Weekly Sermon
Romans 12:1-2 reads, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
In these two verses of God’s holy Word, our Lord gives us three instructions. First, our Lord instructs us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him. Second, our Lord instructs us not to be conformed unto this present evil world. Third, our Lord instructs us, rather, to be transformed into His own image by the renewing of our minds. Yet all three of these instructions are built upon one foundation. That foundation is presented in the opening phrase of Romans 12:1, where the apostle Paul states under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God.” The foundation for our obedience to our Lord God’s instructions is the foundation of our Lord God’s mercies toward us. Indeed, when we truly meditate upon “the mercies of God,” then we will be moved and motivated to obedience.
What then is involved in “the mercies of God” toward us? Mercy can be defined either as a holding back of a punishment that is certainly deserved, or as a helping compassion for an individual in desperate need. In “the mercies of God” toward us, we find that both elements are involved. Under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul presented the elements of “the mercies of God” throughout Romans 1-11. Thus we shall find the answer to our question in these chapters – What is involved in “the mercies of God” toward us?
Romans 12:1-2 reads, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
In these two verses of God’s holy Word, our Lord gives us three instructions. First, our Lord instructs us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him. Second, our Lord instructs us not to be conformed unto this present evil world. Third, our Lord instructs us, rather, to be transformed into His own image by the renewing of our minds. Yet all three of these instructions are built upon one foundation. That foundation is presented in the opening phrase of Romans 12:1, where the apostle Paul states under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God.” The foundation for our obedience to our Lord God’s instructions is the foundation of our Lord God’s mercies toward us. Indeed, when we truly meditate upon “the mercies of God,” then we will be moved and motivated to obedience.
What then is involved in “the mercies of God” toward us? Mercy can be defined either as a holding back of a punishment that is certainly deserved, or as a helping compassion for an individual in desperate need. In “the mercies of God” toward us, we find that both elements are involved. Under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul presented the elements of “the mercies of God” throughout Romans 1-11. Thus we shall find the answer to our question in these chapters – What is involved in “the mercies of God” toward us?
Our Guilty and Desperate Spiritual Condition in Sin
In Romans 1:18-21 God’s Word reveals, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold [that is – hold down and hold back; restrain and restrict] the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” This, brethren, was our spiritual condition before our salvation in Christ Jesus. We were in a condition of spiritual darkness. We were in a condition of ungodliness and unrighteousness. Even so, through our ungodliness and unrighteousness, we held down and held back the truth of God both in our own hearts and in others’ lives. We were guilty before God, and the wrath of God was already abiding over us and against us (John 3:36).
In addition, Romans 1:25 states concerning our unsaved spiritual condition, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” What is “the truth of God” that we changed into a lie? It is the truth that the Lord our God is the Most High God. It is that He is to have the place of preeminence. It is that He is to be given the glory, and honor, and thanks for all things. It is that He alone is to be worshipped by all. It is that we are to serve Him, and Him only. It is that He is to have the first and central place in our lives. Yet we did not give Him that place of preeminence. Rather, we gave that place of preeminence unto ourselves. We were self-centered, rather than God-centered. We sought the glory and honor for ourselves. We worshipped ourselves. We gave ourselves the first and central place in our lives. We served our own lusts and desires.
Even so, Romans 1:28-32 declares concerning our unsaved spiritual condition, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Yes, as lost sinners every one of us could have been classified in that list. Yea, as lost sinners every one of us took pleasure in our sins.
Therefore, Romans 3:9-19 concludes, “What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” As lost sinners we all were under the power of sin. Sin owned us body, soul, and spirit. Not one of us was righteous in the sight of God. Yea, not one of us was in a right relationship with Lord our God. Not one of us was good in the sight of God. Yea, not one of us was godly in the character our hearts. Not one of us sought after God and His ways. Yea, we all sought after our own, selfish ways.
Yet if any were to conclude that things were not really all that bad, then let them examine themselves according to the two great examples of ungodliness. Let them examine the words of their mouth, and let them examine their relationships with others. Did your speech give you away? Did harsh, biting, bitter, or deceitful words proceed from your lips? Did your relationships with others betray you? Was there fightings, envyings, strifes, and divisions in your relationships with others? Such is the very revelation of a desperately wicked and evil heart within us. Indeed, as lost sinners we all stood guilty before the Lord our God, without excuse or defense; “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This was our guilty and desperate spiritual condition in sin. We were utterly lost in the darkness of our own sinfulness, unrighteousness, and ungodliness.
