Romans 8:30,31 - What shall we say?

8:30

This verse gives us the sequence of events, stretching from the before time began to after the return of Christ. God predestined us, He has a set purpose for our lives, to be like Christ. He called us, when we hear His voice, when we hear the gospel. On the cross He justified us, through the blood of Jesus He made us righteous. He will also glorify us. Yes, we will be glorified. What does this mean? Well I will use my simple model of glory that means (i) moral excellence; (ii) significance; and (iii) splendour. God is working in our lives to sanctify us, to cleanse us through and through (1 Thess 5:23). We are significant, we have an effect upon the earth, and when Christ returns and we are raised or transformed we will be endowed with splendour.

8:31

There are two main opponents that Christians face. One is accusation, whether it be from Satan, the world our ourselves. The other is the opposition of circumstances, whether it be just the circumstances of life or directed opposition against us. In these final verses of Romans 8 Paul addresses both of these.

“What then shall we say in response to these things?” I think it is fair to think that Paul is referring back to all that he has said, ie the whole plan and working of God’s salvation.

“If God is for us who can be against us?” The “if” here is not implying that there is any doubt about God being for us, and in saying “who can be against us” he is not saying that no one will oppose us. Paul knew all too well from his own life that there were many who were against him! Rather, he is contrasting the two. We need to look at who is for us, God Himself! Then we need to contrast that with who or what is against us. There is then no comparison. We need to have a truly godly perspective on life.