Why does Romans 8:31 matter so much for the Christian life?
Romans 8:31 matters because it assures believers that since God is for them—having called, elected, justified, and glorified them—no one can be against them or condemn them. This truth gives rest, grounded in God not sparing His Son but giving Him up.
Les teaches that Romans 8:31 is paramount to the Christian experience as a child of God. Those who have been called, elected, justified, and glorified—in God's eyes at least—can ask what shall we say then to these things. If God is for us, who can be against us? That is where God wants us to rest, because no one can condemn us. Verse 32 gives the reason: God did not spare His Son but let Him be crucified, mishandled, misused, and gave Him up. As Philippians shows, the Lord Jesus was obedient unto that kind of death. Like Isaac of old, who did not struggle or fight back but in complete obedience let Abraham lay him upon the altar, this Old Testament scene previews what took place in the New.
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
More Questions
What does 'these things' refer to in Romans 8:31?
The 'these things' in Romans 8:31 are the things Paul alone teaches—that believers have been justified, glorified, forgiven, and similar blessings.
What is Paul talking about in Romans 8:31 when he says "what shall we say then to these things"?
The "these things" Paul asks about in Romans 8:31 are that we have been justified, glorified, and forgiven — truths that Paul alone teaches.
How does Romans 8:31 connect to Romans 8:1?
Paul's argument in Romans 8 builds from the opening assurance 'no condemnation' in verse 1 all the way down to the climactic statement in verse 31 about God being for us.