Rom 8:34, Heb 7:25 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 34. Who is he that condemneth ? Who shall pass sentence of condemnation, and consign to perdition? The office of passing sentence of condemnation on men shall pertain to Christ, the Judge of quick and dead, and the apostle proceeds to say that it was certain that he would not condemn the elect of God. They were therefore secure, It is Christ that died . Or, as it may be rendered, "Shall Christ, who has died, condemn them?" The argument here is, that as Christ died to save them, and not to destroy them, he will not condemn them. His death for them is a security that he will not condemn them. As he died to save them, and as they have actually embraced his salvation, there is the highest security that he will not condemn them. This is the first argument for their security from the death of Christ. Yea rather, that is risen again . This is a second consideration for their security from his work. He rose for their justification, and as this was the object which he had in view, it follows that he will not condemn them. Who is even at the right hand of God . Invested with power, and dignity, and authority in heaven. This is a third consideration to show that Christ will not condemn us, and that Christians are secure. He is clothed with power; he is exalted to honour; he is placed at the head of all things. And this solemn enthronement and investiture with power over the universe, is with express reference to the salvation of his church and people, . The Christian is, therefore, under the protection of Christ, and is secure from being condemned by him. Who also maketh intercession for us . . Who pleads our cause; who aids and assists us; who presents our interests before the mercy-seat in the heavens, for this purpose he ascended to heaven, . This is the fourth consideration which the apostle urges for the security of Christians drawn from the work of Christ. By all these, he argues their complete security from being subject to condemnation by him who shall pronounce the doom of all mankind, and therefore their complete safety in the day of judgment. Having the Judge of all for our friend, we are safe.

Romans 8:34

Verse 34. Who is he that condemneth? Who shall pass sentence of condemnation, and consign to perdition? The office of passing sentence of condemnation on men shall pertain to Christ, the Judge of quick and dead, and the apostle proceeds to say that it was certain that he would not condemn the elect of God. They were therefore secure,

It is Christ that died. Or, as it may be rendered, "Shall Christ, who has died, condemn them?" The argument here is, that as Christ died to save them, and not to destroy them, he will not condemn them. His death for them is a security that he will not condemn them. As he died to save them, and as they have actually embraced his salvation, there is the highest security that he will not condemn them. This is the first argument for their security from the death of Christ.

Yea rather, that is risen again. This is a second consideration for their security from his work. He rose for their justification, Rom 4:25 and as this was the object which he had in view, it follows that he will not condemn them.

Who is even at the right hand of God. Invested with power, and dignity, and authority in heaven. This is a third consideration to show that Christ will not condemn us, and that Christians are secure. He is clothed with power; he is exalted to honour; he is placed at the head of all things. And this solemn enthronement and investiture with power over the universe, is with express reference to the salvation of his church and people, Mt 28:18,19, Jn 17:2, Eph 1:20-23. The Christian is, therefore, under the protection of Christ, and is secure from being condemned by him.

Who also maketh intercession for us. Rom 8:26. Who pleads our cause; who aids and assists us; who presents our interests before the mercy-seat in the heavens, for this purpose he ascended to heaven, Heb 7:25. This is the fourth consideration which the apostle urges for the security of Christians drawn from the work of Christ. By all these, he argues their complete security from being subject to condemnation by him who shall pronounce the doom of all mankind, and therefore their complete safety in the day of judgment. Having the Judge of all for our friend, we are safe.

Hebrews 7:25

Verse 25. Wherefore he is able also. As he ever lives, and ever intercedes, he has power to save. He does not begin the work of salvation, and then relinquish it by reason of death, but he lives on as long as it is necessary that anything should be done for the salvation of his people. We need a Saviour who has power and Christ has shown that he has all the power which is needful to rescue man from eternal death.

To the uttermost. This does not mean simply for ever--but that he has power to save them so that their salvation shall be complete ειςτοπαντελες. He does not abandon the work midway; he does not begin a work which he is unable to finish. He can aid us as long as we need anything done for our salvation; he can save all who will entrust their salvation to his hands.

That come unto God by him. In his name; or depending on him. To come to God, is to approach him for pardon and salvation.

Seeing he ever liveth. He does not die as the Jewish priests did.

To make intercession for them. Rom 8:34. He constantly presents the merits of his death as a reason why we should be saved. The precise mode, however, in which he makes intercession in heaven for his people is not revealed. The general meaning is, that he undertakes their cause, and assists them in overcoming their foes and in their endeavours to live a holy life. Comp. 1Jn 2:1. He does in heaven whatever is necessary to obtain for us grace and strength; secures the aid which we need against our foes; and is the pledge or security for us that the law shall be honoured, and the justice and truth of God maintained, though we are saved. It is reasonable to presume that this is somehow by the presentation of the merits of his great sacrifice, and that that is the ground on which all this grace is obtained. As that is infinite, we need not fear that it will ever be exhausted.

(b) "able" Jude 1:24 (2) "to the uttermost" "evermore"