Christ’s Shed Blood and Sacrificial Death for Us Sinners
Yet the Lord our God showed mercy unto us lost and undeserving sinners. He provided a way of salvation; and that way is in His only-begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Concerning God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 3:25 reveals, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [a sacrificial offering and payment] through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Again concerning God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 4:25 reveals, “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Brethren, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ shed His pre-cious blood and sacrificed His precious life for the payment and forgiveness of our sins. Even so, Romans 5:6-8 declares, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This is God’s love and mercy toward us sinners – The perfect Son of God, who knew no sin, died for us ungodly, unrighteous, wicked, wretched sinners in our place. The wrath of God that was against us because of our sins, He took upon Himself. Yea, through His shed blood and sacrificial death, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ provided the way for us to receive the gift of eternal salvation and eternal life. Even so, Romans 6:23 proclaims, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Oh, “the mercies of God” toward us sinners!
The Gift of Eternal Life That We Have through Faith in Christ
Now, if you have received the gift of eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ, then you understand that the gift is received freely through faith alone. Even so, Romans 4:5 declares, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Again Romans 10:9-13 proclaims, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Have you called upon the Lord Jesus Christ in faith from you heart to be your personal and eternal Savior from sin? If you have, then you have been gloriously saved from your sinfulness; and you have received the glorious gift of eternal life. This is God’s mercy toward you.
Yet what all is involved in “the mercies of God” toward us through this gift of salvation? Romans 5:1-2 answers, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Brethren, we now are spiritually justified. Yea, the Lord our God Himself has declared us to be without sin, as if we had never had sinned and never had been sinners. We now have peace with God. We now have access to the all-sufficient grace of God for our every need. We now have a place for real joy and rejoicing – in the blessed fellowship of our Lord. And we now have a certain hope of an eternal home with God.
To this Romans 5:3-5 adds, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Brethren, we now can be confident of this very thing, that the Lord our God, who hath begun His good work in us, will continue that good work in us until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). We now have been given God the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. And now the Holy Spirit is ever at work in us to shed abroad the love of God in our hearts.
To this Romans 6:6-7 adds, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him [with Christ], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Brethren, we now have freedom from the dominion of sin in our hearts and lives. To this Romans 6:11 adds, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Brethren, we now have been given newness of live to live unto God in righteousness and true holiness. Even so, Romans 6:18 declares, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness;” and verse 22 also declares, “But now being made free from sin, and become the servants of God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
To this then Romans 8:1 adds, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Brethren, there is now NO condemnation for us, none at all. To this Romans 8:13 adds, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit [through God the Holy Spirit] do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Brethren, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are now able to mortify (to put unto death) the sinful desires and deeds of our flesh. To this Romans 8:14-16 adds, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Brethren, through the indwelling Spirit of God, we now have an indwelling witness and assurance that we are the children of God, and that we can fellowship with God as our heavenly Father. To this Romans 8:17-18 adds, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Brethren, through the inner witness and enabling of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we now have an eternal hope and confidence even in the midst of the worst “sufferings of this present time.”
To this Romans 8:26 adds, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercessions for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Brethren, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we now have a divine Helper in our prayer lives. To this Roman 8:31-32 adds, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 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?” Brethren, in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, we now have all that we need for life and godliness. To this Romans 8:33-34 adds, “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 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.” Brethren, even when we sin as believers, we now have Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior as our divine Intercessor, making intercession for us before God the Father.
Finally then, to all of this Romans 8:35-39 assures us that we can now never be separated “from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus;” for it declares, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is what is involved in “the mercies of God” toward us.
Indeed, upon this ground we are instructed in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” My beloved brethren, what then will be your response to these things?
In Romans 1:18-21 God’s Word reveals, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold [that is – hold down and hold back; restrain and restrict] the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” This, brethren, was our spiritual condition before our salvation in Christ Jesus. We were in a condition of spiritual darkness. We were in a condition of ungodliness and unrighteousness. Even so, through our ungodliness and unrighteousness, we held down and held back the truth of God both in our own hearts and in others’ lives. We were guilty before God, and the wrath of God was already abiding over us and against us (John 3:36).
In addition, Romans 1:25 states concerning our unsaved spiritual condition, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” What is “the truth of God” that we changed into a lie? It is the truth that the Lord our God is the Most High God. It is that He is to have the place of preeminence. It is that He is to be given the glory, and honor, and thanks for all things. It is that He alone is to be worshipped by all. It is that we are to serve Him, and Him only. It is that He is to have the first and central place in our lives. Yet we did not give Him that place of preeminence. Rather, we gave that place of preeminence unto ourselves. We were self-centered, rather than God-centered. We sought the glory and honor for ourselves. We worshipped ourselves. We gave ourselves the first and central place in our lives. We served our own lusts and desires.
Even so, Romans 1:28-32 declares concerning our unsaved spiritual condition, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Yes, as lost sinners every one of us could have been classified in that list. Yea, as lost sinners every one of us took pleasure in our sins.
