Romans chapter 8 is such a beautiful chapter. I went through it backwards and forwards this morning.
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 ESV
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2 ESV
As you can see the chapter ends with being 'in Christ' and starts with it also. Much of what is sandwiched in between must also be seen in that context.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. 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 gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:28-32 ESV
It is Finished! We start from the finished line of the race. Let's work our way backward through what is already done. Then return and start from that place.
In Christ we have been glorified, justified, predestined and called. In Christ it is finished. In Christ there is a love that defies separation... in Christ there is no condemnation.
When Christ finished the work He provided a template for a new identity. It is a finished work identity.
The work of salvation is one we view from a seated position. We are seated in Christ.
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved - and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus" Ephesians 2:4-6 ESV
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2 ESV
It is discovery not striving. It is resting not working. We can walk in the Spirit and petition the Father because we rest in the finished work of the Son.
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