“Who is he that condemns?” Romans 8:34a

Paul posed this question similarly to the last, contrasting an accuser beside the statement, “It is God Who justifies” (v.33b). Paul’s question is more of a challenge for anyone to condemn one redeemed by the soul cleansing blood of Jesus.

In both questions, Paul refered to Jesus death on the cross. When asking, “Who can be against us?” (v.31c), Paul followed with, “He Who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (v.32) Being an expert in the sacred texts, Paul is reflecting back to Abraham’s test, where Abe offered his only son, believing God would raise him from the dead (Genesis 22:1-19). Comparing the actions of their forefather, Abraham, Paul is impressing upon these Jewish Christians the depth of God’s love for them by comparing it with the depth of Abraham’s love for God.

When asking today’s five understandable words, Paul again points the Roman church to Jesus, “…Who died…Who was raised to life… at the right hand of God… interceding for us.” (v.34b-d) Jesus is the hero Who is willing to take on any accuser of His children. In effect, Jesus is Heaven’s defense attorney, not only working to prove one’s good standing before God, but also having paid the penalty for the sin of every person, is interceding for all the redeemed.

Today’s five understandable words are also supported by Paul’s earlier statement of Believers being justified. It is past tense. Justification has already occurred, and the Believer cannot be charged again with being a sinner (breaking God’s law). Like the woman who was dragged before Jesus and charged with adultery, each of us stands before Jesus condemned. In the story, Jesus confronted the accusers by challenging them – stating those without sin could stone her to death (John 8:1-11). When every accuser dropped his stone and walked away, Jesus told the woman He would not condemn her either.

In the Bible, satan is described as the accuser (Revelation 12:10; Zechariah 3:1). We know this accuser has been vanquished. He does not have the power to accuse those who will stand justified and glorified before The Father. He will stand beside the redeemed and will vouch for all who have placed their faith in Him. He is for you!

This is surely a blessed day…