No Longer Condemned but Chosen by God!

Rom. 8:26-30 NLT    

  26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.  27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.  28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.

Ever feel unsure of how to pray? I do as well. This passage encourages me at those times. It tells us that even when we are stumbling around in our prayers, God prays on our behalf. Now, I admit I don't quite understand this Trinity issue with God the Spirit praying for me to God the Father and God the Son-- Jesus Christ-- saying Amen in agreement with that prayer. However, I don't have to fully understand it in order to benefit from it. I merely have to accept it and trust God-- taking Him at His word.

This passage includes my favorite verse in scripture. Starting in verse 28 we are told that all the old 'condemnation' that used to plague us, is gone. I am no longer condemned. I should stop condemning myself because God has wiped away all of that and now leaves me purified by His grace. I don't need to give in to the feelings of guilt that used to smother me. I am forgiven by the one who created everything. I am now beyond condemnation by others because God has forgiven me. You too, if you are in Christ.

Then I am reminded that God chose me. He chose you too. I was one who didn't get chosen by others often in certain childhood events. I understand rejection because of how much I experienced it. But God did not reject me. He elected me. He selected me. He chose me to be His. He chose you too! We are chosen together by our Lord! He saw us back those eons ago and looked past the sin and the faults and the failures and said "I choose that one to be mine!." Because God chose us, has placed us in 'right standing' with him we have God's glory waiting for us.

Your servant in the Lord Jesus Christ

Dan Elliott

drdanelliott@gmail.com