In preparation for my sermons on Romans 8.31-39 I was able to read Spurgeon's sermon "The Believer's Challenge"
in
Spurgeon's Sermons vol. 6 (pp. 156-170). Once I quit coveting his sermonic abilities I was able to bask in the depths of Christ crucified as expounded by Spurgeon. Romans 8.34 states:
Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is he who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
Spurgeon points out that contained in this one verse are "four marvelous pillars upon which the Christian rests his hope."
1. Christ has died for us.
2. Christ has been raised for us.
3. Christ is at the Father's right hand for us.
4. Christ intercedes for us.
Spurgeon speaks of the strength of this four-fold cord of Christ's work for us.
Any one of them were all-sufficient. Though the sins of the whole world should press on any one of these sacred columns, it would never break nor bend. Yet for our strong consolation, that we may never tremble or fear, God hath been pleased to give to us these four eternal rocks, these four immovable foundations, upon which our faith may rest and stand secure.
I was particularly moved by Spurgeon's comments in which he speaks as if one's conscience is raising objections. He takes the demanding conscience and its objections to the cross.
And now, if you are I are enabled this morning to go beneath the bloody tree of Calvary and shelter ourselves there, how safe we are! Ah! we may look around and defy all our sins to destroy us. This shall be an all-sufficient argument to shut their clamorous mouths, "Christ hath died." Here cometh one, and he cries, "Thou hast been a blasphemer." Yes, but Christ died a blasphemer's death, and he died for blasphemers. "But thou hast stained thyself with lust." Yes, but Christ died for the lascivious. The blood of Jesus Christ, God's own Son cleanseth us from all sin; so away, foul fiend, that also has received its due. "But thou has long resisted grace, and long stood out against the warnings of God." Yes, but "Jesus died;" and say what thou wilt, O conscience, remind me of what thou wilt; lo, this shall be my sure reply--"Jesus died." Standing at the foot of the cross, and beholding the Redeemer in his expiring agony, the Christian may indeed gather courage. When I think of my sin, it seems impossible that any atonement should ever be adequate; but when I think of Christ's death it seems impossible that any sin should ever be great enough to need such an atonement as that. There is in the death of Christ enough, and more than enough.
What a line! "There is in the death of Christ enough, and more than enough." Take that thought to your prayer closet and let the foundation and motivation for prayer and praise be the cross of Christ.
