Foreword: This post is dedicated to my father, the Rev. Neil I. Brohm, who passed away at his home on November 29, 2018. He was 90 years old and had served as a pastor for most of his adult life. One cherished memory I have of my dad is him sharing that Romans chapter 8 was his favorite chapter of the Bible. As I prepare to teach this chapter to my small group, I am frequently reminded of his unwavering faith and dedicated service to the good news of the gospel. We miss you, Dad, and look forward to being reunited in the air when that day comes!
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Introduction
The book of Romans, penned by the apostle Paul, builds a systematic argument that culminates in the climactic teachings of Romans 8. Throughout chapters 1 to 7, Paul meticulously lays out a theological framework that underscores the universal need for salvation and the transformative power of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.
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In Romans 1, Paul addresses the universal sinfulness of humanity, emphasizing that all have fallen short of God’s glory and are in need of redemption. He condemns idolatry and immorality, highlighting the downward spiral of humanity’s rejection of God.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.“
Romans 1:16
Romans 2 continues to develop this theme, asserting that both Jews and Gentiles are accountable before God based on their deeds and their knowledge of right and wrong. Paul argues that no one can be justified by works of the law alone.
“For God does not show favoritism.”
Romans 2:11
Romans 3 reaches a pivotal moment where Paul establishes that all are justified by faith in Jesus Christ apart from observing the law. He emphasizes the universality of sin and the need for a righteousness that comes through faith, not by works.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
Romans 4 uses Abraham as an example of justification by faith, not by works. Paul explains that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, showing that this principle applies to all who believe.
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Romans 4:3
Romans 5 expands on the results of justification by faith, highlighting peace with God through Jesus Christ and the assurance of salvation. Paul contrasts the consequences of Adam’s sin with the abundant grace and gift of righteousness through Christ.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1
Romans 6 delves into the concept of dying to sin and being alive in Christ. Paul argues against the idea that grace allows believers to continue in sin, emphasizing that true believers are now slaves to righteousness rather than sin.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
Romans 7 presents a vivid struggle of the believer with sin and the law. Paul illustrates the tension between the desire to do good and the reality of sin that dwells within. He concludes that the law, while holy and good, cannot save, but rather exposes the need for grace.
“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Romans 7:24-25a
Romans 8
Finally, Romans 8 serves as the culmination of Paul’s theological exposition. Here, he contrasts life in the Spirit with life in the flesh, emphasizing freedom from condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Paul expounds on the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, adoption as children of God, and the believer’s future glory. He assures believers of God’s sovereign plan and unfailing love, declaring that nothing can separate them from God’s love in Christ.
In essence, Romans 1-7 lays the groundwork by highlighting humanity’s sinful state, the insufficiency of the law, and the necessity of faith in Christ for justification and sanctification. Romans 8 then brings these themes together, offering assurance, hope, and the ultimate victory found in Christ Jesus, thus completing Paul’s comprehensive argument on the transformative power and security of God’s grace. An important subject in Romans 8 is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity along with God the Father and Jesus the Son as depicted in this diagram:
Romans 8 stands as a pinnacle of Christian doctrine, offering profound insights into the power and security found in Christ. This chapter begins by proclaiming freedom from condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, contrasting life in the Spirit with life in the flesh. It explores the Spirit’s role in sanctification, empowering believers to live according to God’s will and leading them into righteousness. Central to its message is the assurance of sonship through adoption, making believers heirs with Christ and participants in His glory. Amidst the present struggles of life, Romans 8 offers hope in the future redemption of creation and the believers themselves, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to work all things for the good of those who love Him. The chapter culminates with a resolute declaration of God’s unshakable love, affirming that nothing can separate believers from His eternal care and purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord.
“Romans 8 is the high point of the book of Romans, and indeed the entire Bible.”
