September 29, 2024 - Romans 5-8

A bit out of order from Romans, but:  “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (8:1).  I just have to ask, have many sweeter words ever, I mean ever, have been written?  I think about who we are, how we have sinned and rebelled, how callous we can be, how self-centered we often are, 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).  And Paul continues:  “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (5:6).  And “but God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (5:8).  And “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).

“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 that, 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!

O Love that will not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee.

I give thee back the life I owe,

that in thine ocean depths its flow

may richer, fuller be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,

I cannot close my heart to thee.

I trace the rainbow through the rain,

and feel the promise is not vain,

that morn shall tearless be.   -- George Matheson (1882)