8th Chapter of Romans

Romans 8:1 (all verses are from the New International Version)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST

This chapter concludes the doctrine of our complete salvation and redemption in Jesus Christ, bringing about the solid conclusion that only in Christ is one not condemned, therefore not a recipient of the wrath of God that is being revealed against all godlessness and wickedness (Rom_1:18).

Paul makes an important distinction that enforces his previous arguments of trying to be justified by the Law. He uses the temporal word now to distinguish that only those who are in Christ from this point onward will be excluded from any condemnation brought upon by their sin.

Whereas in chapter seven we understood how wretched and hopeless we are in trying to fulfill law-keeping, here in chapter eight we begin to understand the blessings available to us through incorporation into Jesus Christ.

The Blessings of Incorporation

1. No condemnation (v. 1).

2. Free from the law of sin and death (v. 2).

3. Righteous requirement fulfilled in us (vs. 3, 4).

4. Life (v. 6).

5. Peace (v. 6).

6. The indwelling of the Spirit (v. 9).

7. A possession of Christ (v. 9).

8. Our human spirit made alive (v. 10).

9. Our body is given life (vs. 11).

10. Deeds of the body put to death by the Spirit (v. 13).

11. Led by the Spirit (v. 14).

12. Adopted into the Royal (Divine) Family as sons of God (v. 15, 16).

13. Heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ (v. 17).

14. Future glory with Christ (vs. 17, 18).

15. Our bodies will be redeemed (v. 23).

16. The help of the Spirit in our weakness (v. 26).

17. Intercession on the Spirit's behalf (vs. 26, 27).

18. All things working for our good (v. 28).

19. Conformed to the image of Christ (v. 29).

20. God is for us (v. 31).

21. Justification and glorification by God (v. 30, 33).

22. Christ interceding on our behalf (v. 34).

23. Nothing can separate us from God (v. 35).

24. Conquerors of all things (v. 37).

25. Inseparable from God’s love (vs.35-39).

This list of blessings is similar to the one Paul writes at the beginning of Ephesians (Eph_1:3).

Some may use this verse and even this whole chapter to try to justify the erroneous doctrine of "once saved always saved". We have already reviewed why this doctrine is baseless, especially when trying to use the book of Romans to justify it, since it teaches that salvation comes by obedient faith. Paul also makes it clear in this next verse that our salvation is conditional on our faithfulness:

2Ti_2:12 ESV The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself.

If you deny Him - kick him out of your life, like some in Laodicea did, (Rev_3:14-21) He will deny you as well. This destroys that dangerous teaching of Calvinism. This verse, though, along with many others, destroys those fables (Mat_10:32-33). You can loose your salvation so be careful (Heb_10:26-29)(Jud_1:24)!

From the beginning of Romans we know saving faith comes upon those who are obedient (Rom_1:5; Rom_6:17; Rom_16:26). God will judge us based on our actions. Our conduct will be final criterion and determinator of where we will spend eternity (Rom_6:15; Rom_7:25).

No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus—As Christ, who “knew no sin,” was “made sin for us,” so are we who believe in him “made the righteousness of God in him” (2Co_5:21). And thus, since we are one with him in the divine reckoning, there is to such “no condemnation.” (Joh_3:18; Joh_5:24; Rom_5:18-19.) -- New Commentary on the Whole Bible

Romans 8:2

because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

The Law of the Spirit of life has set us free

There is another law we are subject to now. This law is the only one that can truly set us free from the former law: the law of sin and death. This is the law of the Spirit. This is the New System: The New Covenant brought by the blood of Jesus (Luk_22:20). We enter this covenant, as Paul taught previously, by voluntarily dying to self in the person of Jesus through immersion. As we are incorporated in Christ, effectively dying the death He died to the Law and to sin, we are now justified and meet all the righteous requirements of that law by way of the law of the Spirit that we now live through our sanctification in the Spirit.

The old Law said: You sin - you die!

The new Law is grace: forgiveness of sins!

The old law had no grace because it could not love. - God loved us and showed us grace through His Son.

What exactly is the law of the Spirit?

Perhaps what is the wrong question to ask when we learn about the law of the Spirit. When we think of laws we always tend to ask: what are those laws and who enforces them? But in the Spirit it has to do more with Who. Whereas the laws of the letter are external regulations to our person that help us extrinsically, the law of the Spirit begins when our core identity is transplanted into Christ, becoming something intrinsic - regenerating us from within as opposed to acting on us from without (Jer_31:31-34). External laws attempt to shape our behavior and chastise us when we fall - in hope of producing in us a desire for obedience. The law of the Spirit, the ultimate higher law of God, is a work of redemption and regeneration. A law that is "written in our hearts" and put "inside us"; as God expressed through Jeremiah. This has to do with the transplantation of our inner core values by willing incorporation (obedience of the Gospel through immersion) into the person of Jesus Christ, our faithfulness and righteousness before the Lord God Almighty. By being in Christ we are made new, regenerated in spirit and attitude (Eph_4:22-24), being intrinsically motivated to conform to Jesus because of our salvation; not to be saved.

