Romans 14:8–No Matter What: We Belong to Him!

Romans 14:8: "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.  So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's."

I find this verse incredibly profound as it remains wholly comforting.  It must be stated upfront, though, that while this is a true statement it is a statement solely for those of us who belong Christ.  Part of the nature of God's relationship with mankind is that He has given human beings a choice.  There are two possibilities: either we will belong to Christ in faith and obedience or we will claim ownership of ourselves.  Now while the latter possibility may seem like a positive thing, it is merely a facade, a dire and eternal facade.

The reality, however, is that the same God who created the vastness of the universe by the power of His Word also created every person by that same modem.  It is then inescapable that we belong, ultimately, to God.  When we refuse to accept that truth and we live our lives in foolhardy reprobation and utter disregard for who we are in Christ, then it is no wonder that God is just to 'leave us to our own devices.'  In a sense, it would be unjust of Him to bring us into His presence kicking and screaming!

Therefore, it is a great and lovely joy to be reckoned as a child of God and to be counted as His.  Let us take joy in this reality: that by the blood of the lamb, who is Christ Jesus, we have been permitted to enter into the holy Kingdom of God.

Amen!