THE DETERMINED OBJECTIVE OF SALVATION -- Tomorrow:
"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 27 of 33
" . . . who CAN be against us?"
Some versions read, "who IS against us" (NASB,NIV,NRSV). It is like saying, "Is Goliath effectively against David?" "Can Nebuchadnezzar really do anything against Daniel?" "Are the 450 prophets of Baal really jeopardizing Elijah?" "If God is for Joseph, will his brothers be able to bring him down?" "If God has decreed Sarah will have a son, will anything be able to stop it?" We could go on and on. "Can one thousand Philistines defeat Samson?" "Can ravenous birds bring the prophet Elijah bread and flesh every day during a famine?" "Can Pharaoh and his armies catch up with he Israelites and take them back to Egypt?" If God is really on the side of anyone, can their enemies defeat them?
Oh, the people of God do have enemies. But all of those enemies, to a person, are under the governing power of God. Every child of God can say to every one of their enemies, "You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above" (John 19:11, NASB). Not even the devil himself can harass us without permission. He ask to ask God for permission to sift one of the children of God (Lk 22:31). And, if God gives him permission, He will surround it with restrictions, as He did with Job: i.e. "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand . . . And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life" (Job 1:12; 2:6)
This question ["Who can be against us?" ] is affirming that the revealed process cannot be aborted by any foe from any realm! That process is, "Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified" (Rom 8:30). The enemy cannot stop the call of God. He cannot interfere with God justifying those He calls. He cannot inhibit those who are justified being glorified. No enemy can stop the process of being conformed to the image of God's Son! It will be completed in all who keep the faith, for God keeps by our faith (1 Pet 1:5). No foe can stop those foreknown by God from being called. No hostile forces can prohibit God from justifying those He calls. There is no opponent that can keep God from glorifying those He has justified! That is the way it is, and faith accepts it!
The "ransomed of the Lord" can cry out with David, "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around" (Psa 3:6). And again, "In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psa 56:11). And again, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psa 27:1). These are proper conclusions to the doctrine set before us. They make for confidence, boldness, and great joy. No person who has received the love of the truth has cause to be fearful of man or circumstance! Child of God, believe this: God IS for you!
THE REASONING OF FAITH
" 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?" (Rom 8:32). There is more to be said on this matter: "What shall we say to these things?" They are too great and powerful for simplistic responses. Faith can reach into the depths of sanctified reason, coming up with conclusions that bring glory to God, honor to Jesus, and strength to the heart.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the bold confidence that is produced by knowing You are for me.