Romans 8:34 (KJV) 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

• In last week’s blog, we mentioned how Paul wraps up Romans chapter eight with six concluding questions.
• Those questions are:

1. What shall we then say to these things? – vs. 31
2. If God is for us, who can be against us? – vs. 31
3. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? – vs. 32
4. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? – vs. 33
5. Who is he that condemns? – vs. 34
6. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? – vs. 35.

• In this week’s blog entry, we deal with the last three of these questions beginning in Romans 8:33.
• Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?
• The Greek word ‘charge’ means accusation or blame.
• In a legal sense, the word means to prosecute or take proceedings against.
• The fourth question in the series presents a penetrating polemic with plenty of punch.
• The question reflects on the work of God.
• Who can mar the salvation God has offered by putting out railing accusations against believers?
• Who can mar?
• Who would even dare cast a negative reflection since God, in all aspects, does everything legally?
• The courts of heaven have declared that a Christian achieves a standard of righteousness because of the work of Christ.
• ‘It is God that justifieth, Paul goes on.’
• If God says that we are acceptable to Him, who can say that we are not?
• God established the standard.
• God the presiding judge, has dropped the gavel and declared us free of guilt.
• When the Spirit of God through the Apostle Paul asks the question ‘who would lay anything to the charge of God’s elect’, you can almost hear the answer.
• No one.
• No devil, no demon, no evil spirit nor human spirit has any right to inflict accusations or to lay blame at a disciples feet.
• Before his own Master, he stands or falls.
• God declared us righteous.
• Aren’t you glad, you are not subject to the wishy-washy courts of human opinion?
• The tone of the text here has amazing strength.
• ‘Who has the audacity to say that God and man cannot be reconciled?
• Where is he?
• Let him stand forth and show himself.’
• God did not justify us on a whim but on a completely legal foundation.
• The accuser of the brethren and his henchmen cannot tamper with the jury.
• The demands of justice for the sin of Adam and subsequently of mankind have been paid for in full by the blood of Jesus.
• The books have been balanced.
• There is no more debate on the issue.
• There is no appeal.

The Fifth Question: Who Is He that Condemns

• The word ‘condemn’ is the same word translated ‘condemnation’ in Romans 8:1 and 3.
• The word means a legal decision of guilty in a criminal case; often with the ensuing punishment understood.
• Who is it that condemns? Who is it that can pronounce a legally guilty verdict against a child of God?
• The fifth question in the series of six has the same tone as the fourth.
• The Spirit of God unrelentingly drives home the same point again.
• Repetition is significant in scripture. It means importance.
• No one can declare a believer guilty.
• It is Christ that died. It is Christ who is risen again.
• The right of sentencing belongs only to the person who has the credentials for it.
• Jesus is the one has died for man’s sin.
• Jesus is the one who spent 3 days and nights in the heart of the earth.
• Jesus is the one who rose again and ascended up on high.
• Jesus Himself did not come as a sent one into the world to bring condemnation.

John 3:17 (KJV) 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

• God, the Father has turned all judging over to this man, Jesus.

John 5:22, 27 (KJV) 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son… 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

• No earthly human or devilish being has either the qualifications or the permission to pass judgment.
• In fact, believers are instructed in the Word of God never to condemn but to always remain in position to forgive so as to qualify for forgiveness.

Luke 6:37 (KJV) 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

• There are many illegal judges on planet earth.
• Many who render quick and unsubstantiated verdicts.
• Many who like to bolster their own position by diminishing yours.
• Jesus is the only one uniquely qualified to judge per the testimony of God the Father.
• Yet, Jesus said, “I won’t even do it.”

John 12:47–48 (KJV) 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

• The Word is the final judge and the Word says you are not guilty.

Call to Action:

Lay aside the guilt that drives you to perform. There is no guilt to the person who has come by the way of the cross. Act on the Word in this area. Confess it as true in your life. Agree with God’s Word and walk free.

Question: How did the Lord help you cast aside the gnawing sense of guilt in your life? Please share your testimony in the comments section below.

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