Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” Romans 8:34 (NIV)
All that is needed for your justification, sanctification, adoption, and glorification is already done!
Christ died for you: Christ Jesus… died (8:34).
This changes death for you! Christ bore your sins in his death, so you might go into your death free from them. That’s why Paul says, “Death… [cannot] separate us from the love of God” (8:38).
Christ rose for you: Christ Jesus… was raised to life (Rom. 8:34).
This changes life for you! Christ rose in the power of an endless life (Heb. 7:16) and he gives his Spirit to you. That’s why Paul can say, “Life… [cannot] separate us from the love of God.”
Christ ascended for you: Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God (8:34).
This changes the future for you! When Jesus returns, you will share in his ascension. That’s why Paul can say, “The future… [cannot] separate us from the love of God.” He’s already in heaven and all the demonic powers are under his feet.
Christ intercedes for you: Christ Jesus… is also interceding for us (8:34).
This changes the present for you! Christ is the sovereign Lord, so everything you need for life is yours through him. That’s why Paul can say, “I am convinced that… [nothing in] the present will be able to separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Learn to measure God’s love from what he has done, not from your feelings and circumstances, and you will be able to rejoice in his love even in your suffering.
Paul is convinced. Are you?
