What is the promise believers should never lose sight of in Romans 8:31?
The promise is that God is for us, and consequently nothing can be against us. Believers rest assured that regardless of what people or powers do to the flesh, they cannot touch the invisible eternal part in God's hands. Verse 32 gives the reason: God did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all.
Les explains that Romans 8:31 presents the promise that God is for us, asking, in effect, God for us, who against us? The believer is to rest assured that no matter what someone or what the powers that be may do to the flesh, they can never touch the invisible eternal part that is in God's hands. He emphasizes never losing sight of this promise: God is for us, and consequently nothing can be against us. Verse 32 gives the reason: the God of verse 31 did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all. Paul writes to believers, so the "us" refers to himself and his fellow believers.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Why do most people miss the impact of Romans 8:31?
The impact of Romans 8:31 is often missed because readers skim over it without realizing the assurance it should produce. It concludes Paul's building argument from Romans 8:1—no condemnation in Christ—asking what we shall say to these things, with God for us and none against us.
Why is Romans 8:31 so important to Christians?
Romans 8:31 is paramount because it assures believers that if God is for them, who can be against them? Since they are called, elected, justified, and glorified in God's sight, they can rest, and no one can condemn them. This is the rest God wants for His children.
More Questions
Why does Les say Romans 8:31 does not mean nothing can happen to believers?
Les points to Paul's suffering as the reason Romans 8:31 does not mean believers are exempt from hardship.