You are set free by the law of the Spirit by:

1 - Obedience (Faithfulness) to Christ - Who saves you (vs 3-4)

a- Leads to incorporation - Who you become

b- Is how we fulfill the requirement of the law - in Christ Jesus

(1) Because we acquire the righteousness of Jesus (Justification)

(2) Because we are given the Holy Spirit who regenerates us (Sanctification)

2 - Setting your minds on the things of the Spirit - How He helps you (vs 5-17)

a- Produces life and peace

b- Puts to death the deeds of the body - What you do as a result of who you become

c- Helps you think like children of God

(1) In your heart of hearts you cry out to the Father as His child

e- Turns you away from the world and away from your passions for fulfillment

(1) You turn to the Spirit to help you in prayer

(2) You turn to Jesus for intercession

3- Hoping in the redemption of your body - Where He's taking you (vs 18-39)

a- By being conformed to Jesus

b- By trusting God works everything out for your good

c- By looking forward to your glorification - Where your hope is planted

d- By knowing you are more than a conqueror

e- By confidently being reassured nothing can separate you from the love of God

The scope of the four opening verses in this chapter is to show how “the law of sin and death” is deprived of its power to bring you again into bondage and how the holy Spiritual law of God is received in you through obedience of the Gospel. The Hebrew author quotes Jeremiah twice to help the readers understand the scope of the law of the Spirit which is limitless when compared to the law of the letter:

Jer_31:31-34 ESV 31 Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

So even though the nature and the scope of the laws have changed, the laws are still laws. In other words, there are a set of laws we need to continue to obey in Christ. It is not like we are above the law. What has happened is that, in Christ, our former self, overridden with debt, was done away with. It was a corrupt self, unable to embrace these new laws in the Spirit. We needed to be recreated again to be able to worship God in Spirit and truth: according to the Spiritual Laws. So now, in our new self - we can delight in the laws of God and be eager to be obedient children of His.

If then Christianity is, at least in part, a system of law, what about the question of legalism? Who is a legalist? A legalist is one who obeys the rules and regulations of Christianity, at least to some extent, and then falls into the error of supposing that he has thereby merited salvation, and as a result of such error develops an attitude of self-righteousness similar to that of the ancient Pharisees. Never in a million years could it be correct to define a legalist as one who shall "do and teach" the commandments of Christ, for Jesus said of such a person as that, that he "shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." The practical use of the term "legalist" today is as an epithet hurled at persons who reject the heresy of salvation by "faith only." -- Coffman

Mat_5:19 ESV Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 8:3

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man,

God did something that the law could not do. God showed us His mercy: something the law was unable to do. The argument here is that the law was weakened by the flesh. It could not justify us because it was ready to condemn us since we were obedient to sin in our flesh.

What did God do? He sent His own Son, in the flesh, to

1. Condemn sin in the flesh

2. Atone for sin on our behalf

3. Fulfill that law in those who walk by the Spirit

Only God's Son, made in the likeness (homoioma: abstract resemblance: - made like to, likeness, shape, similitude.) of sinful flesh could satisfy because:

1. He was perfect - he was the only one capable to fulfill the law perfectly in the eyes of God. He was perfect in His obedience (1Pe_3:18; Heb_2:10; Heb_5:9).

2. He was adequate - (Rev_5:2-9) By dying in our place as one of us (in the flesh), He loosed us from the previous testament that we may be free to join Him in a New one. Only He was able to satisfy the requirements of the holy Law of God and also atone for our sins before God (2Co_5:21). He was the only one adequate to die in our place that now we may live in Him (Heb_2:9-10).

3. He was willing - By His perfect faith (Heb_12:2) He completed the task, unwavering and determined. He showed us His perfect love for God and for us on the cross (Joh_3:16).

4. He is glorified! - By being raised on the third day Jesus gives us true hope. It is through the power of the Spirit, the same power living in us now (Rom_1:4; Rom_15:13), that Jesus was raised giving us a preview of what lies ahead for those who walk in the Spirit (Eph_4:8). Jesus is the firstfruit of many more to come: those who are His (1Co_15:20; Rom_8:23; Jam_1:18)!

Paul's use of the expression likeness of sinful flesh is an important distinction from other phrases he used throughout his letters in reference to Jesus. I believe his point is to show that only Jesus, being completely human yet completely divine, was the only one able to satisfy God's righteousness and mercy and undo what the first Adam did. He was the perfect Adam. Humanity perfected. Like us in every way except for the propensity to sin. He gives us hope that we can attain that perfection in Him. Jesus had to die in our form to be able to completely disarm the power of the law and to be able to incorporate us now into His glorified form.

1Pe_3:18 NIV For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit...

Heb_2:9-10 NIV 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Romans 8:4

in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit fulfills the righteous requirement of the Law

Since Jesus was God's perfect and adequate answer to our sin and death dilemma, now in Jesus we are able to be rescued from our doom since we meet the righteous requirement of the Law. Notice that the requirement can only be met in Him, which has been the theme throughout Romans: incorporation and transplantation of identity: walking according to the Spirit.

