What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
What mighty Gospel consolation is forever established in this glorious premise! Given that God has undertaken for me, rather than against me, what or who shall disturb my rest? God is never neutral, He is either for or against. Some might say with erroneous sentiment, “God is for everyone.” But the scriptures are against you who suggest such a fantasy. Without this premise first being established the context falls in ruin. If God be for us . . .
Who, then, is God for? They are identified in the context. Whom He did foreknow . . . predestinate . . . called . . . justified . . . glorified. Whom God is for, He has been for from the beginning, and ever shall be for.
There is a sense of protection in this little word “for” that relaxes the soul. Surely the human writer of our text had the prophet’s words hid in his heart: Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. In Christ, justified, righteous, we are in an impenetrable fortress against all enemies of our soul.
There is a sense of provision in this little word that refreshes the soul. Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? We have not things in addition to Him, but with Him, because there is nothing in addition to Him.
There is a sense of belonging in this little word that delights the soul. As Hosea spoke to His wife, whom he had always loved, and yet loved, and used this word. Hosea 3:3 And I said unto her, Thou shalt abide for me many days; thou shalt not play the harlot, and thou shalt not be for another man: so will I also be for thee. He has set His love upon me from of old and He has ravished my heart so that I cannot see anyone else (to whom shall we go – John 6:68). Song of Solomon 2:16 My beloved is mine, and I am his . . .
Those who blatantly teach that God can be for me, and yet I still may perish in Hell, are against God, His Son, His word and his people. But even they, with their diabolical lies, cannot disturb us. Who will oppose me, accuse me, charge me, condemn me? God is for me and has sent His only begotten well-beloved Son to die for me, and has justified me in Him. What shall we say to these things? If He is against me, it doesn’t matter who is for me. If God is for me, let all things be against me, and all is well with my soul.
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