THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THE BELIEVER IN CHRIST

Romans 8:31-34

Morning Meditation 11/2/2015

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

As we think of the truths taught in these verses let's look first at,

AN UNDENIABLE DIFFERENCE

The outlook for believers and unbelievers is undeniably different. Let's notice this difference:

1. Of the unsaved it is said in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" 2 Peter 2:9, "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:" Here the outlook for the unsaved is black with clouds of coming judgment and wrath, which loom before them, like the blackness of an approaching storm on the horizon.

2. The outlook for believers stands out in vivid contrast. It is lit up with the brightness of life and immortality, for we are told, "God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:3-5, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

AN UNAMBIGUOUS DISTINCTION

1 Corinthians 11:32, "But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."

The context tells us, that the reason why God chastens His people, is, that they should not be condemned with the world. The words suggest two alternatives, the condemnation of the world, and the not being condemned with it. His word to His own is, "Come, my people enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors around thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast" (Isa. 26:20). The believer is hidden in Christ's atoning work where indignation and judgment cannot reach them.

AN UNAPPROACHABLE SPHERE

Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Condemnation can never reach Christ, therefore it can never reach those who are in Him. The position in which the believer is found, is "in Christ." What does it mean to be in the circle of these gracious words--"In Him?"

In Him, as Noah and his family were in the ark, and thus saved from the avenging flood of God's wrath against sin, for He is the Ark upon whom the flood of righteous indignation against sin was surged and fallen. In Him we are safe, for He has borne the brunt for is; yea, we have born it, in Him. Where God has placed the believer at salvation is an unapproachable sphere. We are as safe as He.

AN UNSPEAKABLE PRIVILEGE

1 John 4:17, "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." The day of judgment does not fill us with dread as it does other men, and the reason is, "As He is, so are we."

AN UNRIVALED QUESTION

Romans 8:34, "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Who can condemn us? Can God? No, for He has justified us. Can Christ? No, for He died for us. Can the Holy Spirit? No, for He is One with the Father in our salvation. Can sin condemn us? No, for it has been answered for in Christ's death. Can Satan condemn us? No, for Christ has taken away its sting. Can justice condemn us? No, for it has been satisfied.

Jesus died, and I died with Him, buried in His grave I lie;

One with Him in resurrection, seated with Him on high.

I wait the full redemption, when the Risen One shall come;

and my mortal body changed, shall be fashioned like His own.

May the Lord bless these words of assurance to our hearts.

In Christ

Bro. White