Our Fruitful Union
Romans 7:1–6
So that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4
God’s object in saving us is so that we, who beforehand were lost in sin and wickedness, might live a holy life. Our new marriage to Jesus Christ produces holiness by bringing us into a love that will never fade and a relationship that will never end. We died to our unfruitful first marriage to the law when we died in Christ. That marriage ended. But now, having been raised in Christ, who will never die, and having been joined to him, we are assured of a love that will last forever.
“But suppose my love is weak?” you ask.
Don’t say “suppose.” As a new bride of Christ, your love for him is weak, but it will grow. It will grow here on earth and it will go on growing throughout eternity. “Suppose my love should grow cold?” you wonder.
That is a sad thing to imagine since there is no excuse for it, but it is true that this sometimes happens. We get involved in the affairs of this world and forget the Lord for a time. Ah, but he is still seeking us. He has only used our neglect of him to show us how much his love means and how empty our lives are without it.
“But suppose I betray his love, as Gomer betrayed the love of Hosea?” God forbid that you should ever do that! But even if that should happen, Jesus’s love is greater even than your betrayal. He died to deliver you from the condemnation of the law and purchase you for himself. Do you think he will abandon you now? The Bible tells us, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself ” (2 Tim. 2:13).
One day the great God of the universe is going to throw a party. It will be the most magnificent party that has ever been held. The banquet will be spread in heaven. The guests will be numbered in the billions. The angelic legions will be there to serve these honored guests. Jesus, the Bridegroom, will be seated at his Father’s right hand. And you will be there too, for this is the great marriage supper of the Lamb. You will be there. Do you understand that? You will be there. Nothing is going to keep you from that great celebration—if you are really joined to Jesus Christ.
If you know where you are headed, you will be preparing for that day with every spiritual thought you have and with every deed you do. You will be bearing fruit for God, because on that day of celebration you will be able to lift it up and offer it to him with pure hands and with joy unspeakable.
Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865
Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.