Can we take Paul seriously? (Part 2)

Earlier in the same chapter of Romans as last week’s verse (8:33) Paul says, “What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (8:31). Just like last week, the big powerful answer is the devil, the world, and our own corrupt human nature not only CAN be against us but IS against us and constantly! Paul follows this verse with a still more powerful answer, “He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, how will not with Him freely give us all things?” Isaiah 53 prophesied how God would substitute His own Son for us. The gospels record how Jesus stood between us and everything that is against us – all the way through His crucifixion and even then, remained true to His loving nature, saying, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Hebrews tells us over and over how we have a great High Priest in Jesus, who can sympathize with us because He knows what is against us better than anyone. Jesus HAS overcome all that was and is and might ever be against us. Our soul that the Word of God has regenerated in the image of Christ and is united with Christ must also overcome – as surely as Jesus rose from the dead and as surely as His Spirit inspires and strengthens us through His Word and Sacraments.

How will He not also, with Christ, freely give us all things – indeed!

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