This verse also shows that those who remain walking according to the flesh will not be able to meet this requirement in Christ even though they may have been united to Him in His death through baptism. This shows the necessity of the process of sanctification to secure our victory when the end comes. Being immersed only does not fulfill (pleroo: complete, perfect accomplish) the requirement of the Law: you also have to walk in the Spirit. You have to be an active participant in the sanctification afforded by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

When you are walking according to the Spirit in Jesus you have:

1. Justification - Rom_3:24; Rom_5:18

2. Righteousness - Rom_3:22; Rom_4:24

3. Faith - Rom_3:22; Rom_3:28

4. Obedience - Rom_1:5; Rom_5:19

5. Holiness - Rom_6:19, Rom_6:22

6. Perfection - Heb_10:1, Heb_10:14; Heb_12:23

7. Glory - Rom_2:10; Rom_5:2; Rom_8:17

If you decide to walk after the flesh you will experience:

1. The wrath of God - Rom_1:18

2. The fruit of death - Rom_2:5, Rom_2:8

a- Stubbornness

b- Unrepentant heart

c- Self-seeking

d- Reject the truth

e- Follow evil

3. Condemnation - Rom_8:1

Walking after the flesh is seeking after the things of the world, indulging in your fleshly passions and ignoring the law of the Spirit. Walking after the flesh is also used here as a synecdoche for living according to rules and regulations, seeking to be justified by them in the eyes of God.

Psa_1:1-2 ESV Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Romans 8:5

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

The Mind Set on the Flesh

People who walk according to the ways of the world, seeking to be justified based on their actions, are continually looking for excuses and ways to exculpate themselves from their lying, stealing and sinning. They cheat and lie to try to prove themselves innocent; and after going on a sinning binge, they try to make themselves look good by doing a few "good" things. They set their mind (they focus, they actively think of) the fleshly needs and passions. This is the manner of the flesh, constantly trying to put forth an "image" of something that is completely false. Of course, there are also those who care nothing of what others think about them and will not even make an effort to "look good". These are sold as slaves to the flesh without any effort to try to justify themselves in the eyes of men. Their only justification is their fleshly appetite and their continual lust for more (Eph_4:19).

Notice what the Spirit teaches us here about the importance of our mindset. You will either have a mind set on (phronousin). Present active indicative of phroneo, to think, to put the mind (phren) on; deliberately setting the mind upon a certain thing) the flesh or set on the Spirit. What you set your mind on determines your outcome:

Rom_12:1-2 ESV 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Conforming signifies submitting; adapting: in this case to the world and its ways - the way of the flesh. It doesn't require energy or effort - it is a downward spiral; the broad way that leads to destruction (Mat_7:13). Conforming to the world is the easy way - the broad way tread by the many. This is definitely not a holy (different) sacrifice! Holiness comes through sacrifice, implied by the use of the word transform (metamorphoo: change; transform). This new way of the Spirit requires a transformation; a change from worldliness to holiness. Of course, the transformation is achieved through the Spirit's work (regeneration and renewal) in you once you are in Christ (Tit_3:5-7).

Mat_16:23 ESV But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."

Phi_2:5 ESV Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus

In the next few verses Paul will elaborate on what these mindsets produce in us:

The Mind Set on the Flesh

1. Is Death

2. Is Hostile to God

3. Cannot Please God

4. Does not belong to God

The Mind Set on the Spirit

1. Is Life and Peace

2. Gives Life to the Body

3. Puts to death the deeds of the body

4. Belongs to God as His children

5. Is an heir with Christ

6. Will be glorified with Christ

Romans 8:6

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

To try to live under a law system means that sooner or later you will violate the law and sin. All who try to justify themselves under such a system are bound to die not just physically, but spiritually as well since a meritorious system cannot save you.

The state of death derives from and automatically accompanies such a mind that is set on the flesh, a condition called death "in trespasses and sins" (Eph_2:1). In a simplistic view, man's entire trouble lies in his inmost mind. Who is in charge there? If the inner throne is occupied by Satan, sin and death reign. If Christ is on the throne, life and peace reign. -- Coffman

Joh_8:31-36 ESV 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

The Jews who thought they were righteous were actually slaves to sin since they were trying to be justified by a meritorious system, albeit a temporary one designed by God.

Romans 8:7

the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.

A mind set on the flesh is hostile (echthra: hostility; by implication a reason for opposition: - enmity, hatred). It does not submit to God because it cannot submit.

This kind of mind:

1. Hates what is from God

2. Opposes the things of the spirit

3. Does not submit to God

4. Cannot submit to God

Those who walk according to God's Spirit have their mind set on what God wants for us: life and peace; not vengeance or restitution or death - not a sense of entitlement or a hunger for justice on our behalf. Human restitution cannot fulfill anything, not even your sense of justice. All it does is feed our sense of self-righteousness and makes us even more hostile to God and our fellow man.

As long as you remain in this mindset you will die forever. Only a mind that desires change and desires to change lordship will be able to be set free in Jesus!

