What shall we say to these things?

“What shall we then say to these things?” (Rom. 8:31). 

This ought to be a question we ask of Biblical and gospel realities.  If we just read about them and then go on with our day, then we will not be affected by them as we ought.  Our hearts will be left heavy with the weight of this world instead of being lifted up through the blessings that we have now (Rom. 8:1) and will have in the age to come (30).  Hope only fills us when we are filled with the Spirit and the word (15:4, 13).  If we are only focused on present problems and do not allow the truths of Scripture to penetrate our thoughts and minds and affections, we won’t change from people whose arms hang down to those who hands are lifted up.

So that is what Paul does.  He exults in the blessings of grace.  To the end of the chapter, the apostle, in several different ways, supercharges our hope with the triumph that is ours in Christ.  No one can condemn us.  No one and nothing can defeat us.  No one and nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our lord.  

This morning and tomorrow morning and the morning after and on and on should find us rejoicing in our hope which is ours in Jesus.  That doesn’t mean we don’t groan inwardly.  But it does mean that even as we groan we can “await eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (23).  These are sure blessings because they don’t depend on us, they depend on what God is doing and has done for us.  And surely that is reason to hope and be glad.