Triumph of Believers

This twenty-second message from Romans closes off Paul's section on the sanctification of God's children. He is confident of that all believers will be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, because of God's SOVEREIGNTY (ultimate control over all). Though God allows free will, at the same time, He cooperates with us, actively assisting in all things for our good (benefit). Two parts are vital in this process: (1) our devotion to God - that we are consistently loving Him; and (2) our direction from God - that we are daily being invited to serve Him. The goal of this relationship is conformity to His Son - transformation of our souls toward Christlikeness. This process confirms our SECURITY in Christ - we can never lose our salvation because of Him. This is seen in three ways: (1) the verdict - that God is for us, so who can be against us? (2) the vindication - that God has justified us, so who can bring a charge to condemn us? and (3) the victory - that we overwhelmingly conquer in Christ, so who can separate us from God's love?