Four Bold Challenges Of Faith
The believer's assurance does not depend upon his
outward circumstances, his inward feelings, or his personal obedience. Our
assurance rests entirely upon the person and finished work of Christ, as it is
set forth in the Word of God. In this passage of scripture, the Apostle Paul
breaks out into exaltant praise. Having established
the great truths of God's rich grace in Christ, he seems unable to restrain
himself. Waving the palm branches of victory through Christ, this redeemed
sinner defies all his enemies and glories in salvation by Christ, raising these
four bold challenges.
1. IF GOD
BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
The God of all power, of sovereign dominion, and
eternal love is for us. He is for us in his sovereign providence, working all
things together for our good. God is for us in his saving purpose, in electing
love, predestinating grace, effectual calling, perfect justification, and
eternal glorification. He is for us in his substitutionary
provision, sparing not his only Son. Let earth and hell unite in their rage
against God's elect, we will not fear, for God is for us!
2. WHO
SHALL LAY ANYTHING TO THE CHARGE OF GOD'S ELECT?
Nobody can! Satan cannot, he is defeated. The world
cannot, it is condemned. The law cannot, it is honored. God in justice cannot,
"it is God that justifieth". God declares that we are perfectly
righteous in Christ. He will never charge us with sin. "Blessed is the man
to whom the Lord will not impute sin!"
3. WHO IS
HE THAT CONDEMNETH?
It
is impossible that one of Christ's sheep should ever perish, because Christ
died in our place. He was raised again for our justification. He finished the
work of our redemption, and sat down in heaven. Christ himself intercedes for
us in glory.
4. WHO
SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST?
No power, no being, and no act
of men, of Satan, or of the demons of hell, can separate us from the Savior's
love.
Don Fortner