What then shall we
say to these things?
If God is for us, who
can be against us?
He who did not spare
His own Son,
but delivered him up
for us all,
how shall He not with
Him also
freely give us all
things? Who shall
bring a charge
against God’s elect?
It is God who
justifies.
Romans 8:31–33
Once again
we point out a verse that is so often quoted and known by heart by many
Christians: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Great truth, but
taken out of context it loses much of its meaning for in context, while this is
true, is speaking of that which Paul in previous verses stated: God
predestinates His elect. As the first part of verse 31 states: “What then
shall we say to these things?” Those who believe what Paul wrote concerning
the children of God; their predestination, and their election will not speak
against this doctrine, yet others will and those are those who are against the
children of God. I am not here speaking of salvation, for that is only for God
to do, and for you to know, rather I am speaking to those taught differently
about this doctrine. Paul adds to this for our assurance by pointing to the
fact that God did not spare His Son, rather God gave Him up, delivered Him for,
who? Who are the “us,” those God freely gave all things too? Is it not those
who, freely (that is, if free then it can not be earned), elected,
predestinated for salvation? It is not those who work, and this by subscribing
to doctrines and ministries that teach that we are in some new period of time,
a new revelation by God for this time, and promote miracles, learning God’s
language, or in other ways promote a “Woodstock” like atmosphere climate in
their congregations to tickle the congregants ears. This dividing doctrine
among Churches of Christianity needs to be addressed and this is what I am
doing in this blog, for those opposed to this doctrine, or have in some way
mitigated the doctrine to fit a presupposition, are doing what Paul stated: “Who
shall bring a charge against God’s elect?” Man cannot save himself. Man cannot
justify himself. It is only: “It is God who justifies.” This, then, is
only of God, it is by the counsel of His Will that He justifies and by His
mercy sanctifies, and it is by His will that He saves some and not others. Will
you bring a charge against his doctrine? If so, then all that is, is bringing a
charge against God. This too is to bring charge against the One He sent to die
for the elect for it is clear by what Paul wrote that this is true: “Who is
he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is
even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans
8:34). Looking once again at the word, “us,” and it is to be found in
context that the “us,” is the elect, those God predestinated. It is doctrine different
from what other Bible writers wrote? No! Peter speaks to this doctrine of
election: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the
Dispersion, in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according
to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for
obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (1Peter 1:1–2). In
Peter’s second epistle speaking to the same people, the elect, warns about that
which would enter into the Church and draw people away from the truth: “But
there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false
teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even
denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And
many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will
be blasphemed” (2Peter 2:1–2). Who are you following? Is it those who would
bring a charge against the elect of God, or those who teach falsely,
heretically in some cases, and all this is nothing more than blasphemy. If so!
GET OUT! Find a Church that teaches the truth and not afraid of the doctrines
that are hard to understand. Hard is one thing, soft, pabulum words are only
destroying a true walk with the Lord. Peter adds: “You therefore, beloved (who
is Peter speaking to? It is the same in 1Peter 1:2), since you know this
beforehand, beware lest you fall from your own steadfastness, being led away
with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen”
(2Peter 3:17–18).
Paul gives
us such hope as children of God, the elect, those chosen by God for salvation
that we should not fear for we have a hope that is secure in Jesus Christ: “Who
shall separate us from the love of Jesus Christ? Shall tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword” as it is
written: ‘Foy Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep
for the slaughter’ (Psalm 44:22) Yet in all these things we are more than
conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor
life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things
to come, not height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans
8:35–39).
I leave you
with those words, words of joy, hope, and love. As you prepare now for the
Lord’s Day, prepare to worship Him with your brothers and sisters, and do not
bring any charge against you by not holding that day holy as God instructed us
in His word, the Ten Commandments. Next week I will continue to aid us to
understand this doctrine so that we will be able to defend our faith (1Peter
3:15).
Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!
Shout to
God with the voice
Of triumph! For the LORD Most High
Is awesome;
He is a great King
Over all the earth.
Psalm 47:1–2
God Is Your Refuge
Richard L. Crumb
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