John Calvin Commentary Romans 8:31

"What then shall we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [is] against us?" — Romans 8:31 (ASV)

What then, etc. Now that the subject under discussion has been sufficiently proven, he breaks out into exclamations, by which he sets forth the greatness of spirit with which the faithful should be equipped when adversities urge them to despair. And he teaches us in these words that God's fatherly favor is linked with that invincible courage that overcomes all temptations.

We know, indeed, that we usually judge God's love or hatred for us in no other way than by looking at our present circumstances. Consequently, when things go wrong, sorrow takes possession of our minds and drives away all confidence and consolation.

But Paul loudly exclaims that a deeper principle must be sought, and that those who confine themselves to the sad spectacle of our present warfare reason absurdly.

I acknowledge that God's scourges are in themselves rightly considered tokens of God’s wrath. But as they are consecrated in Christ, Paul urges the saints to lay hold, above all things, of God's fatherly love, so that, relying on this shield, they may boldly triumph over all evils. For this love is a bronze wall to us; while God is favorable to us, we will be safe against all dangers.

He does not, however, mean that nothing will oppose us; rather, he promises victory over all kinds of enemies.

If God is for us, etc. This is the chief and only support that can sustain us in every temptation. For unless God is favorable to us, though all things may seem to smile on us, yet no sure confidence can be achieved; but, on the other hand, His favor alone is a sufficient comfort in every sorrow, a protection strong enough against all the storms of adversity. And on this subject, there are many testimonies from Scripture showing that when the saints rely on God's power alone, they dare to defy whatever opposes them in the world.

When I walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I shall not fear evils, for thou art with me. (Psalms 23:4).

In the Lord I trust: what shall flesh do to me.
(Psalms 56:11).

I shall not fear the thousands of the people who beset me.
(Psalms 3:6).

For there is no power, either under or above the heavens, that can resist the arm of God. Therefore, having Him as our defender, we need not fear any harm whatever.

Hence, only that person shows true confidence in God who, being content with His protection, dreads nothing to the point of despair; the faithful are undoubtedly often shaken but are never utterly cast down.

In short, the Apostle’s aim was to show that the godly soul should rely on the inward testimony of the Holy Spirit and not depend on outward things.