Romans 8:31-34 addresses the believer’s standing before God. Here’s the passage in context:
Romans 8:31-34 (NIV): “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
In this context, Paul is addressing the ultimate spiritual charges and condemnation that could be brought against believers. Here’s what it means:
- Spiritual Charges: The passage emphasizes that believers are free from any charges that would condemn them before God. This includes the guilt of sin and the accusations of Satan, often referred to as the “accuser” (Revelation 12:10). Because God justifies and Christ intercedes for them, believers are not subject to condemnation.
- Past Sins: It includes any past sins or charges before becoming a Christian. When someone becomes a Christian, they are justified—declared righteous—by God through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, any condemning charges related to their sins are nullified because of Christ’s atonement.
- Continual Security: The passage also assures believers of their continual security in Christ. No one can bring a successful charge against God’s elect because it is God who justifies them.
Therefore, Romans 8:31-34 speaks to the believer’s assurance of freedom from spiritual condemnation and the ultimate charges that matter in their standing before God, rather than addressing all possible worldly or legal charges in general.
Here’s a simple example to illustrate the point about past sins:
Imagine someone named John who has lived a life with many mistakes and wrongdoings, such as lying, stealing, and hurting others. He carries a lot of guilt and shame because of these actions. One day, John hears about the message of Jesus Christ, decides to become a Christian, and accepts Jesus as his Saviour.
According to Romans 8:31-34, once John becomes a Christian, God justifies him—meaning that in God’s eyes, John is now declared righteous because of his faith in Jesus. All the past sins John committed are forgiven and no longer held against him. The spiritual charges and condemnation he once faced due to his sins are now nullified because Jesus has paid the penalty for those sins through His death and resurrection.
So, John is now free from the guilt and condemnation of his past sins. Even though he might still remember what he did and might even face earthly consequences for some of those actions, he can rest assured that, before God, he is forgiven and no longer condemned.