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proceeds to unfold some of "the all things" that are ours, and concentrates upon two chief
points:
(1)
NO CONDEMNATION--in relation to the possible laying of a charge against us.
(2)
NO SEPARATION--in relation to overwhelming trials.
The first problem is solved by a reference to Christ's finished work, and the second by
a reference to the everlasting association of the believer with Christ. Let us consider this
more in detail.
The Apostle's answer to the question: "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's
elect?" is simple, direct and conclusive: "It is God that justifieth." The word engkaleo,
"lay to the charge", occurs seven times in the N.T., six references occurring in the Acts in
connection with Paul, and the seventh in the passage under consideration in Romans.
The references in the Acts are as follows: 19: 38, 40; 23: 28, 29; 26: 2, 7. The
word has reference to a court of law and is rendered "accuse", "call in question", and
"implead".
The Apostle next approaches the subject of the believer's security from another angle:
"Who is he that condemns?" (Rom. 8: 34). Again, his answer is complete and
conclusive. Our attention is turned from "God that justifies" to the ground of that
justification which He Himself has laid. "Christ that died"--it is this that puts away our
sins; we are justified by His blood, and reconciled by His death (Rom. 5: 9, 10). "Yea,
rather", the Apostle continues (or "Still more", an echo of the "Much more" of
Rom. 5: 9, 15 and 17) "That is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who
also maketh intercession for us." Here it will be observed that the Apostle brings forward
the "finished work" of Christ. Not His death only, but also His resurrection; not His
resurrection only, but also His ascension to the right hand of God; not His ascension
only, but also His present intercession. To understand the importance of this last fact, we
must remember the words of Rom. 5: 10: "Saved by His life."
And Heb. 7: 25 reads:
"Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him,
seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."
What "strong consolation" is ministered by these gracious words.
The Apostle now leaves the court of law, having settled once and for all the perfect
standing of the believer before the Lord, and turns to the present circumstances of life.
With these circumstances in view he asks: "Who shall separate us from the love of
Christ?" (Rom. 8: 35). It is evident from Scripture and also from the experience of the
Apostles themselves, and the universal experience of all the children of God in all
dispensations, that perfect acceptance with God does not bring with it immunity from
suffering in this life. Indeed, Rom. 5: 1-5 has already assured us that the justified may
boast in tribulations because of their perfecting work. In Rom. 8: 35 the Apostle
enumerates seven items: "Tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or