God is on Our Side

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?--Romans 8:31 (ESV)

When it seems like no one is on our side and our defeat is inevitable, this truth must be our assurance.  Perhaps you remember a time when you felt alone in the world--perhaps you are in this place right now.  For me, this occurs most often in times of strong temptation.  When a powerful pull towards sin strikes my heart, I can forget that God is on my side.

Romans 8:31 begins a passage of encouragement.  From verse 31 through the end of Romans 8, Paul is encouraging the Roman Christians.  He begins with a stunning revelation: God is for us, not against us.  Because of our sin, God should be against us.  We are unholy, unrighteous, depraved people--rebels against God and despisers of His name.  We deserve His just and fearful opposition.  But, through the Cross, God has, in a sense, placed His enmity for us on Christ.  Through His atoning death, we obtain freedom from God's wrath.  Not only that, but through our adoption as sons, we are given God's blessing.

It all comes down to the Cross.  If there was no Cross, God would hate us for our sin--we would die.  Through the Cross, however, God loves us and we shall conquer all.

In fact, we have nothing to fear.  The omnipotent Lord is on our side.  "Who can stand against us?"  When we feel alone, weak, discouraged, or depressed, we can find peace in this truth: God is on our side.