God Justifies

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 8:33-34

Paul was keenly aware of his enemies and their accusations. He was well aware that they hated Christ and all who are His. He knew that Satan is the great accuser of Christ’s people and that he has plenty of minions to carry out his designs. Thus, Paul resorted to God, His faithfulness, and His safeguarding of His Own. Our weakness does not disturb God. Our failures do not change his love or His plans for us. Even when the haters lay accusations and bring charges against us, the righteousness of Christ still robes us. We never live before God or men without being dressed in the righteousness of Christ. Therefore, no one can bring a charge against those who are Christ’s. No one can condemn us because He has made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Paul can make no stronger argument than this because it rests entirely upon the Person and work of Christ. This is tremendously encouraging for us. We are, at best a feeble, frail, and faltering people. We have our failings and our foibles. We are keenly aware of how much we need Christ and His righteousness. Therefore, we find this passage overwhelmingly uplifting. It takes our eyes off ourselves and lifts them up to Christ. Against all who would accuse us, it is God Who justifies.

Our Gracious and Almighty God,
we rejoice that You hold us in the palm of Your hands.
We praise You that Christ is ours and we are His forever.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning