Reading through Romans-The finished work of the cross!

In 8:34 Paul asks, “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Christ Jesus (1) died, (2) was raised, (3) is sitting in power, and (4) is now residing at the right hand of God, interceding for us. These four acts have accomplished and secured our salvation. We can be certain! The word “intercedes” (entugchano) is also from the courtroom. It refers to the word of a defense attorney or advocate. As your defense attorney, you can count on Jesus Christ to win your case. He now lives in the presence of God, at His right hand, pleading your case before the Father. His plea for you is based on the finished and sufficient work He did on the cross. You can be sure you are eternally saved because your sins—past, present, and future—remain paid for by Jesus Christ.

Have you been struggling with a besetting sin and wondering if God will ever forgive you? Maybe there is a sin in your past that you consider to be so heinous that you wonder if your status in the family of God is lost or in jeopardy. Perhaps you’ve been apart of a crime or lived life in such a way that you wonder if the Lord will remove your relationship with Him as a consequence. Cling tightly to the understanding that if you’ve believed in Christ as your Savior He will not condemn you nor abandon you. So don’t be paralyzed by your guilt any longer. Allow God’s assurance and security to motivate you to ensure that you’re in fellowship with Christ.

Steve Winger writes about his last college test, a final in a logic class known for its difficult exams. To help students complete the final, the professor told them they could bring as much information to the exam as we could fit on a piece of notebook paper. Most students crammed as many facts as possible on their 8 ½ x 11 inch sheet of paper. But one student walked into class, put a piece of notebook paper on the floor, and had an advanced logic student stand on the paper. The advanced logic student told him everything he needed to know. He was the only student to receive an “A.” Much like this advanced student, Jesus Christ is our intercessor. He preserves our salvation through His continual intercession. Security leads to stability and productivity.

Oh Dear God thank you for releasing me from condemnation through the power of the finished and sufficient work of the cross!  I praise your holy name!!