John MacArthur
No Condemnation in Christ
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1
Doctrine: The statement “no condemnation” is profoundly significant, indicating that believers are not subject to the eternal penalty of sin. This is because Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, has paid the full price for sin. In legal terms, condemnation refers to a guilty verdict and the ensuing punishment. For those who are in Christ, this condemnation is removed entirely. This assurance comes from being united with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:5). In Christ, believers are justified—declared righteous before God (Romans 5:1). This justification is not based on human merit but on faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). Thus, the believer’s status before God is secure, based on the righteousness of Christ imputed to them (2 Corinthians 5:21). This provides immense comfort and assurance, dispelling fears of eternal judgment and affirming the believer’s secure position in God’s family.
- John 3:18 “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
- John 5:24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
- Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
- Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
- Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
- Colossians 1:13-14 “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
- 1 John 2:1-2 “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
These cross references support the doctrine in Romans 8:1 by emphasizing the themes of no condemnation, justification by faith, redemption through Christ’s sacrifice, and the new life believers have in Christ.
“Romans 8:1 is a precious verse to every believer—it is a foundation stone for peace and joy.”
Charles H. Spurgeon
Life Through the Spirit
“Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Romans 8:2-4
Doctrine: The “law of the Spirit who gives life” refers to the new principle of life imparted by the Holy Spirit. This new law liberates believers from the “law of sin and death,” which dominated their existence prior to salvation. The Mosaic Law, while holy and just, could not empower individuals to overcome sin due to the weakness of the flesh (Romans 7:7-13). However, God addressed this issue by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh as a sin offering. Jesus’ sacrificial death condemned sin in the flesh, breaking its power over believers. This fulfilled the righteous requirement of the Law, which is now met in those who live according to the Spirit, not the flesh. Living according to the Spirit involves setting one’s mind on what the Spirit desires, leading to life and peace (Romans 8:5-6). This transformative power of the Spirit enables believers to live righteous lives, reflecting the character of Christ.
- John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
- Galatians 3:13 “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'”
- Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:6 “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
- Hebrews 2:14-15 “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
- Philippians 3:9 “And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
- Ephesians 2:15-16 “By setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”
- Colossians 2:13-14 “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”
These cross references highlight the themes of freedom through Christ, the inadequacy of the law due to human weakness, and the fulfillment of the law’s righteous requirements through Christ’s sacrificial death and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
“Romans 8:2-4 is the foundation of our freedom in Christ, where the Spirit empowers us to live in obedience to God’s law.”
John Piper
The Contrast Between the Flesh and the Spirit
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.”
Romans 8:5-8
Doctrine: This passage contrasts living according to the flesh with living according to the Spirit. A mindset focused on the flesh leads to spiritual death and hostility toward God, as it cannot submit to His law or please Him. In contrast, a mindset governed by the Spirit leads to life and peace, reflecting a life aligned with God’s will and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit for true spiritual life. Believers are called to set their minds on the Spirit, allowing Him to transform their desires and enable them to live in a way that pleases God. Human effort alone, apart from the Spirit, is futile in achieving righteousness. Instead, believers must depend on the Spirit for sanctification and obedience, leading to peace and intimacy with God.
- Galatians 5:16-17 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
- Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
- James 4:4 “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
- Ephesians 4:22-24 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
- John 3:6 “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”
- Titus 3:3-5 “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
These cross references support the teachings in Romans 8:5-8 by highlighting the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, the necessity of setting one’s mind on spiritual things, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
“Romans 8:5-8 reveals that our mindset determines our actions; those led by the Spirit seek spiritual things, while those led by the flesh seek worldly desires.”
Charles Stanley
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
Romans 8:9-11
Doctrine: The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is essential to Christian identity. Without the Spirit of Christ, a person does not belong to Christ. This indwelling signifies a fundamental shift from living in the realm of the flesh to living in the realm of the Spirit. The flesh represents the sinful nature and its dominion, whereas the Spirit represents new life in Christ and empowerment for righteous living. Although believers’ physical bodies are subject to death because of sin, the Spirit imparts life because of righteousness. This life is both present and future. Presently, the Spirit gives life by enabling believers to live in a manner pleasing to God (Galatians 5:16-18). Future resurrection is also guaranteed, as the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will likewise give life to believers’ mortal bodies (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). This doctrine assures believers of the Spirit’s continuous presence and power in their lives, both now and in the resurrection to come.
