If God Is for Us, Who Can Be Against Us?
Question
What does "if God is for us, who tin be confronting us" hateful in Romans 8:31?
Reply
Romans 8:31 says, "What, and then, shall nosotros say in response to these things? If God is for usa, who tin be against usa?" The "things" are the dozens of astonishing proofs of God's unfailing dear listed in the preceding verses. Romans eight contains many of the cherished verses that comfort usa, such as "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (poesy one). And the one that gets us through difficult times: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who accept been called according to his purpose" (verse 28). Verse 31 of Romans 8 is a culmination of all those wonderful promises. Information technology reminds u.s.a. who God is and how He helps u.s.. When we grasp the truth that God is for usa, we have nothing to fright.
God is "for" us in the sense that He is on our side; He is working on our behalf and for our expert. He has proved His benevolence in that He has adopted us (Romans viii:15), He has given u.s. His Spirit (verses 16–17, 26–27), and He has determined to save us (verses 29–30).
The follow-up question, "who can be against us?" is rhetorical. It's another way of saying, "In that location is no one who could perchance be more than powerful than God" or "No one tin can destroy us." The idea is not that we will never face opposition; it's simply that our opposition is doomed to failure. They may be against us, but not successfully against united states. Since God is on our side, we accept nothing to worry most.
Romans eight:31 is an echo of other passages that say the something like:
• Psalm 118:half-dozen says, "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
• 2 Kings 6:xvi: "'Don't exist afraid,' the prophet [Elisha] answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'"
• Psalm 56:9: "My enemies volition turn back when I telephone call for help. By this I will know that God is for me."
• Hebrews 13:six: "And then we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I volition not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'"
• Psalm 27:i: "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"
Sometimes our hearts answer to verses like this with consternation: "I'll tell you who can exist against me! The IRS, my in-laws, terrorists, corrupt politicians—" and the listing goes on. Our real-life enemies seem to overshadow the ideas conveyed in Romans eight. Despite spiritual promises, we still have to endure concrete, mental, and emotional struggles—so much and so that nosotros may wonder if God is truly for us.
The man who penned Romans viii:31 (Paul) faced the same struggles we face and many more. He lists some of his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:22–28 as proof that he did not write from a plastic bubble of ethereal peace. Nevertheless, his intimate relationship with the risen Christ had become his all-consuming passion. He said he considered everything else "garbage" compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:seven–9). He had learned the secret of contentment, whether he was historic or imprisoned, and he stated that surreptitious: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13, BSB).
So when Paul writes, "If God is for u.s., who can be against united states of america," he is comparing earthly opposition to the eternal power and presence of Almighty God—and he declares the winner. No one can overcome God's love for us.
Jesus taught the same thing. In Luke 12:4–5, Jesus said, "I tell you lot, my friends, practise non be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more than. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fearfulness him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." His point, every bit was Paul's, is that, no matter what may happen to united states of america here on earth, there is a higher reality. There is a bigger war than the one we think nosotros face, and God is the ultimate winner (Ephesians 6:12). If we are on His side, and then we will win, as well (Revelation 21:7–viii, 27).
Questions about Romans
What does "if God is for us, who tin can be against united states of america" mean in Romans 8:31?
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This page last updated: Jan iv, 2022
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