“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,”
Romans 8:16
In yesterday’s devotional we contemplated the great question of who Jesus is. The biblical answer to that question is the greatest, most magnificent self disclosure that has ever been granted. The Son of God is not only the Creator of the world (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-16), He is also the world’s blessed Redeemer (Job 19:25). For His perfect obedience to His Father He has been granted all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:19). His unchangeable, supremely true words are the final authority, the ultimate court of appeal. His opinion is the only one that really matters. Believing what He says about us, His people, is at once humbling and encouraging. Though we are not worthy of the least of His mercies he is pleased to call us forgiven (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 2:13; 1 John 2:12), justified (Romans 8:33-34), adopted members of God’s own family (Romans 8:15-17; John 1:12; Galatians 4:7). We are washed, clean and set apart (1 Corinthians 6:11), free from sin (John 8:31-32; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 6:17-18) and clothed with Christ’s own righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are overcomers (Romans 16:20; Revelation 12:7-11) who are positioned spiritually with Christ in heaven, far about all principality and power (Ephesians 1:20-23; 2:6), with authority over evil spirits and all power of the enemy (Luke 10:19-20). Absolutely secure in this position (2 Corinthians 2:1:21-22; John 10:28-30; Ephesians 1:13-14), we are never, ever, alone (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5-6). Our God doesn’t give up on His redeemed; He will not abandon us. He has begun a good work in us and He promises to complete it (Philippians 1:6). Though we stumble and fail, though we wander into error and sin, our salvation and standing before God is not based on our merits (we have none) but upon Christ’s merits and His flawless performance. No less authority than the eternal, sovereign, covenant-keeping God of the Bible has declared it to be so. Believe what He says about you, dear friends, and rejoice. I end this devotion with a powerful challenge and a word of encouragement: “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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:33-36). The answer, Paul goes on to say, is absolutely no one; nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). May this meditation be a blessing and an encouragement to you today.
God bless,
Pastor John
English