Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Romans 8 and Psalm 104

What astounding news! Romans 7 painted the bleak picture of us trying desperately to please God and to be right with Him by obeying His law, but being so caught up in sin’s power that we simply could not. Our situation was absolutely desperate and our only hope was for a Saviour from beyond ourselves.

Well, Jesus the Saviour has come, and the Good News of His coming seems to explode all over the pages of Romans 8!

Jesus has come. He has lived a perfect life. He has died our death upon the Cross as a “sin offering” (v.3), paying the penalty for our sins on our behalf. Now those who respond to Him with faith and receive Him as our Saviour discover with joy that our sins are removed from our account and we are made right with God. There is no condemnation hovering over us anymore, but only the glorious liberty of having been forgiven for every past sin, adopted into God’s family as His children, and infused with the life-giving and indwelling Holy Spirit.

From within us the Holy Spirit assures us that we are forgiven, witnesses to us that we are indeed God’s children, leads us to do what is pleasing to God, and empowers us to do what is pleasing to God. No longer do we need to strive in our own strength to obey an external law of rules and regulations. Now we give ourselves over to obeying the indwelling Holy Spirit and living in step with His guidance and empowering from within us. When we fail (as we all do occasionally), we are not subject to condemnation. Instead, He applies God’s forgiveness and cleansing to us, ministers peace and assurance to us, and bathes us in a constant supply of the love of God in Christ Jesus, from which nothing in all of creation can separate us anymore (v.35-39) – not even our own failings.

In Jesus Christ, and through the power of His Spirit we are free. Thanks be to God, who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:25)

Life application: Throughout the day, simply marvel at how loved and blessed you are. Take moments throughout the day to become aware of the Holy Spirit Who indwells you and thank Him for all He does for you from within.