Romans 8:8

Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

As long as a mind is set on the world, the love of God cannot be in him:

1Jo_2:15-17 ESV Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world.17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

This does not mean that the sinner has no responsibility and cannot be saved. He is responsible and can be saved by the change of heart through the Holy Spirit. - Robertson

Since one cannot keep the law perfectly, then those who are trying to be justified by a law system cannot please God. Remember:

Rom_3:23 NIV ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...

Trying to be justified by a law system will only make you fall shorter of God's glory.

If we live listen to what the flesh desires we are not listening to the Spirit. This does not please God. He will not be able to re-generate you unless it is your desire. Remember, God looks for willingness, not ability. Things that are not done by faith cannot please God (Heb_11:6).

Romans 8:9

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

IN CHRIST WE ARE IN THE SPIRIT - THE LIFE OF THOSE IN THE SPIRIT

Now we switch over to the blessings possessed by those who have chosen to be incorporated and have died to self. Clearly, the Spirit teaches us here that WE ARE NOT IN THE FLESH! We have died to it in Christ!

Notice the condition for not being in the flesh is having possession of the Holy Spirit when you are baptized (Act_2:38). This happens when we have fully obeyed the Gospel as God has stated in the Word (Act_5:32; 1Jo_3:24).

So we can now summarize that the Spirit of God will dwell in you when you:

1. Believe - Joh_3:16

2. Repent - Luk_13:3

3. Confess - Rom_10:10

4. Are baptized - Act_2:38; Mar_16:16

5. Persevere - Jam_1:12; Rev_2:10

In essence, when you obey the Gospel:

1. You need to receive it

2. Take your stand in it

3. Hold firmly to it - 1Co_15:1-4

4. By dying with Jesus in baptism

5. Being immersed in water for forgiveness - Rom_6:3-4

6. And you will receive the Spirit - Act_5:32

If you don't have God's spirit you do not belong to God:

Joh_8:47 NIV He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.

You won't even be able to hear what God says without having His Spirit. The Spirit himself helps us understand the mind of God by giving us the mind of Christ:

1Co_2:16 ESV “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

We belong to God when we have died to the law and to the flesh in Christ - by water baptism into His death that we may live with Him!

Rom_7:4 NIV So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.

1Pe_2:9 NIV But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

This clearly shows that only those who obey the Lord belong to Him. Make sure you have received His Spirit! There are not many ways to Heaven, as many people suppose, but ONE! Through Christ, as He himself said in Joh_10:9-10. Our union with Christ is not through some mystical self-realization or inspiration, but through understanding His words and simply obeying them.

Gal_3:2 NIV I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?

Tit_3:5 ESV he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Without God's Spirit there is no regeneration and no renewal, therefore, no salvation; regardless of what works you have done or how religious you say you have been.

Remember, believing in the invisible is what pleases God, walking by faith, not by sight (2Co_5:7). Some invisible things the Spirit works in us are in Gal_5:22-26.

2Co_4:17-18 NIV For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

FALSE DOCTRINE REGARDING THE HOLY SPIRIT

There is great confusion amongst many between two fundamental doctrines concerning the Holy Spirit: the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Joe_2:28) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Act_2:38). Even within the indwelling of the Spirit we have to make distinctions extrapolated from Scriptures concerning the outward ability to perform miraculous signs (and wonders) and the inward ability for the purposes of regeneration and renewal in the disciple: one is permanent and the other was temporary, as Paul mentions in 1Co_13:8-13.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13 ESV 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Obviously the temporary one was the outward ability to perform miraculous signs and wonders. Many believe Paul is speaking of Christ's return when he mentions the "perfect" (teleion: What is complete; finished; the perfect , the full grown, the mature). However, the word is used as a conditional adjective, not as a person, indicating a coming state of more mature (complete) revelation where the temporal use of the miraculous to confirm the word (Mar_16:20) was not necessary. This is supported by the interpretation Paul himself provides in describing the difference between his speaking and reasoning as a child and then as an adult. We are talking about the completion of a process initiated for temporary purposes. Once something is confirmed it does not need confirmation over and over, therefore; the scaffolding needs not to be used to support the finished structure. Here are other false doctrines concerning the Holy Spirit:

1. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a commandment of God; on the other hand, the baptism of the Holy Spirit it is not a commandment at all but a promise. You cannot obey the baptism of the Holy Spirit since it was something promised (Joe_2:28) - something to be fulfilled in its time (Act_2:16). Once fulfilled it needed not to be promised again.

2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is followed by speaking in tongues; and, while it is true that the apostles did speak in tongues on Pentecost after the power of the Spirit came upon them, the kind of tongues manifested there was nothing like the incoherent, unintelligible jabberings of the so-called "tongues" affected today. Tongues (Gk. glossa: language) are languages spoken miraculously (without having learned them). Other people from different countries were able to understand them clearly (Act_2:6-12).

3. The Holy Spirit baptism was promised to all Christians; but this promise was to the apostles alone (Luk_24:49);

4. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a subjective experience within men's hearts; to the contrary, it was a visible and outward manifestation of God's power, as exemplified by the two New Testament examples of it at Pentecost (Act_2:2-4) and at the house of Cornelius (Act_10:44-46).

