Romans 8:28-39 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 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? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul concludes his argument on a note of great victory. Even though at times it seems like evil will triumph, and God’s people are tempted to despair and to pull back from the work He has given us, the ultimate victory of the kingdom and of each individual in it is assured.
God, who stands outside of time, and who sees the end from the beginning, knows who will choose Him, who will follow Him, and who will be steadfast and stay the course, even in the midst of trials. For those people, He has a glorious destiny planned that He will bring about: not just salvation, but transformation into the very image of Jesus. And those that He knows in advance will choose Him, He will call. When they respond, He will justify them. And at the end of all things, He will glorify them.
Paul draws a logical conclusion form this reality in the remaining verses of the chapter. If God is for us, what chance does any opposition have? If He is working in us, how can any sin drag us down? If He is empowering us, how can any person, or force, or governmental structure succeed in stopping us?
And in verse 34, right in the middle of his closing argument, Paul points out a reality that many Christians are not actively aware of, the key to the entire victory. Since the time that Jesus ascended to heaven and took His seat at the right hand of the Father (1 Peter 3:21b-22) until the time that He is told to return, He has not been sitting idle, merely watching and waiting. He is, even at this moment, watching and actively interceding on our behalf, asking the Father for what we need and ensuring that not even the smallest necessity is lacking.
With the assurance of the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the watchful intercession of Jesus, and the care and provision of the Father, there is never any need for despair, frustration, or surrender, even in the face of persecution. Even though evil rises up and seems to hold sway in some places, at some times, God is the Sovereign Lord, and His plan will ultimately succeed. And, in Him, we are always more than conquerors! We can count on it!
Father, Paul, with his litany of trials, tribulation, and persecutions (2 Corinthians 11:23-29), still moved forward fearlessly every day with hope and confidence. And now we know why! He saw and experienced all these realities on a day-to-day basis. And he rejoiced to share them with the Roman Christians to encourage their hearts, too. Father, help us to trust in You every day, and to turn to You every day for all we need, in the confidence that You will provide not just for our physical needs and our spiritual needs, but that You will give us whatever we need to be more than conquerors in everything You have called us to do. Thank You, Lord, for this great encouragement! Amen.