Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 33. Verse 33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge? This expression is taken from courts of law, and means, who shall accuse, or condemn, or so charge with crime before the tribunal of God as to cause their condemnation?

God's elect. His chosen people. Those who have been chosen according to his eternal purpose. See Barnes "Ro 8:28".

As they are the chosen of God, they are dear to him; and as he purposed to save them, he will do it in such a way as that none can bring against them a charge that would condemn them.

It is God that justifieth. That is, who has pardoned them, and admitted them to his favour; and pronounced them just in his sight. See Barnes "Ro 1:17"; See Barnes "Ro 3:24".

It would be absurd to suppose that he would again condemn them. The fact that he has justified them is, therefore, a strong proof that they will be saved. This may be read with much force as a question, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? Shall God who justifieth " The Greek will bear either mode of rendering. The passage implies that there would be a high degree of absurdity in supposing that the same Being would both justify and condemn the same individual. The Christian, therefore, is secure.

{q} "Who shall lay" Isa 1:8,9 {r} "It is God" Re 12:10,11