Romans 8:34

Condemneth. Or, “shall condemn.” Satan has an accurate knowledge of all the sins that he has succeeded in tempting men to commit, and he presents these to God as evidence that men deserve only destruction (see GC 618). But God answers the charges brought against His chosen people. Christ has paid for their sins with His own life (ch. 4:25). God’s elect are free from condemnation (ch. 8:1).

Is risen again. Rather, “was raised” (see chs. 4:24, 25; 6:4, 9; 7:4). We do not worship a dead Christ, but rather a living Christ. This does not imply that the resurrection was of more saving value than the crucifixion, but it emphasizes the fact that Christ not only died but also now lives to complete the purpose of His death in our behalf (see on ch. 4:25).

Right hand of God. The right hand was regarded as the position of honor (see 1 Kings 2:19; Ps. 45:9) and denoted participation in the royal power and glory (Matt. 20:21). That Christ should occupy this position with His Father was predicted in Ps. 110:1; cf. Mark 16:19; Acts 7:56; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; 1 Peter 3:22. His position at the right hand signifies, not only the glory, but also the power, of the exalted Son of man (see Heb. 1:3; cf. Matt. 26:64).

Maketh intercession. Greek entugchano. This is the word used of the Holy Spirit’s pleading in v. 27 (see on v. 26). That Christ is our intercessor and advocate with the Father is clearly stated in Scripture (Heb. 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1; cf. Heb. 4:14-16; 9:11, 12). This must not be taken to mean that God needs to be persuaded to do good things for His people, for it was He who so loved the world that He gave His only Son. The nature of this divine intercession may, perhaps, be illustrated by Christ’s intercessory prayer for His disciples (John 17:11, 12, 24).

In this verse Paul has added reason upon reason for the assurance that nothing can separate the Christian from the love of Christ. It is not a dead but a living Christ upon whom he depends. It is not only a living Christ but a Christ enthroned in power. It is not only a Christ in power but a Christ of saving love, who ever lives to make intercession for His straggling people (cf. Heb. 7:25).

The Bible pictures all of heaven constantly at work to save the elect. In this chapter Paul has spoken of the work of the Father in calling, justifying, and glorifying. He has described the leading and intercession of Christ and of the Holy Spirit. Elsewhere the angels are represented as ministering spirits, who are “sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb. 1:14). Heaven could do nothing more. If a man is eternally lost, it can only be the result of his own decision to resist and reject God’s loving purpose and power to save.