What Then Shall We Say?—Part 2

Questions like the ones in Romans 8:31 challenge our faith: “What then shall we say to these things?”  The “things” referred to are those in the preceding verses, 28-30.  The meaning is, since God will fulfill His eternal purpose to justify, sanctify, and glorify those who have been predestined for this, who can prevent it?  “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  Since God has predestined us to experience all of the blessings of redemption, and has been working in our individual lives everything needed to accomplish what He has planned, who can hinder our eternal salvation?  Given what our Lord has done for us, how are we to respond?  Our minds must dwell on these things until our hearts are profoundly affected by them.  The demonstration we have here of God’s incredible love should fill us with wonder, awe, and gratitude.  Paul in effect asks us, “What more can be said for our encouragement and satisfaction?  What more could we desire?  How can we not be satisfied with what our Lord has provided?  What use shall we make of these things?  What then shall we say?  How shall we then live?”