"The Security of God's Love" (Part 1)

Summary: In Romans 8:31-34 Paul encourages believers that they really cannot be affected by any condemnation levelled against them by anyone because of the justification of God and the intercession of Christ.

Appropriate Response

Paul is looking for a response here.

A response is warranted.

These Things

Previous truths

The whole letter so far - resting in the righteousness of God

Chapters 5-8 - the blessings of the believer

Chapter 8 - Holy Spirit and future glory for believers

Verses 28-30 - the plan of God for believers

Question and Answer

Paul recommends a response - appropriate application

First 3 main questions - the answer is implied because of the reason given.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

What is the implied answer? No one really - no real affect.

Why?

“For us” - friend in opposition to our foes, on our side, standing with us against all enemies.

This He has proven - He gave us the greatest thing He could give. In this He has proven that He will do anything and everything we need. So it is “since” God is for us.

“graciously” or “freely give” - because we deserve the opposite

“all things” - in context, all things for the completion of the plan; but nothing needed is left out of this, and is covered in this.

If you believe the one, then you can believe the other.

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?

What is the implied answer? No one really - no real affect.

“charge” - accusation of guilt

All possibly true

Why?

“justifies” - reminder of WHO their salvation is in

This is settled by God

To understand justification is to understand this.

Who is to condemn?

What is the implied answer? No one really - no real affect.

“condemn” - pronounce sentence of punishment

The believer will not be punished for their sin.

Why?

“intercedes” - approach someone on behalf of someone else (appeal)

Christ’s very presence is in essence the believer’s defense or intercession.

Christ took the punishment, but He is alive - He is our present righteousness.

God the Father sees the believer’s righteousness in God the Son.

Christ is our constant representative (Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1).

Hebrews 7:25 ESV

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

1 John 2:1 ESV

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

No one can threaten God’s plan for us.

There’s nothing bigger or better than God’s plan, so there’s nothing more exciting.

There’s nothing that can jeopardize the completion of the plan, so nothing should jeopardize our excitement.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 9:11–28