5. The Holy Spirit is promised to all believers; on the contrary, He is promised to all believers who repent and are baptized for the remission of sins (Act_2:38); to all those who obey the Gospel (Act_5:32).

6. The Holy Spirit is imparted to make people sinless; yet Peter sinned after he had received even the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is given for regeneration and renewal (Tit_3:5). No one can be sinless (1Jo_1:8)!

7. The Holy Spirit must work directly upon an unbeliever before he can obey God; there are no New Testament example of any conversion in which the convert did not first hear the word of God preached and then upon believing it, obey it by being baptized (immersed in water).

8. The Holy Spirit is God's power; yet, the Holy Spirit is a divine person of the Godhead (Eph_4:30). A force cannot be grieved - only a person.

9. The Holy Spirit is the Word of God; yet, the Holy Spirit inspired God's word, He works along with God's word to renew us. He is our divine co-worker, not an impersonal thing (1Co_6:19; 1Co_3:16; Gal_4:6; Joh_14:17)!

Romans 8:10

But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

If Christ is in you...

Same synecdoche as "In Christ". Refers to the regenerated person. Christ being in us is the same as the Holy Spirit being in us:

Col_1:27 NIV To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

the body is dead because of sin...

Paul ties the reception of the Spirit with the dying to sin and in the next verse with being raised with Christ as described in the Romans Chapter 6. He is presenting the reasons as to why we are no longer in the flesh, but in the Spirit. We now are spiritually minded and need to leave behind the things that we associated with the flesh in our former lives. The Jews needed to be reminded that they couldn't depend on the flesh for justification. The flesh is sinful and no matter how much religion you practice or how pious you think you are the flesh cannot be justified. Only in the Spirit can we find justification by putting to death the flesh in Jesus Christ!

Gal_2:16 ESV (KJV) ...yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through the faith of Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by the faith of Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Paul repeats some things he said in the previous chapter:

1. The body is dead because of sin

2. The Spirit is life

the Spirit is life...

If we still consider ourselves in the flesh, then we will follow that mindset. We need to die every day to remember we are alive in the Spirit! There is hope in the Spirit! Because the Spirit lives in me I can be justified through the righteousness gained in Christ! The life the Spirit gives is because of righteousness! Remember what righteousness is? Obedience to God! That's how Moses was deemed righteous, because he was obedient (Romans CH 4).

Romans 8:11

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 through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Clearly the Spirit needs to be within you in order to give life to your mortal body:

1Co_15:54 NIV When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

Our flesh is perishable but the spirit gives the body life; thus clothing it with the imperishable - the Spirit. Only then will you be able to be victorious over death.

This happens when we die in the manner Jesus died so that we may be raised in the manner Jesus was raised. We know from this verse that the Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (also Rom_1:4) and now that same Spirit lives within you if you have joined Him in His death at baptism. The result? You also will be raised like Jesus was (Act_2:24) since the Spirit gives life to your mortal body. This is the hope all regenerated persons have in Christ, even eternal life!

Because of this, we don't want to depend on the flesh or its ways; we don't want our identity to remain in the flesh but now we are loyal and dependent on the Spirit of God! We have true hope of eternity!

Joh_5:28-29 NIV Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.

1Jo_3:1-3 NIV How great is the 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. 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 he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

1Jo_3:24 NIV Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

Romans 8:12

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation--but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.

Why would you want to continue piling up the debt of sin in the flesh with such a great hope coming through the Spirit of God? That is Paul's question. We are debtors (indebted) not to the flesh. In other words, we are not indebted to the flesh - we have no obligation to the flesh any longer. We have no obligations to satisfy the flesh or to love according to its desires.

We do have an obligation now to live by the Spirit and to satisfy our spiritual desires in Christ. Paul will elaborate on this in the next few verses. He will detail our new obligations in the Spirit for we indeed are indebted to Christ forever! We have not been freed to do whatever WE please, but to please our Creator and to be fully satisfied as His creatures.

Pleasing the flesh only brings death and alienation from God. It is not our true identity and no justification can be found in this life. Our true nature is found in Christ and our true obligations need to be re-learned in the Spirit.

Romans 8:13

For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,

You will live when you put to death the deeds of the flesh

Here's the great paradox from a different angle - a positive one. Since the Spirit gives us life, we magnify that life by putting the flesh to death. We know we need to do this on a daily basis:

Luk_9:23 NIV Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

This means we need to continually dissociate ourselves (renounce) our former identity and all associations with it. We've been so integrated with our flesh and trained to be slaves to it since birth. We therefore now have to put to death that identity and constantly renew our mind by the power of the Spirit (renewal). The spiritual weapons we've been given help us do that right at the center where the identity tries to be hijacked -- in our mind and thoughts:

2Co_10:4-5 NIV The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The use of the divine weapons involve active participation on our part - constantly watching our sense for any infiltration of any pretension that may set itself up against the knowledge we have of God in Christ. That's how you put to death the misdeeds of the flesh with the power of the Spirit!

KILL SIN OR IT WILL KILL YOU!

