25 October | EVERYONE
«What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?» Romans 8:31, 32
Paul’s questions are meant to lead us to reflection. In Christ, we do not to fear any adversary. The theme is spiritual victory, possible only through Jesus Christ. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).
The key to the apostle’s thought is the expression “those who are in Christ Jesus.” For them, there is no more condemnation. Christians have only two ways of living: either they live in Christ, or they live in the flesh, apart from Christ. The key is to understand what it means to “be in Christ.” Living in Christ is not just a beautiful phrase to be repeated and even sung many times. We have to leave simple rhetoric and enter the realm of experience.
“To be in Christ” is not just to accept Jesus, or to be baptized. That is the first step of the Christian experience, but it is nothing more than spiritual birth. “To be in Christ” is not to be an isolated act, but an experience that goes on indefinitely. “Being in Christ” is a daily, constant, and permanent experience. Having been in Christ yesterday does not guarantee that we will be in Christ today or tomorrow. We need “to be in Christ” every day, every hour, and every minute.
“Being in Christ” involves living in Him, knowing Him in His Word, connecting through prayer, recognizing Him in others (cf. Matt. 25:31-46). It is a way of life not akin to the carnal nature with which we come into the world; but in physical life we do not limit ourselves to doing what we like, but we try to follow the habits necessary for a healthy life. You do not just eat what pleases the palate, but what really nourishes. Now, it is possible to “educate” the palate. In the same way, on the spiritual level, by the power of God, we receive a new nature, this one already akin to God’s will.
Take Action
Every time you tremble at any difficulty that life throws at you, every time a human being intimidates you, remember that if God is with you, no one will be able to really hurt you. Live with Jesus every day! Sing “If God Is with Us” (if possible, with your family).