August 23: God Is For Us
Scripture
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Romans 8:31–34 (NIV)
After giving one of the most powerful promises in all of Scripture, that God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), Paul drives the point home with a series of bold, rhetorical questions. He starts with the big one, the one that should anchor our souls: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This isn’t just positive thinking; it’s a declaration of ultimate reality based on the unwavering character of God.
Paul immediately gives the proof for why we can be so confident: God “did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all.” Think about that for a moment. If God has already given us the greatest possible gift at the highest possible cost, why would He then withhold anything else we truly need? The cross is our guarantee that He will “graciously give us all things” that are for our ultimate good and His glory.
Then Paul shifts from provision to protection. “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?” The enemy, the accuser, will certainly try. He loves to whisper lies of shame and remind us of our failures. But his accusations fall flat before the throne of grace, because the verdict of “righteous” has already been rendered by the highest Judge.
And who is our advocate in this heavenly court? “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” While the devil accuses, Jesus intercedes. He doesn’t plead for a mercy we haven’t received; He presents the finished work of the cross. As Charles Spurgeon preached, when the accuser speaks, Jesus simply “shows His hands and His side, and silences all.”¹
With the Father who justifies and the Son who intercedes, we are eternally secure. Let this truth steady your heart today: no accusation can define you, no power can defeat you, and no fear can separate you from the God who is forever for you.
Reflection
1. Where do you most often feel the sting of accusation or condemnation in your life, whether from yourself or others?
2. How does the truth that Jesus is actively interceding for you right now reshape the way you see your failures or struggles?
3. What is one area where you need to live with more confidence this week, resting in the truth that “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Prayer Focus
Thank God that He is for you and that He gave His Son as evidence of His great love. Ask Him to silence the lies of the enemy and remind you daily that Jesus is interceding on your behalf. Pray for a heart that rests in the security of knowing that in Christ, you are chosen, justified, and eternally loved.
Footnote
¹ Charles H. Spurgeon, from his sermon on Romans 8:34.