There is a difference between the conflict referred to in Ephesians 6 and that in Romans 8, conformably with the doctrine of each epistle. In Ephesians — if also one speaks with a necessary diffidence — it is that the saint might stand in the truth, power and communion; testimony to the authorities in the heavenlies of his heavenly standing in Christ, in a walk consistent therewith.
In Romans 8 it is different. The question is whether, the saint is to languish under the distresses which characterize this desert scene, through which he passes, under the shadow of him who once held the might of death, or whether in the bright shining of the power and victory, and above all, the love of Him Who passed through everything in that love to secure us; and the love of Him to whom everything and every one is creature.
In what triumph, in the light of Christ, do those words come, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through Him that loved us." So, accusations met by Christ's intercession on high, and the light of this two-fold expression of love in the valley below, with what sweetness of embrace do the words meet us, "The love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Yes, beloved, we are no longer in Adam, with its entail of sin and death, but we are in Christ for life, righteousness, Christian standing: a new circle in which we are made to feel at home, with the immensity potentially of that wondrous term "In Christ" before us; but at home there with God, who has so acted towards us, as developed throughout in the doctrine of the epistle. Death has proved to be our liberator on the one hand, and the exposition of the mighty all-prevailing love of God, on the other.
Psalm 44, from which verse 36 of our chapter is a quotation, could hardly go as far as this in an as yet unaccomplished redemption. Yet the faithful remnant there find themselves the companions of the KING in Psalm 45 (our position, too, through grace: Heb. 1:9; Heb. 3:14); and in Psalm 46 find the covenant Name of Jehovah restored to them.
But what a God is ours, and how truly is it "The Gospel of God … concerning His SON, Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 1:1, 3).
C. N. Snow.
We triumph in Thy triumphs, Lord;
Thy joys our deepest joys afford.
The fruit of love divine.