THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE:
F. B. Meyer wrote about two Germans who wanted to climb the Matterhorn. They hired three guides and began their ascent at the steepest and most slippery part. The men roped themselves together in this order: guide, traveler, guide, traveler, guide. They had gone only a little way up the side when the last man lost his footing. He was held up temporarily by the other four, because each had a toehold in the niches they had cut in the ice. But then the next man slipped, and he pulled down the two above him. The only one to stand firm was the first guide, who had driven a spike deep into the ice. Because he held his ground, all the men beneath him regained their footing. F. B. Meyer concluded his story by drawing a spiritual application. He said, “I am like one of those men who slipped, but thank God, I am bound in a living partnership to Christ. And because He stands, I will never perish.” (Our Daily Bread)
In this passage Paul asked and answered several questions in order to bring to us the truth that a believer’s eternal salvation is completely secure in God’s hands. The first question is, "What shall we then say to these things?" The response that could be found in verses 28-30 would be to say "Hallelujah." God’s plan will be carried out perfectly. The next question is, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" God is the sovereign creator of the universe, and Satan and his demons cannot triumph over believers. In verse 32 we have the question, " . . . how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" God gave His own Son, and He gives us what we need for our sanctification.
The next two questions are found in verses 33 and 34. "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? and who is he that condemeth?" Satan is the accuser of God’s people, but he will be thrown out of court because Christ the Judge declares the accused person righteous. Have you ever heard someone say that they are not good enough for God, so He will not save them? They may feel that salvation is for everyone else but them. The answer to this can be found in verses 31-34. If God gave His Son for us, He isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation! If Christ gave His life for us, He isn’t going to turn around and condemn us! He will not withhold anything we need to live for Him. The book of Romans is more than a theological explanation of God’s redeeming grace. It is also a letter of comfort and confidence to all of us.
APPLICATION:
Nothing can stop Christ’s constant presence with me. His love is so great that I feel totally secure in Him, and with this assurance there is no need to be afraid.