- 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
- 1 Corinthians 6:19 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;”
- 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:5 “Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
- Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
- Ephesians 1:13-14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”
- Ephesians 2:1-5 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
- Colossians 3:4 “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
These cross references support the doctrine in Romans 8:9-11 by emphasizing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, the transformative life given through the Spirit, and the assurance of resurrection and eternal life through the power of the Spirit who raised Christ from the dead.
“Romans 8:9-11 underscores that the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in believers guarantees their transformation and resurrection in Christ.”
Billy Graham
Obligation to Live by the Spirit
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Romans 8:12-13
Doctrine: This teaches that believers are obligated to live according to the Spirit, not the flesh. Living according to the flesh leads to spiritual death, but living by the Spirit involves putting to death the misdeeds of the body, resulting in true life. This passage emphasizes the active role of believers in cooperating with the Holy Spirit to overcome sinful behaviors and live righteously. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of the Spirit’s power for a victorious Christian life.
- Galatians 5:16-17 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
- Galatians 6:8 “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
- Colossians 3:5 “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
- Ephesians 4:22-24 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
- 1 Peter 2:11 “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
- Romans 6:11-13 “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”
- Romans 13:14 “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
- Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
These cross references support the doctrine in Romans 8:12-13 by emphasizing the necessity of living by the Spirit, the ongoing battle against the flesh, and the call to put to death sinful behaviors through the power of the Holy Spirit. They highlight the transformative work of the Spirit in enabling believers to live righteously and in accordance with God’s will.
“Living by the flesh leads to slavery; living by the Spirit leads to freedom and joy.”
Max Lucado
Adoption as Children of God
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
Romans 8:14-17
Doctrine: Adoption into God’s family is a transformative act of God’s grace, changing the believer’s status from a slave to sin to a child of God. Being led by the Spirit is indicative of being a child of God. The Spirit does not induce a spirit of slavery that leads to fear but rather brings about adoption, allowing believers to address God intimately as “Abba, Father.” This term “Abba” reflects a deep, personal, and affectionate relationship with God, akin to a child’s relationship with their loving father. The Spirit’s testimony with our spirit confirms our identity as God’s children, providing an internal assurance of our adoption. As children, believers are also heirs, sharing in the inheritance of God and co-heirs with Christ. This inheritance includes both present and future blessings, encompassing eternal life, the indwelling Spirit, and future glorification (Ephesians 1:13-14). Sharing in Christ’s sufferings involves enduring trials and persecution for the sake of righteousness, with the promise of sharing in His glory (2 Timothy 2:12). This doctrine emphasizes the believer’s secure and intimate relationship with God and the rich inheritance awaiting them.
- Galatians 4:6-7 “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”
- John 1:12-13 “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
- 1 John 3:1-2 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
- Ephesians 1:5 “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—”
- 2 Corinthians 6:18 “And, ‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.’”
- Hebrews 2:10-11 “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”
- Philippians 3:10-11 “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
- Revelation 21:7 “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”
These cross references support the doctrine in Romans 8:14-17 by emphasizing the believer’s status as children of God, the role of the Holy Spirit in affirming this identity, the concept of spiritual adoption, and the inheritance believers share with Christ. They also highlight the intimate relationship believers have with God, characterized by calling Him “Abba, Father,” and the promise of sharing in Christ’s glory.
“In Christ, God loves us with the same love with which he loves Jesus himself. He doesn’t just forgive our sins; he clothes us in the very righteousness of Jesus, adopts us into his family, and makes us co-heirs with Christ.”