Romans 8:14

because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Through the Spirit we are adopted as Sons of God

Now that we desire to be lead by the Spirit we confirm our sonship. Let's talk about what "lead by the Spirit" means and what it doesn't mean.

To be lead by the Spirit is to be taught by the Spirit and to willingly obey the Spirit's direction without complaint or objection. What are the Spirit's words? Where are the Spirit's words?

Joh_16:13-15 NIV But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all 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. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

Who is Jesus talking to here? Does this mean theat the Spirit directly speaks to any disciple? No! Jesus is specifically talking to the Apostles. Remember that the New Testament was not yet written. It would be written by those who knew the words of the Spirit - the Apostles!

Paul, one of the Apostles, would later write:

1Co_13:9-12 NIV For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Back then, while the New Testament was being written, the Apostles knew some things and would prophesy some things. One day, though, the whole will of the Spirit would be made known to mankind and everyone would be able to fully know the truth and be ready for the last day. Jude and Paul himself confirm this:

Jud_1:3 NIV Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.

2Ti_1:13 NIV What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

Both Paul and Jude write this at a time when all the revelation was finished. They admonish us to stick with this pattern because it is sound doctrine from the Holy Spirit. If you want to be lead by the Spirit you will follow this sound pattern found in the Scriptures, particularly in the New Testament.

Eph_3:2-4 NIV Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ...

TO BE "LEAD BY THE SPIRIT" IS TO FOLLOW (OBEY) THE PATTERN OF SOUND TEACHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

This is one of the most overlooked synecdoches in the New Testament. Most people of the Pentecostal persuasion, even now most other denominations, as they shy away from the Scripture to follow what they want to hear (2Ti_4:3), claim direct operation of the Holy Spirit to justify their actions and convictions.

“Our denominational friends often jump to the conclusion that because the fact is stated, it means a direct leading, that the Spirit is affecting or nudging their minds in some way” - Riggs

Those claiming the direct operation of the Holy Spirit are most confused:

1. Some say one has to speak in tongues to be saved, while others say no.

2. Some say there are three in the Godhead. Others say one.

3. Some say it is right to have women preachers. Others say no.

4. Some say we ought to have modern day revelation. Others say no.

5. Some teach that it takes direct operation of the Holy Spirit to be saved. Others don't.

What does the Holy Spirit say about all this? To believe in the direct operation of the Spirit in this day and age is to eliminate (do away with) the:

1. Purpose and mission of the apostles: Joh_16:13 NIV But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all 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.

2. Gospel: Rom_1:16 NIV I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

3. Work of the church: Eph_3:10-11 NIV His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1Ti_3:15 NIV if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

4. Work of the evangelist: 2Ti_4:1-5; 1Co_1:21 NIV For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

5. New Testament: Heb_9:16-17; Mat_26:28 NIV This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

6. Requirement of Obedience: Heb_5:8-9 NIV Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

7. True Biblical Faith: Rom_10:17 NIV Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

8. All Sufficiency of the Word of God: 2Ti_3:16-17; 1Pe_1:23 NIV For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

9. Sound pattern of salvation (conversion): Joh_6:44-45 NIV No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.

Now we know that it is the Spirit that has revealed all this truth from Jesus unto the apostles:

Joh_16:13-15 NIV But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all 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. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

And now us, as the church, have the obligation to reveal it to the whole world:

Eph_3:10-11 NIV His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thus, the false teaching of direct operation of the Holy Spirit is exposed.

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

The encouragement the Spirit gives us through Paul comes by the intrinsic motivation of finding our true fulfillment and identity as children of God. This is paradise restored! We come back to God as the prodigal son returned home (Luk_15:24). We now repudiate the world (spirit of slavery) as we come to understand we are destined for divine royalty and inheritance, just like the prodigal son came to his senses after experiencing severe famine:

Luk_15:14-20 NIV After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

As Jesus tells us this parable we can see His heart and desire for us as He tells this story which parallels our return to Him in baptism.

God can see our heart and our earnest desire to come back to Him in humility! The prodigal son’s attitude is key in returning to his father! He didn't even consider himself to be worthy as a true son and wanted to be made a hired hand, only to be able to participate in the inheritance! How greater our inheritance is as true sons of God! The Father wants to take us in as His true sons! This should comfort us and assure us more than anything else in the world.

In this world we will suffer hunger since there is spiritual famine. The best we can do as strangers in this realm is hire ourselves out to worldly citizens who give us meaningless jobs. Even that doesn't fulfill us - the rat race. It takes an earnest person to come to his spiritual senses after trying to be fulfilled materially and run to the Father crying out "Daddy, Daddy" (Abba is an Aramaic term of endearment)!

In anticipation to our return, the Father is filled with compassion and runs to us! Wow! He is more excited about our return than we are. We are even still so selfish when we return to Him, perhaps reaching out to Him out of a sense of want which reflects our selfish core. The Father has absolutely nothing to gain from us except a fulfillment of His incredible love and grace. How He is satisfied with us can be best paralleled by how parents are fulfilled by their children. It is too profound to examine here in detail.

