What then shall we say to these things? if God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? (33) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (34) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

The towering letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. The verses we study today are immediately preceded by Paul assuring us that God is sovereign and all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose; those elect who at a certain point are called and justified. This process is secure because it isn’t about us but about Jesus Christ being glorified as God’s purpose. God is not neutral and if we are NOT in Christ we are under God’s wrath and headed for eternal judgment. Nothing of salvation comes from our own “good works” but only in Christ’s redemptive act.

God’s sovereignty in saving us demands a response of worship and submission – and means the faithful must evaluate all opposition and difficulties in light of God’s Grace. God has already done the greatest thing for us in the sacrifice of His Son and it follows He will freely give us all things for a holy life. Christ’s death was not a humanely caused tragedy but a divine solution to our sin and guilt. God’s answer for guilt does not lie in us but with God and Christ alone. In verse 32 we are told that Christ was delivered up for us all and “us all” in context means those who God foreknew, predestined, called, justified in Christ and will finally glorify – those, God is for.

There is nothing in us to deserve being justified. Jesus paid the penalty we deserved. Our justification is rooted in God’s sovereign election. Therefore, if God is for us, who can be against us? Indeed.