Therefore, Romans 3:9-19 concludes, “What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” As lost sinners we all were under the power of sin. Sin owned us body, soul, and spirit. Not one of us was righteous in the sight of God. Yea, not one of us was in a right relationship with Lord our God. Not one of us was good in the sight of God. Yea, not one of us was godly in the character our hearts. Not one of us sought after God and His ways. Yea, we all sought after our own, selfish ways.
Yet if any were to conclude that things were not really all that bad, then let them examine themselves according to the two great examples of ungodliness. Let them examine the words of their mouth, and let them examine their relationships with others. Did your speech give you away? Did harsh, biting, bitter, or deceitful words proceed from your lips? Did your relationships with others betray you? Was there fightings, envyings, strifes, and divisions in your relationships with others? Such is the very revelation of a desperately wicked and evil heart within us. Indeed, as lost sinners we all stood guilty before the Lord our God, without excuse or defense; “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This was our guilty and desperate spiritual condition in sin. We were utterly lost in the darkness of our own sinfulness, unrighteousness, and ungodliness.
Christ’s Shed Blood and Sacrificial Death for Us Sinners
Yet the Lord our God showed mercy unto us lost and undeserving sinners. He provided a way of salvation; and that way is in His only-begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Concerning God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 3:25 reveals, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [a sacrificial offering and payment] through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Again concerning God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 4:25 reveals, “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Brethren, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ shed His pre-cious blood and sacrificed His precious life for the payment and forgiveness of our sins. Even so, Romans 5:6-8 declares, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This is God’s love and mercy toward us sinners – The perfect Son of God, who knew no sin, died for us ungodly, unrighteous, wicked, wretched sinners in our place. The wrath of God that was against us because of our sins, He took upon Himself. Yea, through His shed blood and sacrificial death, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ provided the way for us to receive the gift of eternal salvation and eternal life. Even so, Romans 6:23 proclaims, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Oh, “the mercies of God” toward us sinners!
The Gift of Eternal Life That We Have through Faith in Christ
Now, if you have received the gift of eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ, then you understand that the gift is received freely through faith alone. Even so, Romans 4:5 declares, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Again Romans 10:9-13 proclaims, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Have you called upon the Lord Jesus Christ in faith from you heart to be your personal and eternal Savior from sin? If you have, then you have been gloriously saved from your sinfulness; and you have received the glorious gift of eternal life. This is God’s mercy toward you.
Yet what all is involved in “the mercies of God” toward us through this gift of salvation? Romans 5:1-2 answers, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Brethren, we now are spiritually justified. Yea, the Lord our God Himself has declared us to be without sin, as if we had never had sinned and never had been sinners. We now have peace with God. We now have access to the all-sufficient grace of God for our every need. We now have a place for real joy and rejoicing – in the blessed fellowship of our Lord. And we now have a certain hope of an eternal home with God.
To this Romans 5:3-5 adds, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Brethren, we now can be confident of this very thing, that the Lord our God, who hath begun His good work in us, will continue that good work in us until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). We now have been given God the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. And now the Holy Spirit is ever at work in us to shed abroad the love of God in our hearts.
To this Romans 6:6-7 adds, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him [with Christ], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Brethren, we now have freedom from the dominion of sin in our hearts and lives. To this Romans 6:11 adds, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Brethren, we now have been given newness of live to live unto God in righteousness and true holiness. Even so, Romans 6:18 declares, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness;” and verse 22 also declares, “But now being made free from sin, and become the servants of God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
To this then Romans 8:1 adds, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Brethren, there is now NO condemnation for us, none at all. To this Romans 8:13 adds, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit [through God the Holy Spirit] do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Brethren, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are now able to mortify (to put unto death) the sinful desires and deeds of our flesh. To this Romans 8:14-16 adds, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Brethren, through the indwelling Spirit of God, we now have an indwelling witness and assurance that we are the children of God, and that we can fellowship with God as our heavenly Father. To this Romans 8:17-18 adds, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Brethren, through the inner witness and enabling of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we now have an eternal hope and confidence even in the midst of the worst “sufferings of this present time.”
To this Romans 8:26 adds, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercessions for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Brethren, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, we now have a divine Helper in our prayer lives. To this Roman 8:31-32 adds, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 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?” Brethren, in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, we now have all that we need for life and godliness. To this Romans 8:33-34 adds, “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 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.” Brethren, even when we sin as believers, we now have Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior as our divine Intercessor, making intercession for us before God the Father.
Finally then, to all of this Romans 8:35-39 assures us that we can now never be separated “from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus;” for it declares, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is what is involved in “the mercies of God” toward us.
Indeed, upon this ground we are instructed in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” My beloved brethren, what then will be your response to these things?
Posted in Weekly Sermon, Romans, Grace and Mercy of God, Sacrificial Death of Christ, Salvation & Eternal Life, Spiritual New Birth, The Holy Spirit, Eternal Security
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