It is fair to say that reading the eighth chapter of Romans is something like working your way up to a mountain peak and then looking back over the scenic journey you traveled to get to the top of the mountain. It is a spectacular overview of a life empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This chapter doesn’t ignore the troubles and challenges we face in living the Spirit-filled life but it does explain them. There are times of suffering because we have not yet arrived at our final destinations. We face limitations along the way simply because of our human frailty. Our bodies haven’t yet been glorified—they are subject to weariness and weakness. There are things we don’t yet know, such as what lies in our immediate future. That means we still rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers and keep them on target.
During our spiritual journey questions may come to mind. Where is God when I need Him? Will I make it to my destination? Am I good enough to earn God’s approval? If you’re like me, some of those questions express our doubts and insecurity.
After assuring us that God is working for our good in everything that happens to us (Romans 8:28), Paul suggests that the questions we ask be the right questions (Romans 8:31-39). Reflecting on those questions, and the answers to them, will strengthen the faith we need to continue our spiritual journey effectively. These questions provide an inspiring reminder of the gracious provisions God has made for our journey.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:31-39).
Paul repeatedly asks key questions and each time the answer points us to God’s grace. Who can be against us? No one; God has given us His Son, Jesus, and with Him will give us all things. Who will bring any charge against us? No one; God Himself has declared us to be righteous. Who then is the one who condemns? No one; Jesus is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? No one; “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Make sure that we ask the right questions when we face circumstances we can’t explain and don’t understand. While there are many doubt-filled questions that may come to mind, discard them. What is the common denominator of all the questions Paul raises? They are grace-based. They point to the gracious gift of grace that God has given to all of us who believe in Jesus. We can stand on the peak of the mountain with the apostle Paul and declare, “Thank God for the grace that has given us the gift of righteousness we didn’t deserve and the unfailing love of God we didn’t deserve. Thank God for the grace we have found in Jesus.” His grace is amazing and His love endures forever.
Wally | GG Team
