How Does Romans 8:32 Give Us Hope in Our Struggles?

In a world that seems uncertain and scary, it is assuring to know there are things we can trust. The promises of God are strong and everlasting. Even when things are hard, a Christian can walk forward with confidence because God promised to always be with those who love Him. There is an eternal home in Heaven waiting for us.

In the moments of difficulty though, this can be difficult to remember. Some false teachers even go so far as to say that if someone is saved, they will have a life full of worldly blessings like wealth and health.

Some people like to use Romans 8:32 out of context to prove this idea, but it actually supports the idea that God loves us through difficulty. “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

When Paul wrote this statement to the church in Rome, he was talking about the future glories and blessings of heaven and the joy of being able to rely on the Lord no matter the circumstances.

What Is the Context of Romans 8:32?

Paul’s letter to the Romans is full of doctrine, encouraging statements about salvation, assurances about the future of the nation of Israel, and confirmation of God’s promises. It can be a dense study, and chapter eight is one that theologians love to delve into. That chapter focuses on living in the Spirit rather than the flesh because of our inheritance with Christ (verses 1-16), and the future glory that comes with that inheritance (verses 18-39). Verse 32 is in the second half of the chapter.

The verses before it focuses on the glorification of those who will spend eternity with the Lord in heaven, while the verses after it have a different tone. They use the promise of God’s future to help sustain Christians through the difficult times that will happen in this life. Verses 31 and 32 act as a turning point.

Before: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:28-30).

The Turn: “What then shall we say 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 with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32).

After: “Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (Romans 8:33-35).

What Will God Graciously Give Us?

God is the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and it is His right to give out blessings. He generously gives life, food, sunlight, rain for crops, community, and so much more. But the most important gift He has ever given was the gift of His own Son.

When someone sins, they separate themselves from God. In order to atone for that sin, the Old Testament Law required a sacrifice of something innocent and unblemished. In order for atonement to be paid once and for all, God the Son came to earth to be that perfect atoning sacrifice.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:16-18)

As Paul reflected on future glory and sustaining faith through difficulties, he posed this question: if God was willing to give the gift of His Son’s life for those He loved, wouldn't He give many other great blessings once we have a relationship with Him? Those blessings are future blessings in Heaven, but also during this life. They include the Holy Spirit, comfort in difficulties, and strength when we feel weak. We can take comfort during trials because, as Paul writes a few verses later, Christians can be more than conquerors in difficulties because of the assurances of God’s love.

In fact, part of why Jesus came was to struggle alongside us and make the assuring promise, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus Christ conquered sin, death, the grave, and all the evils of the world. He is preparing to come back and rule and reign and ultimately provide a new kingdom, one without end and without the things that cause sorrow and evil. 

Where Do We See Similar Verses?

Romans 8 is not the only place in the Bible where we see this encouragement for overcoming trials and a promise for the future. Similar verses include, but are not limited to:

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21).

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:8-11).

Until Jesus returns, sin will always make life harder. Whether it keeps people from getting to know the Lord, forces Christians to struggle in their walk with the Lord, or just causes general corruption within the world, pain and hardship is a reality. But the Bible is full of encouraging truth that Christians should call on the Lord to take heart, to walk confidently into the future knowing the Lord will generously bless us today. We have an eternity of joy to come, assured through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Sources

Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Old Testament and New Testament. United States of America: Victor Books, 1987.
Wilmington, H.L. Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1981.
Wommack, Andrew. Romans Paul's Masterpiece on Grace: Bible Commentary. Destiny Image Incorporated, 2021. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Ava_Marie

Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com.