Ben Fourie

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us”   Romans 8:37 (NIV)

Romans chapter 8 and especially verses 31 to 39 is one of the most well-known parts of the Bible and with reason. It is really poetic language and life-giving language. The danger about such a well-known passage is that the essence of the message can get lost. This part from Romans with its beautiful flow of language is such a joy to read and that in itself may divert from the importance of the message.

It is important to put it in context. Paul wrote this part after a long discussion about sin and punishment, the just judgment of God, the role of the law, law and sin, the salvation of all people, the important place of faith, living in the Spirit and many other matters of faith.

In verse 31 Paul brings all the above together by asking the question: “What then shall we say in response to this?” Now we find a tidal wave of positive things which is a joy to behold for every believer who reads it and a day by day anchor as we move forward in faith. The fundamental message is that God is so completely on our side that He even sent his Son to die on the cross for us. God is so on the side of his chosen people that nobody can bring any charge against us and nobody can condemn us. We are already justified. We are more than conquerors, the war is over. Death, evil forces, yes even what might happen in future is already conquered.

Most important is the love of God that towers above everything, the love that he shows for us in Jesus Christ. Nothing but nothing will be able to separate us from this love. Believers in the time that Paul wrote this letter were subjected to real persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger and sword and it still happens in many countries even today. But it is not about physical danger only. There are many spiritual dangers as well but none can ever separate us from the love of God.

Prayer: How can we ever thank you for this love that surpasses all knowledge. Amen