“If God Be for Us…” (Part 1 of 2)
The conclusion of Romans Chapter 8 provides the cornerstone of Christian assurance, summarizing what it means to be “in Christ” and experience the power of God. These final verses represent Paul’s masterful closing argument, establishing the theological certainty that if God is aligned with us, nothing can ultimately prevail against us.
Paul’s powerful rhetoric asks three foundational questions, demonstrating that God’s plan for believers is framed by no condemnation at the outset and guaranteed by no separation in the conclusion.
1. The Foundation of Freedom: Christ Bore Our Punishment
Paul uses impressive logic, akin to his legal background, to establish truth for believers. However, unlike the fictional attorney Perry Mason, who secures a verdict of not guilty for his clients, Paul demonstrates that the Christian verdict is actually guilty.
The crucial distinction is that the believer is set free because “another has borne the punishment that we deserve”.
- New Identity, New Mentality, New Destiny: Being a Christian provides a new identity (in Christ) that results in a new mentality (minds set on what the Spirit desires).
- No Condemnation: For those who are in Christ, there is now no condemnation. This forgiveness is not granted automatically to everyone just because Jesus died, but is specific to the identity of the believer who is in Christ.
- God Completes the Work: This process offers confidence to those who doubt they can finish the “Christian race” or “marathon”. Paul assures readers, echoing Philippians 1:6, that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ”.
2. The Central Question: If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?
Paul’s first great question based on all the preceding glorious truths—God’s foreknowledge, election, predestination, justification, and glorification—is: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”.
If the God who calls and justifies is on our side, then any opposition that comes against us is ultimately “of no account”. This assurance is meant to provide a sense of proportion and perspective as we follow Jesus.
Defining the God Who Is For Us
It is critically important to understand who this God is. The New Testament commands Christians to make use of their minds; it is a faith that is “seeking understanding”.
When the Bible refers to God, it is not speaking of:
- A cosmic principle.
- A notion of spirituality inside of us (such as the idea that “we are somehow God”).
- “Little gods” inside of individuals.
Rather, we are speaking of “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” and Yahweh, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
The Psalms describe this mighty God as a “strong tower,” a “rock,” a “fortress,” a “stronghold,” and a “deliverer” who trains our hands for war and our fingers for battle. In contrast to this eternal King, humanity is transient, like a breath or a fleeting shadow. According to Calvin, we cannot understand ourselves without first engaging in a devout consideration of the Godhead.
3. Old Testament Proofs: One Plus God is a Majority
The theme that God’s presence overrides all opposition runs throughout the Old Testament.
A. Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 13)
When Moses sent spies to Canaan, the majority report confirmed the land was excellent but the inhabitants were giants, their cities fortified, and the Israelites felt like grasshoppers in comparison.
However, Caleb and Joshua offered a counter-report, urging the people: “We should go up and take possession of the land for we can certainly do it”.
Caleb’s confidence stemmed from the principle of Romans 8:31. He understood that if God promised the land, they would possess it. He did not deny the giants or the fortifications but affirmed the truth that “one plus God is a majority”.
B. Sovereignty and Human Activity (Joshua 11)
In Joshua 11, the Israelites faced a massive coalition of enemies, forming a huge army “as numerous as the sand on the seashore,” representing an insurmountable challenge.
God spoke to Joshua, saying, “Do not be afraid of them because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel slain”.
This promise of God’s sovereignty was immediately followed by a command for human responsibility: “and you will hamstring their horses and burn their chariots”. This demonstrates the juxtaposition of divine purpose: God accomplishes His sovereign will through the required activity of His people.