Reading: “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.” —Romans 8:34

There is complete justification for those who believe in him. They are delivered from all condemnation. Every charge against them is overruled by this plea, that “Christ has died, and is risen again” on their behalf, and “ever liveth to make intercession for them.” And though they are still in a state of discipline, for the mortification of sin yet remaining in them; and though, for the trial, exercise, and growth of their faith, it is still needful that they pass through many tribulations; yet none of these are strictly and properly penal. They are not the tokens of God’s displeasure, but fatherly chastisements, and tokens of His love, designed to promote the work of grace in their hearts, and to make them partakers of His holiness.

Though necessary at present, they will not be necessary long; and therefore the hour is at hand when all tears shall be wiped away from their eyes, and they shall weep no more. His true servants, in the midst of the storms by which they are tossed on the tempestuous sea of this life, are no less safe, and, notwithstanding their imperfections, are no less beloved, than those who have already escaped out of the reach of every evil, and are now before the throne.

(Taken from “Sin Charged upon the Surety” in The Works of John Newton, 4:238–239)

 

I hear the words of love,
I gaze upon the blood,
I see the mighty sacrifice,
And I have peace with God.

‘Tis everlasting peace!
Sure as Jehovah’s Name;
‘Tis stable as His steadfast throne,
Forevermore the same.

The clouds may come and go
And storms may sweep my sky;
This blood-sealed friendship changes not;
The cross is ever nigh. 

—Horatius Bonar