The Apostle asks his readers, \u2018What shall we then say to these things?\u2019 It is a question as to what \u2018things\u2019 Paul is referring to. If it is \u2018the sufferings of this present time\u2019 in v. 18 then he has shown that for believers our sufferings, while real, are not to be compared to the blessing laid up in store \u2018for them that love God\u2019. All things are presently working for our good, even our sufferings, and every element in God\u2019s sovereign plan of grace leads inevitably to our glory.<\/p>\n
Troubles are real<\/b><\/p>\n
We do not minimise the difficulties our brothers and sisters are called to face in this life. Pain, loss and hardship afflict the Lord\u2019s people along with others. We are prone to all the effects of sin and the consequential decay of the flesh. Yet our aches and anxieties will be tempered as we trust in God and His eternal purpose for our greater good and glory. Every pathway His providence leads is strewn with sufficient grace to help us endure and overcome our trials.<\/p>\n
The Master-builder<\/b><\/p>\n
Perhaps the question, \u2018What shall we then say to these things?\u2019 refers to the great covenantal columns of everlasting love, election, calling, justification and glory cited in vv. 29, 30. These pillars stand on the unmoveable foundation of free, sovereign grace. The church is God\u2019s building and everything in it is perfectly designed, constructed and guaranteed. Nothing remains for us to do but to occupy and be thankful. We glory in God\u2019s workmanship. What more can a believer say to \u2018these things\u2019 than, \u2018Amen, amen and amen\u2019.<\/p>\n
Be encouraged<\/b><\/p>\n
These great achievements of divine purpose stand as bulwarks of God\u2019s goodness and mercy. Nothing can be added to them. Free grace forms a complete suite of blessings. The plan of salvation is fit for purpose. It was conceived in the pure, omniscient and omnipotent mind of God. It is perfectly framed according to the decrees of God. It is perfectly accomplished by the Son of God and perfectly applied by the Spirit of God. Our salvation is settled and sure.<\/p>\n
So great salvation<\/b><\/p>\n
Perhaps, after all, Paul\u2019s question is rhetoric \u2013 not seeking an answer at all. He is inviting us to acknowledge that the greatness of God\u2019s covenant purpose is, in the end, inexpressible were we to spend eternity trying. Every free-grace preacher must acknowledge His limitations. A lifetime\u2019s study barely scratches the surface of the wonder of this gospel. The glory, beauty and majesty of the covenant of grace merely attests the greater glory, beauty and majesty of the One who formed it thus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n He is faithful<\/b><\/p>\n Nor can anything be said against this exquisite doctrine, though ignorant and foolish men try. This is the glorious gospel of Christ, the epitome of wisdom and the embodiment of truth. It is a true and faithful saying worthy of all acceptation for \u2018Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners\u2019. It is certain and undeniable. The massed legions in hell tremble before its authority. Blind atheists on earth buckle under its weight. Such is the power of the gospel to effect God\u2019s will that the Lord\u2019s own people are saved by it despite our own shortage of faith to believe.<\/p>\n The song of the redeemed<\/b><\/p>\n This message is the gospel of free, sovereign, everlasting grace. It reveals the love of God, His electing choice, His effectual call, His justifying mercy and His unchanging will to bless the church for the sake and glory of His Son Jesus Christ. \u2018What shall we say to these things?\u2019 We say, \u2018Thank you\u2019. We say \u2018Praise the Lord!\u2019 We say, \u2018Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing\u2019.<\/p>\n Safe in His hand<\/b><\/p>\n In tomorrow\u2019s service we shall encourage one another by reminding ourselves of the Apostle\u2019s rejoinder to His own question. \u2018If God be for us, who can be against us?\u2019 If God has loved us, called us and justified us by the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, His own dear Son, who can undo God\u2019s acceptance of His people. If God has ordained all things to work together for our good, who can overthrow His decrees and confound His purpose? If our Saviour has died and risen again; succeeded and gained His prize, who shall pluck us out of His Father\u2019s hand?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Amen.<\/p>\n