Tim Keller
Future Glory and Present Suffering
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Romans 8:18-25
Doctrine: The comparison between present sufferings and future glory provides a powerful framework for enduring hardships. Paul asserts that current afflictions are insignificant compared to the future glory that believers will experience. This future glory includes the full revelation and manifestation of believers as children of God. Creation itself, subjected to frustration due to the Fall (Genesis 3:17-19), eagerly awaits this revelation, anticipating liberation from its bondage to decay. This liberation will coincide with the redemption of believers’ bodies, reflecting the comprehensive scope of God’s redemptive plan, which encompasses both humanity and creation (Isaiah 65:17-25). Believers, possessing the firstfruits of the Spirit, experience an initial taste of this redemption but also groan inwardly as they await its full realization. This groaning signifies the tension between the already and the not yet of the Christian experience. The hope of redemption sustains believers, emphasizing that salvation is not fully realized until the resurrection and glorification of their bodies (Philippians 3:20-21). This doctrine encourages patience and hope, focusing on the ultimate redemption and restoration that awaits, providing strength to endure present trials with an eternal perspective.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
- Philippians 3:20-21 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”
- 1 Peter 1:6-7 “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
- Revelation 21:1-4 “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
- Isaiah 65:17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”
- 2 Peter 3:13 “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”
- Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
- 1 John 3:2 “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
These cross references support the doctrine in Romans 8:18-25 by emphasizing the future glory that awaits believers, the hope of the resurrection and transformation of our bodies, the redemption of creation, and the encouragement to endure present sufferings with the assurance of future glory. They highlight the Christian hope in the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the liberation from the current state of suffering and decay.
“Romans 8:18-25 underscores that our present sufferings are not meaningless, as they are part of God’s plan to bring about a future glory for His children.”
Charles Ryrie
The Intercession of the Spirit
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
Romans 8:26-27
Doctrine: The intercession of the Spirit highlights the Spirit’s role in assisting believers in their weaknesses, particularly in their prayer life. Often, believers encounter situations where they are unsure how to pray or what to ask for. In these moments, the Holy Spirit intercedes on their behalf with groans that words cannot express. These groans are not mere human emotions but are deep, inarticulate expressions that align perfectly with God’s will. The one who searches our hearts, referring to God, knows the mind of the Spirit, ensuring that this intercession is always in accordance with His will. This divine assistance means that even when believers are at a loss, the Spirit’s intercession is effective, aligning their prayers with God’s purposes. This doctrine provides profound assurance that believers are never left to navigate their spiritual journey alone; the Holy Spirit actively supports, guides, and intercedes for them, ensuring their prayers are heard and answered according to God’s perfect will (Ephesians 6:18).
- John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
- John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
- John 16:13 “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
- Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
- 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Jude 1:20 “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,”
- Hebrews 7:25 “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
These cross references support the doctrine in Romans 8:26-27 by emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit as our helper and intercessor. They highlight how the Spirit guides us in truth, teaches us, and intercedes on our behalf, especially in our weakness and uncertainty in prayer. The passages also underscore the assurance that our prayers are aligned with God’s will through the Spirit’s intercession.
“Romans 8:26-27 demonstrates the Holy Spirit’s work in perfecting our prayers, ensuring that they are in harmony with God’s divine purposes.”
C.I. Scofield
God’s Sovereign Purpose
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
Romans 8:28-30
Doctrine: The sovereignty of God is evident in His orchestration of all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This assurance is grounded in God’s omniscience and omnipotence. The term “foreknew” implies a relational knowledge, indicating that God knew His people in a personal, intimate way before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5). This foreknowledge led to predestination, where God determined that believers would be conformed to the image of His Son, reflecting His character and glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Jesus, the firstborn among many brothers and sisters, serves as the preeminent example and leader of this new family of God. The sequence of calling, justification, and glorification reveals the comprehensive scope of God’s salvation plan. Calling refers to God’s effectual call that brings individuals to faith (John 6:44). Justification, as a legal declaration of righteousness, is based on faith in Christ’s atoning work (Romans 3:24-26). Glorification, although a future reality, is so certain that Paul speaks of it in the past tense, emphasizing its assured fulfillment (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). This doctrine reassures believers of God’s meticulous planning and faithful execution of His purpose, ensuring that nothing happens outside His sovereign will and that their ultimate glorification is secure.
- Ephesians 1:11-12 “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”
- Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:24 “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
- 2 Timothy 1:9 “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,”
- Romans 9:23-24 “What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory—even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?”
- Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
- Titus 3:4-7 “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
- 1 Peter 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
These cross references support the doctrine in Romans 8:28-30 by emphasizing God’s sovereign plan in calling and predestining believers, the assurance that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, and the progression from predestination to glorification in Christ. They highlight the theological concepts of God’s foreknowledge, calling, justification, and glorification, showing His active and purposeful involvement in the lives of His chosen people.
“Romans 8:28-30 assures us that God’s sovereign plan for His people includes predestining them, calling them, justifying them, and glorifying them according to His purpose.”
John Calvin
The Assurance of God’s Love
“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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:31-39
Doctrine: The assurance of God’s love is a foundational truth that provides unwavering security for believers. Paul begins with a rhetorical question, emphasizing that if God is for us, no opposition can ultimately prevail. God’s ultimate demonstration of His love is seen in not sparing His own Son but giving Him up for us all. This supreme act of love guarantees that God will also graciously give believers all things necessary for their spiritual welfare (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10). No one can bring a charge against God’s chosen ones because it is God who justifies, and Christ Jesus, who died, was raised to life, and now intercedes for us at the right hand of God. This ongoing intercession by Christ ensures that believers remain secure in their salvation (Hebrews 7:25). Paul then lists various forms of potential separation—trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword—but concludes that in all these things, believers are more than conquerors through Christ who loved them. This triumphant declaration is based on the unshakeable love of God, which nothing in all creation can sever. Paul’s conviction that neither death nor life, angels nor demons, the present nor the future, nor any powers, height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus provides profound assurance. This doctrine emphasizes the undefeatable nature of God’s love, ensuring that believers are eternally secure in His grace and power, no matter the circumstances.
- Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
- Psalm 44:22 “Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
- Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- Matthew 28:20 “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- John 10:28-29 “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
- Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Ephesians 3:17-19 “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
These cross references support the doctrine in Romans 8:31-39 by emphasizing the security of believers in God’s love and the victory they have in Christ. They highlight the assurance that nothing can separate believers from God’s love, the intercessory work of Christ, and the triumph over all challenges through Him who loves us. The passages reinforce the steadfastness of God’s promises, His protection, and His eternal presence with His people, ensuring that they are more than conquerors through Him who strengthens them.
“Romans 8:31-39 assures us that God’s love is our anchor in the storms of life, providing us with confidence that nothing can separate us from His love.”
John Walvood
Summary on the Doctrine of Romans 8
By expanding on these points, we delve deeper into the theological richness and practical implications of Romans chapter 8, offering a comprehensive and robust understanding of Christian doctrine and how the believer’s life is radically changed.
This chapter of the Bible stands as a pinnacle of Christian doctrine, offering profound insights into the transformative power and security found in Christ. This chapter begins by proclaiming freedom from condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, contrasting life in the Spirit with life in the flesh. It explores the Spirit’s role in sanctification, empowering believers to live according to God’s will and leading them into righteousness. Central to its message is the assurance of sonship through adoption, making believers heirs with Christ and participants in His glory. Amidst the present struggles of life, Romans 8 offers hope in the future redemption of creation and the believers themselves, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to work all things for the good of those who love Him. The chapter culminates with a resolute declaration of God’s unshakable love, affirming that nothing can separate believers from His eternal care and purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Right Doctrine Should Result in Right Living
The first eight chapters of Romans outline essential teachings, but they only become meaningful for believers when these truths transform our lives. Chapters 9-11 discuss Israel’s role in God’s plan, but skipping ahead to chapter 12 reveals practical guidance for living out these doctrines as committed Christians. Here, Paul provides concrete examples of how faith should shape our daily conduct and relationships, emphasizing the importance of applying theological truths in practical ways.
In Romans 12, the apostle Paul transitions from doctrinal exposition to practical application, bridging theological truth with everyday Christian living. This chapter serves as a pivotal point where Paul urges believers to live out their faith in tangible ways, guided by the transformative power of God’s mercy and grace.
A Living Sacrifice
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:1-21
“The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives.”
