by Robert Fudge

In the book of Romans, Paul explains how that all men have sinned and thus all deserve to die. Not just a physical death but also deserve to die the spiritual death, that is eternal separation from God in hell. It was while man was in this condition and while totally helpless that God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sin. We have done nothing to deserve this salvation from sin that God is offering. God loves us, has compassion (mercy) on us and thus offers His grace to us. This marvelous grace was first offered to the Jewish people but then extended to all mankind. At the conclusion of this section of God’s saving grace, Paul offers this song of praise to God.

Romans 11:33-36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?"
35 "Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?"
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Which of us can claim to know the mind of God? Paul tells the Ephesians that at just the right time, God has revealed (explained) His mystery of salvation to mankind. The revelation of the mystery, the revelation of the mind or will of God is Jesus Christ. It is through Him and by Him that God offers His salvation to us today. We cannot attain it by our own doing. We cannot attain it by our own mental and philosophical achievements. But as a gift, we can have this salvation by the blood of Jesus.

Paul explains to the Romans that they came in contact with this saving blood of Jesus by faith. He then explains in chapter 6 that on the basis of this faith we die to sins with Christ, we are buried with Him in baptism and then raised to walk in a new life. A new life that is free from sin. A new life with a promise of eternal heaven. A new life with the assurance that this marvelous God will be with us every step of our lives, every day. As Paul exclaims in Romans 8:31, What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? And then a few verses later in verse 37: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

As we go through this day, let’s each of us remember that w e serve a God who is beyond anything we can begin to understand or begin to know. But remember that we serve a God who knows us – after all He created us from His mind and by His will. He not only knows us but has provided what is best for us and will continue to do so if we will accept His will for our lives in Jesus Christ. So, as one of my favorite passages says: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Phil. 4:4-5

May God bless you as you live in and for Him through Jesus the Christ.