Get a Good Lawyer (Romans 8:33-34)
Text:
“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Rom 8:33-34)
We find a rhetorical question at the beginning each verse (and v. 35 as well). These questions make reference back to the beginning verse of the chapter. The answer to each is obvious: no one. Once we are forgiven, we cannot be unforgiven. Once we are saved, we cannot be unsaved. But it’s what follows each question that gives the answer it’s justification.
God is the One who justifies (v. 33). The language here is that of a courtroom, and God is the Judge. In our court system, a judge’s decision can be overturned by a higher court. But if God has declared you innocent, then no one can overturn the verdict. He is the Sovereign Judge. He is All-Powerful. You might read it this way: “Who shall lay any charge against God’s elect? Shall God, who justified you?” This would be absurd!
As great as this sounds, the flip side is also true. If God has declared you guilty, no one can overturn that verdict either. The truth is, we are all guilty before God.
The good news is that we have the best lawyer available to us (v. 34). Again, the imagery is that of a lawyer pleading our case. Jesus knows our case intimately. He died for us. He rose again for us. He even ascended to be at the right hand of the Father, the Judge for us.
Now, some would say that if the lawyer and the judge were father and son, there may be some shady dealings going on. But Jesus is not only honest; He’s selfless. We’re forgiven not merely because of the Son’s relationship with the Father. We’re forgiven because the Son paid the price for us. What other lawyer in the universe not only knows us, but paid the price for us? It doesn’t matter what we’ve done in the past. No one can bring a charge against us or accuse us because Christ has died for us.
It’s outrageous what many lawyers charge for their services. But Jesus doesn’t charge us anything. But it cost Him His very life. But the story doesn’t stop there. He rose from the dead, ascended to the Father, and now pleads our case before God, the Righteous Judge.
Pastor Chris Huff has been with us since July 2009. He and his wife, Abby, have four children. Chris is originally from St. Louis, MO and even though he was raised as a city boy, he has a small town heart. Chris is all over the internet, so you can find him on Facebook, Twitter,… (read more)
