Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. —Romans 8:33-34
As I reflect on these two verses in Romans chapter 8, my attention is brought to five key words. One of many dictionaries gives the following definitions:
“Charge” in verse 33 is defined as to formally accuse someone of something, especially an offense under the law. Who would dare accuse us? Would God? No, He is the one who has forgiven us.
“Elect” in verse 33 is defined as to be chosen by God for salvation. God has chosen us for His own.
“Justifies” in verse 33 is defined as to declare or make righteous in the sight of God. He has given us right standing before Himself.
“Condemn” in verse 34 is defined as to prove or show to be guilty or unsatisfactory. Would Christ condemn us, the one who died for us?
“Interceding” in verse 34 is defined as to intervene on behalf of another. Christ is at the Father’s right hand pleading for us.
These verses and key words bring up many memories as I think about my own Christian life. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior when I was 17 years old. After graduating from high school, I enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1970-73. Late in 1971, after being married for only one month, I had a motorcycle accident resulting in a badly broken right leg. After surgery, a 3-week hospital stay, and 3 weeks of convalescing at home, I was released to return to the base for work. My leg was in a cast to the knee, so I was assigned to desk duty and answering the phone. My first telephone call of the day was the local sheriff’s department informing me they had a warrant out for my arrest. I was informed I could pay a fine or go to the county seat and see the judge. I chose to see the judge.
What else could I do? I had been formally charged of a crime and had never been interviewed by an officer. I had been condemned with no representation at all. The officer had only interviewed the driver and occupants of the car that I had rear-ended. Six weeks after the accident I could only intercede for myself. There were no witnesses to the accident, so I pleaded my case before the judge. He had total authority of any outcome. Since I rear-ended the vehicle, I was held responsible for the accident but by coming and pleading my case the fine was greatly reduced.
As my memories come forth about this incident taking place very early in our marriage it reminded me, since we were away from friends and family and on our own, that my wife and I only had each other to lean on. It was also very early in my Christian walk. I had not totally learned to lean solely upon God and His promises.
In Romans 8:33, we are reminded that God has chosen us and it is He Himself that makes us righteous. Satan is busy going before God with a list of accusations to condemn us day and night, but soon the accuser will be thrown down.
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” (Revelation 12:10)
Man, also, can charge and even condemn us, but man can never separate us from God. No matter what may come before us, whatever charges are made, any condemnation that may come, we can rest in the fact that Christ is at the Father’s right hand interceding for us. He has made us righteous before God.
Christ died, He rose and ascended, and now intercedes for us and keeps on interceding for us. That day in 1971 was nearly 49 years ago, but I have never forgotten the lessons God has taught me through that accident.
For Reflection
Have you allowed God to be your Intercessor?
Are you secure in your relationship with Christ?
When you give your burdens to God do you leave them with Him? Or do you heave them back on your shoulders and carry them with you again?
Knowing how Satan accuses believers, do you faithfully intercede for others in prayer? Make a list of those friends or family who need intercessory prayer and be faithful to pray for them this week.