What does Romans 8:31 mean?

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. Paul teaches, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31). Misusing Romans 8:31 typically involves taking the verse out of context and using it to suggest that God's protection means they will never experience hardship. However, it's vital to understand the verse within its broader context in Romans 8 and in the Bible as a whole. When this happens, the correct picture emerges of Paul continuing to offer encouragement to Christians on this side of eternity. Paul teaches that we are suffering, as all of creation is, as we wait to be glorified with God forever (Romans 8:22-23). The fact that we suffer, though, does not mean that God is not with us or for us. In the previous verses, Paul has shown that God is working to complete a purpose in us that He set out to do before He even formed the world (Ephesians 1:4). That purpose is that all who come to Jesus will be made like Him, and that God is still using “all things” to complete this process (Romans 8:28). In light of the fact that God foreknew us, predestined us, called us, justified us, and will glorify us, “these things” (Romans 8:30), Paul comes to an undeniable conclusion: God must be for us. God must be for all of us who are in Christ by faith. What an amazing and life-changing thought. The one, true God, the creator of all things, is for us! With Him for us, who could ever possibly be against us? Of course, anyone at all might be against us, in literal terms; any person or group might try to oppose us or afflict us. Paul's question is who of any consequence could ever be against us? What could anyone against us ever hope to accomplish against us, if God Himself is for us? What chance is there that someone can thwart God's intent to glorify those justified by faith in His son? The question is whether we believe God is truly for us. Paul offers a definitive answer to that question in the following verse. Be encouraged!