I am, how often I have sinned and rebelled, how callous I can be, how self-centered I often am, and on and on.  But, then, the words:  “There is therefore now no condemnation . . .”!!!  None at all!

And all this because “we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:1).  Paul continues:  “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (5:6).  He’s not yet done:  “But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (5:8).  Is there more?  “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God” (5:9).

And what about these verses?  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (8:31)   “Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?  It is God who justifies.  Who is to condemn?  Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than than, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who is interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (8:33-35).  Nothing!  Nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (8:39).  Sweet, sweet words from Paul!

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

in a believer’s ear!

It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,

and drives away our fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole

and calms the troubled breast;

‘tis manna to the hungry soul,

and to the weary, rest.   --John Newton (1779)