Forgiveness in Christ: A Study in Romans 8Sample

God Is for Us

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v. 31)

The Bible uses several different prepositions to qualify God’s relationship with his people. The angel said Jesus should be called “Immanuel, (which means God with us)” (Matt. 1:23). John describes God’s incarnation in the person of Jesus Christ this way, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Here in Romans Paul assures us that “God is for us” (v. 31).

Imagine that. The one who created light with a word is for us. The one who spoke and all creation came into existence is for us. The God who took on the Baal prophets through Elijah and defeated them is for us. The God who took down the walls of Jericho, defeated sin through the cross, and put death to death by raising Jesus from the dead is for us. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Paul’s rhetorical question is not meant to suggest that no one is against us but rather that no one and nothing opposed to those who are Christ’s can defeat them. Because God is for us, “we are more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37). Because God is for us, “[nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39).

The God who is with us is also for us. What then shall we say to that?

As you pray, ask the God who is for you to give you the courage to face whatever is standing against you.