The benefits and meaning of our adoption as sons by the Father:

1. We had a need (slaves to the world, sinners, unfulfilled).

2. We were not in the original family (of Jews).

3. We will receive all the benefits of the adopting royal family (heirs of Christ).

4. We agreed to be legally adopted (obeyed the Gospel).

5. We are wanted children (God desires us earnestly).

6. We are shown no partiality (Jew and Gentile to be one, Eph_2:12-15).

The Greek term for “adoption” or “sonship” literally means “placed as a son” or “positioned as a son.” The term describes legal placement into the position and privilege of genuine sonship—an action concurrent with regeneration as we will see in the next verse. The custom of adoption was familiar to the Greeks and the Romans, although foreign to the Jews. -- New Commentary on the whole Bible

There is only one Son of God who is in essence God. But many are made sons through adoption (Joh_1:12). Note that Paul speaks of the “Spirit of adoption,” which is the believer’s present possession; whereas the actual act of reception into God’s heavenly family awaits the redemption of the body at the revelation of Christ (Rom_8:23). Though we were formerly alienated from God, our adoption makes possible a remarkably intimate relationship with God in which we address Him as “Abba,” the Aramaic word of endearment for “Father.” While all men are the creation of God, only the regenerate are His sons by adoption. This sonship is so personal and intimate that the believer may feel perfect confidence in addressing God as “Abba.” -- Believer's Study Bible

Romans 8:16

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

The Spirit bears witness (summartureo: testifies jointly, that is, corroborates by (concurrent) evidence) with our spirit through our regeneration and renewal (Tit_3:5) in obedience to the Scriptures. Many have attempted to say that the witness of the Spirit is a heartfelt (emotional - subjective) experience. Nothing is further from the truth as we see here in Scripture:

Heb_10:15-17 NIV 15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: 16 "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." 17 Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."

Heb_2:1-4 NIV We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Notice how the Hebrew writer first clarifies that the Spirit testifies to us, not in us, as some subjective spiritualists claim. Please again refer to my previous notes about the direct operation of the Holy Spirit in verse 14 of this chapter. The second thing we learn here is that the Spirit will testify through the Scriptures. The Hebrew writer is quoting from Jer_31:33-34. He calls these Scriptures the witness of the Spirit. We know this is the binding message, confirmed and testified as authentic by God Himself through the use of sings and wonders in the absence of the Holy Writ. These are also good passages to show that the Spirit is God since the Hebrew writer first says that God testifies and then the Holy Spirit testifies through the Scriptures. Apart from the Scriptures the Spirit will never testify:

Gal_1:6-9 NIV I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

The Spirit will not contradict what has already been revealed in the first century through the apostles. Period. The Spirit's testimony is available to all people who would care to read and obey the words of the Bible. God is not partial and anyone who tries to say that the Spirit has testified in him apart from the Scriptures will be eternally condemned! That's a pretty serious accusation!

The Holy Spirit's joint testimony with our spirit is outwardly manifested in the life of the regenerated person by:

1. Repudiation of the world

2. Dying to self - Carrying our cross

3. Suffering in this life with Jesus

4. Seeing God as their true Father

5. Submitting to Jesus as Lord

6. Praying earnestly to God

7. Earnestly desiring to fellowship and worship publicly and privately

8. Singing with joy in their hearts unto the Lord and to one another

9. Desiring to testify on behalf of truth before all men

10. Confessing Jesus as Lord and God as our Father in our speech and actions

These are things that citizens of the world repudiate, but are endeared by the children of God as part of the household of God. These are the jewels of the Kingdom Citizens and sons of divine royalty.

Does the Spirit (through His teachings in the New Testament) bear witness with your spirit that you have done the right things in:

1. What you did to become a child of God?

2. Becoming a member of the church with which you are affiliated?

3. The worship in which you participate?

4. The moral code you endorse?

5. The marriage in which you are involved?

“One can know that he is a child of God when he has the testimony of both spirits - the Holy Spirit revealing what he must do, and his own spirit revealing that he has done it.” -- WVBS Commentary

We are motivated by the real hope we have in our glorification with Him!

2Co_3:18 NIV And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

1Co_14:37 NIV If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.

Romans 8:17

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.

Paul wants to explain here that our adoption has not been fully revealed just yet. We are being tested. Provided that we suffer with him in this life we will then be glorified with him. Our adoption has only been confirmed by the Holy Spirit's presence in us; we have not yet taken over the inheritance:

We have been appointed heirs apparent of eternal life and its fulfillment, but we do not yet enjoy it. We have the full assurance of future glory, but we are not yet out of the life where there is suffering and fighting. Indeed, a definite suffering actually belongs to true discipleship. Whoever does not take up his cross and follow him, cannot be his disciple (Mat_16:24-27). He who does not want to suffer with Christ cannot share in his glory either. The way of the Christian is not a path on the heights but down below. The way on the heights is in heaven, not on earth. -- Brunner

Notice that the suffering he speaks of is one "with Christ", in other words, it is not suffering due to our sin, as Peter explains in the entire 4rth chapter of his first letter.

