0596. 583. “Now”

583. “Now”

The present tense of the Christian life is what faith recognises and enjoys. The word “nun” is rendered “present” in Rom_11:5, and “at this time” in 1Co_16:12. The following seven nows in Romans will illustrate.

1. Mercy Obtained. “Now have obtained mercy” (Rom_11:30). We could never attain to the blessings of the Lord, but we can obtain them, for they are all offered to us in Christ.

2. Righteousness Manifested. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested” (Rom_3:21). God can righteously save those who believe in Christ, for He is the righteous One for us in life and death.

3. Justification Declared. “Being now justified by His blood” (Rom_5:9). The blood of Christ’s atonement is the procuring cause of every blessing, and not least among them is that God accounts us righteous in Him.

4. Reconciliation Received. “By whom we have now received the reconciliation” (margin, Rom_5:11). Peace with God is the result of the work of Christ, who has made peace for us by the blood of His Cross.

5. “Righteousness unto Holiness.” “Even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness” (Rom_6:19). Consecration is an act and an attitude. A definite act of yielding to God, and a constant attitude of rightness and separation to Him.

6. “No Condemnation.” “There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom_8:1, R.V.). Christ has been judged for our sin and sins, and, therefore, for our sin and sins, believers will never be judged.

7. “Salvation Nearer.” “Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Rom_13:11). The salvation which is “nearer” is the salvation of the body. This is the consummation of redemption.

By: DR. F. E. MARSH