Romans 8:31
..... If God is for us, who can be against us?
I have been gnawing on Romans 8 for a few days now and it has really been uplifting and quite challenging to me. Many of you chew on things; you know what I mean, mull things over in your mind. I have a tendency to gnaw on them. Some things that I read just won't stop gnawing on me so I gnaw right back. I have questions that bounce around in my head and won't stop bouncing. Here is my dilemma, why is it so hard to read the scriptures and accept them as they are given to us? Look, it is pretty simple; therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. What a stunning promise! What a wonderful gift from God to bring comfort to our hearts. I had someone comment the other day that I spend a copious amount of time writing about the grace of God. Well, here I go again!
The question is so pointed so clear it just can't be argued. If God is for us. who can be against us? I am starting to believe that many Christians are in love with their personal accomplishments to the point of excluding the inestimable work of Christ as our redeemer. The danger of standing anywhere other than the grace of Christ when it comes to our faith is beyond my ability to express here. Don't let anyone steal your liberty to be holy, to be reconciled, and to be in Christ Jesus. RIght now, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Here comes the gnawing part...I only seem to fail in keeping step with the Spirit when I take up the chains that held me apart from the love of God. In other words, I am free to serve when I am content to trust. I am able to persevere when I am able to surrender. I am strong when I am weak.
God has chosen to speak to us paradoxically on many areas of our relationship with him, I believe, because it is the only way to break through the fog of carnality and glimpse the glory of a conquering Christ.
The battle lines were drawn, the enemy engaged, and Christ was, is, and forever more will be the victor! The Victor is for you, who can be against you?
Gnaw on that for a while; it will make you smile, I guarantee it!