Romans 8:31-35 pose seven strategic questions. If they are affirmatively answered, they bring a convincing that is needed for life. Life with convictions/being convinced brings solidarity. Question No. 5 is also followed by a clarifying statement. “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” The question is really speaking to the issue of shame. Yes, people can speak condemning words with the agenda to shame, condemn, judge, control and slime others. When this happens, the final verdict is with God, and that is the place we press through, in order to confirm four things. First, in Christ, Believers are not under condemnation. (Romans 8:1) Second, the inference is that when Christ died, He took to condemnation/punishment upon Himself, so we would not have to bear it. Third, when Christ was resurrected, and seated at the right hand of God, the finished work of shame and condemnation are complete, or sealed up. So, if Christ does not condemn us, then we should not condemn ourselves. This is the very time to bath in God’s mercy and grace. Fourth, Christ is interceding for us from a seated, completed and reigning view. His prayers will be answered with the appropriate timing. For His view from heaven, takes in all the factors, which we cannot see down here on earth. So, “there is therefore, now, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
—Col. Jeff Mitchell, state chaplain, Louisiana National Guard
