Romans chapter 8 is one of the most enlightening and powerful passages of Scripture in the New Testament. I find it very uplifting and inspirational especially during this Covid-19 pandemic and this unprecedented season of social, political, economic and racial unrest. A time like this we have never seen or experienced. Can anyone convince us that the last of the last days are not upon us? Thank God for precious, encouraging scriptures like Romans 8 – given through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, I believe, specifically to help get us through times like these. Please, if you can, read it from the beginning to end and let it saturate your mind and soul.
The first verse in Romans 8, certainly re-echoes the words of the Lord Jesus found in John 5:24 – “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” The assurance is given that the believing sinner that trusted God for salvation shall by His grace remain saved. It reminds the reader that He who saved us will keep us. What a blessed consolation! We are passed from death unto life with no fearful prospect of condemnation, the adverse sentence of death hanging over our heads.
It is noteworthy that the chapter begins with a dynamic “No condemnation” and ends with a resounding “No separation.” It opens with a strong declaration that there is now “No condemnation” and strikingly closes with the positively, absolute affirmation that there can be “No separation.” Those of us who are in Christ Jesus and remain in Him shall never again experience condemnation, and we by His love and power cannot be separated from Him.
Let us also pensively observe that these are the two things that the devil tries to bring against us more than ever – condemnation and separation. If he cannot condemn us, he tries to separate us and if He cannot separate us, he tries to condemn us. However, may it sink deep down into our spirits that God has arranged it so that “No condemnation” results in “No separation” for the believer. The one who stands condemned is the one outside of Jesus Christ and the one who is outside of Jesus Christ is already separated from Him.
For the believer – “No condemnation,” for the believer “No separation.” Praise be to the Almighty, the believer has abundant, spiritual, everlasting triumphant life. May the church of the living God ever rejoice in this! The Christian pathway is not one of doom and gloom, but it is one of joyful anticipation, praise and thanksgiving. We view things from a different perspective, even in the midst of a pandemic and all the other vicissitudes of life. We still see the hand of God superintending every event of our lives. No longer condemned we can never be separated from Him and His love. We triumph in Him! Let the church say “Amen” as we triumphantly live through these cataclysmic times.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
July 18, 2020
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PLEASE NOTE
In collaboration with our District Overseers, the Church of God of Prophecy submits to the wisdom of continuing to ‘Shelter in Place’ for the safety and protection of the flock. This is to be observed until further notice and the present virus is better contained. Should the need arise to meet, we are advised to meet in groups of no more than 10, while we strictly observe the protocols of social distancing, wearing of masks and aggressive sanitizing of our hands and surfaces frequently touched.
Please let us patiently observe these practices to keep each other safe and alive. We are reminded that we are indeed our brother’s keeper. Stay home! Stay Healthy! Stay Hopeful! We shall soon get through this! Premature re-openings of our churches seem not to be the wisest way to go at this point. Let us continue to pray, caring for each other and staying connected.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Regional, Presiding Bishop — Northeast Region
