Who Can Condemn?

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:34

This is a challenge. Paul dares the reader to find someone to condemn us; for who can possibly accuse those personally redeemed, cleansed, and pardoned by the Judge Himself? The answer, of course, is no one. Oh, they'll try. Satan will try, as he did with Job. The world will try with the old "I'm not so bad--look at them" routine. And we'll even try ourselves, trying to berate and guilt ourselves into self-imposed spiritual exile. But the accusations are weak at best and cannot stand up to the blood of Christ. It's amazing to know that the Savior is at the Father's side right this very instant saying, "Nope--I've got that one covered. No, she's mine, too. Try again--his debt's been paid." And not only that, but turning to God and pleading for you! Jesus is praying for us! Incidentally, just a few verses before we read that the Spirit is interceeding for us, also. That's two of the three persons of the God-head actively taking our side. So really...who could possibly condemn us?