THE DETERMINED OBJECTIVE OF SALVATION "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31).
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." (Romans 8:28-34, NKJV)
Devotion 26 of 33
THE RESPONSE OF FAITH
As admirable as it may appear, it is not enough to simply adopt a proper theological position. The truth must touch our hearts, provoking us to think correctly about the opposition we face. If opposition from the enemy is an integral part of spiritual life, then we should be able to view it properly. Thus, the marvelous things set before us demand a response from us. We must be able to correlate them with our circumstances, thus forming a proper conclusion concerning our experience.
The Spirit has lifted us into the heavenly realms. He has told us the reason for our sufferings, and that we are not alone in them. He has announced that nothing about salvation has been left to chance. From beginning to end, the Lord Himself is involved. He knew us before the foundation of the world. He determined we would be conformed to the image of His Son. He called us. He justified us. He will yet glorify us. These are not suppositions or possibilities, they are bold proclamations to be believed. Now it is necessary to arrive at a God-honoring conclusion.
WHAT SHALL WE SAY?
If we could look into men's hearts, many would say, "I do not believe these things!'" Others would not say that, but they never declare "these things." Although the Spirit has stated some very remarkable realities, they have not registered upon the hearts of such people. They think nothing of simply eliminating them from their preaching and teaching. They do not think about them, talk about them, or pray about them. It certainly should not surprise us that such people do not understand the things declared in our text.
The Spirit, however, will not allow us to brush these things aside. He brings them to bear upon our hearts and minds. If we will hear what the Spirit is saying, He will lead us to consider these matters and think correctly about them. The persuasion of them is critical to our triumph in both life and death.
GOD IS FOR US
"IF God is for us . . . " This does not suggest that God is NOT "for us," but actually affirms that He IS. This is family language. The "us" refers to those who have been justified by faith and against whom there is no condemnation. The fact that God foreknew us proves He is "for us." Predestinating that we be conformed to the image of His Son confirms He is "for us." Consider how our God broke through the silence of ignorance, the deadness of sin, and the forces of darkness, calling us to Himself. That proves He is "for us." The fact that He justified us declares that He is "for us." His revealed intentions to glorify us also substantiates that He is "for us." Let no one in Jesus doubt this fact, or suppose that God is against them if they have believed the record He has given of His Son (1 John 5:10-11)!
Who is the professed believer who will dare to question that God is "for" them, working everything together for their good? Who will question His benevolence because they face hardship, suffer, or experience fierce opposition? One of the great tragedies of our time is that self-acclaimed Christian teachers lead people to imagine that questioning God or even being angry with Him is all right. It is NOT all right! It is evidence of unbelief, and without faith, it is impossible to please God!
The point of the words, "If God be for us," is to establish that there can be no justified doubt of this. This is so firm we can reason upon the basis of its reality, and derive comfort for our souls.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for declaring Your intentions for those who are in Jesus – as well as what will happen to those who are not in Him.