²⁸ We know that ·in everything God works [or God works everything together; or everything works together (see text note)] for the good of those who love him.^[a] They are the people he called, ·because that was his plan [^L…according to his purpose]. ²⁹ ·God knew them before he made the world [^LFor those whom he foreknew…], ·and he chose them […he also predestined/chose beforehand] to be ·like [molded to the pattern of; conformed to the image of] his Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn [^Cthe preeminent one, but also indicating others will follow] of many brothers and sisters [^CJesus’ resurrection confirms that his followers will also share in God’s glory]. ³⁰ And those God ·chose to be like his Son [predestined; chose beforehand], he also called; and those he called, he also ·made right with him [declared righteous; justified]; and those he ·made right [declared righteous; justified], he also glorified [^Cboth a past act in Christ, and a future transformation].

God’s Love in Christ Jesus

³¹ So what should we say ·about this [in response to these things]? If God is for us, ·no one can defeat us [^Lwho is against us?]. ³² He did not spare his own Son but ·gave him [or delivered him over; ^Cto death] for us all. So with Jesus, ·God will surely [how could he not…?] give us all things. ³³ Who can ·accuse [bring an accusation/charge against] the people God has chosen? No one, because God is the One who ·makes them right [declares them righteous; justifies them]. ³⁴ Who can ·say God’s people are guilty [condemn; pronounce punishment]? No one, because Christ Jesus died, but he was also raised from the dead, and now he is on God’s right ·side [hand; Ps. 110:1], ·appealing to God [interceding; pleading] for us.