Dwight L. Moody
Foundational Doctrine of Romans 12
At the heart of Romans 12 lies a deep-rooted understanding of the gospel as the basis for Christian living. Paul begins by exhorting believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this act of dedication is a response to the mercies of God (Romans 12:1). Here, Paul connects the doctrinal foundation laid in the previous chapters, where he expounds on the righteousness of God, justification by faith, and the work of the Spirit, with the practical implications for believers.
Transformation of the Mind
Central to Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12 is the call to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). This transformation is not merely superficial but involves a profound shift in thinking and perspective, aligning one’s thoughts and values with God’s will. It reflects the doctrinal truth that believers are no longer conformed to the pattern of this world but are being continually renewed in knowledge and righteousness (Colossians 3:10).
Functioning within the Body of Christ
Paul emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, highlighting the importance of using these gifts according to the grace given to each believer (Romans 12:3-8). This doctrinal truth underscores the unity and interconnectedness of believers in Christ, each contributing uniquely to the edification and growth of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Genuine Love and Christian Ethics
Romans 12 also outlines practical ethics rooted in genuine love. Paul exhorts believers to love sincerely, to hate what is evil, and to cling to what is good (Romans 12:9). This love reflects the doctrinal truth of God’s unconditional love demonstrated through Christ (1 John 4:7-12), guiding believers in their relationships with others and their conduct in the world.
Response to Persecution and Overcoming Evil
Paul addresses the reality of persecution and hostility that believers may face, encouraging them to bless those who persecute them and to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:14-21). This doctrinal stance echoes Jesus’ teachings on loving enemies and praying for persecutors (Matthew 5:43-48), illustrating how right doctrine informs right living even in the face of adversity.
Doctrine of Living Sacrifices and Renewal of the Mind
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
- Ephesians 4:22-24 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Using Spiritual Gifts for the Body of Christ
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
- Ephesians 4:11-13 “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Genuine Love and Christian Ethics
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Overcoming Evil with Good
- Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15 “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
These cross references provide additional biblical support and context for the teachings and practical applications found in Romans chapter 12. They reinforce the importance of living sacrificially for God, using spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church, demonstrating genuine love and ethical behavior, and responding to evil with goodness and mercy. Each reference enriches our understanding of how these principles are rooted in the broader biblical narrative and are consistently taught throughout Scripture.
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Conclusion: Integration of Doctrine and Life
In conclusion, Romans 12 serves as a comprehensive guide for integrating doctrinal truth with practical Christian living. It underscores the power of the gospel in renewing minds, guiding ethical behavior, and fostering unity within the body of Christ. By presenting our lives as living sacrifices, using spiritual gifts in service, and demonstrating genuine love and mercy, believers embody the doctrinal truths of justification by faith, unity in Christ, and the victorious life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Thus, Romans 12 exemplifies how right doctrine leads inevitably to right living, reflecting the glory of God and bearing witness to His kingdom in the world.
Romans chapter 12 encapsulates the practical outworking of the gospel’s power in the everyday lives of believers. Paul begins by urging believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, wholly dedicated to God, which he describes as a reasonable response to God’s mercy. This act of devotion signifies a departure from conformity to the world and a renewal of the mind, aligning one’s thoughts and actions with God’s will. Paul emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, calling believers to exercise these gifts faithfully for the building up of the church. He stresses the importance of genuine love, characterized by sincere affection, honor, and devotion to others, and he instructs believers to pursue harmony, humility, and hospitality. Paul teaches ethical living, urging believers to bless those who persecute them and to overcome evil with good. This chapter provides a comprehensive framework for Christian conduct, rooted deeply in theological truths previously expounded in Romans, demonstrating how faith in Christ leads to a life of sacrificial service, love, and moral integrity.
We truly become a new creation. This transformation begins with doctrinal understanding, which produces both visible and invisible fruit consistent with our new nature. Our hearts and minds are renewed, and our words and actions align with these miraculous changes brought about by the Holy Spirit’s power and presence. Throughout this process, we have the assurance of eternal security because of Christ’s finished work on the cross and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Thanks be to God for the Book of Romans, from which we can learn and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
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