“Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died– more than that, who was raised to life– is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34 (NIV)
Condemnation — what an ugly thought! Jesus said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (Jn. 3:17 NIV). And to those self-righteous ones who want to condemn others, Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone . . .” (Jn. 8:7 KJV).
The mission assigned to the Son of God is a mission of love and salvation. Why would any free person forget how he/she was loved and saved? Why would any person so loved and saved refuse such love and salvation to another person? Why do we condemn rather than share the love and salvation?
The final solution is in the hands of a just but loving and merciful God (Rom. 8:31). And NO ONE is on par with God! Consider that since God gave us everything precious to Him (i.e., his Son), He will also with that precious gift freely include all good things (8:32). And since God is “the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26), who can properly accuse his chosen ones before God? Who can be so bold or arrogant as to condemn God’s chosen ones with either false or true charges? We enjoy the protection of Christ’s atoning death. No matter what the charges are, we can plead the blood of Jesus. We can plead the Resurrected Christ! And the one who gives our pleading real substance sits at the right hand of God. We enjoy the best defense advocate that every stood before any court. He intercedes for us (8:34)! And despite any one’s condemnation, it will never separate us from God’s love (8:35)!
Justified and not condemned — makes me want to shout, Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus! Glory to God!
Dear Father, thank you for the intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Empower us with the spirit of love so that we will not condemn others. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged by the intercession of Christ,