Our glorification is dependent upon our righteous deeds done in the flesh with the power of the Spirit (Rev_19:8). There has to be much denial of the flesh in order to do that holy work. That will cause your flesh to suffer in the manner Jesus suffered for the same righteous work done for you. That necessitates dying to self, denying worldly pleasures and comforts in order to do the work. You will need to deny your dreams and worldly plans to be able to qualify for that eternal inheritance!

No wonder Jesus says: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? - Mat 16:26 NIV

Is any treasure on Earth worth loosing your eternal inheritance? Is any comfort on Earth worth loosing your soul? Jesus reasons with us and emphatically encourages us to loose our lives here that we may gain the true life He has prepared for us in Heaven!

heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ...

Since we have been adopted into God's family, we receive all the benefits, blessings and favors bestowed upon the royal divine family. Paul was telling the Jews they were not part of this family. To be part of this family you have to be in Christ, associated and identified with even His sufferings that you may share in His glory.

In the Greek language the Spirit expresses this beautifully by using three compound words that capture our intimate union with Christ:

· sunkleronomoi: co, fellow, joint - heirs.

· sunpaschomen: co-sufferers; feeling and experiencing pain together; suffering evils (trouble, persecution) in like manner; sympathizing together.

· sundoxasthomen: co-glorified; exalted together; being dignified together; being approved together

All three words are created with the preposition sun, which means union and togetherness by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possesion and instrumentality. The English language does not do justice to the depth proposed by these words! Being intertwined with Christ by identity, purpose and future means accepting our share of the suffering Jesus has still to experience with His body, the church in what's left of our time on Earth:

Col_1:24 ESV Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church...

1Pe_4:1 NIV Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

Phi_3:10 NIV ...that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death...

Then we will indeed share jointly in His glorification:

2Co_4:17 ESV For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Eph_1:11 ESV In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Rev_3:21 ESV The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Notice how many references to the Spirit Paul has already made in these first 17 verses:

1. The Spirit of Life (Rom_8:2)

2. The Spirit (Rom_8:4)

3. The Spirit of Christ (Rom_8:9)

4. The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus (Rom_8:11)

5. The Spirit of God (Rom_8:14)

6. The Spirit of Sonship (Adoption) (Rom_8:15)

These all show the manifold work and relations of the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit! The Spirit gives Christians:

1. Life (Rom_8:2)

2. Peace (Rom_8:6)

3. Freedom (Rom_8:9)

4. Leadership (Rom_8:14)

5. Assurance (Rom_8:16)

6. Hope (Rom_8:23-24)

7. Help (Rom_8:26)

Romans 8:18

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

FUTURE GLORY FOR THOSE IN CHRIST

Our future glorification with Jesus is Paul's reasoning for welcoming our present suffering. No matter what you are going through at the present time, or what you have been through in the past, it is not a reason to stop hoping or discontinue your excitement in light of the future glory we are about to receive in Jesus.

The devil wants us to stop hoping:

Pro_13:12 NIV Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

He wants us to think our hope has been deferred over and over and that our suffering presently is not a life worth living. That is the wrong kind of thinking though! Don't let yourself think in this fleshly way! Let's be glad to suffer justly in Jesus since the hope we have waiting for us will be well worth it! Thus the hope of our future glory will transcend over the present sufferings in the mind of the believer. That is the theme now until the end of this chapter.

Six Reasons Why We Endure Suffering

1. Because of the glorious reward, vs. 18.

2. The body will be redeemed, vs. 19-23.

3. We are saved by this hope, vs. 24-25.

4. The Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, vs. 26-27.

5. All things work together for our good, vs 28-30.

6. God is for us, vs. 31-39.

2Co_4:16-18 NIV Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Romans 8:19

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.

The revealing of God's children has not yet happened

Within the next few verses, 19-23 exactly, we come upon a much debated topic concerning what Paul meant with the use of the word creation (ktisis: building, creation; anything created; the sum or aggregate of things created). I find two plausible views that do not contradict each other and fit into the rest of the Scriptures quite well.

"All-Inclusive" Creation

This includes mankind (unregenerated), inanimate (non-living) and animate (all living) things. Basically everything that was subject to decay (vs. 21), with the exception of the sons of God (regenerated souls) which have been made new on the inside and have the hope of redemption. This doesn't include any angelic beings, only the creation limited to our physical universe.

(These verses: 19-23, may) present a very bold and beautiful instance of the figure called prosopopoeia, by which things inanimate are invested with life and feeling, a figure which is indeed very common in Scripture, and which we need not be surprised to find in this place, amid so much that is grand and elevating; Joe_1:10, Joe_1:20; Jer_12:4; Isa_24:4, Isa_24:7. -- Albert Barnes

Here the Spirit reveals what happened to God's creation when man fell from grace and introduced sin into it. The creation (ktisis: building, creation; anything created; the sum or aggregate of things created) (personified) also waits (apekdechetai: waiting it out; assiduously (diligently, persistently) and patiently waiting for) with eager longing (apokaradokia: anxious and persistent expectation; literally: watching eagerly with outstretched heads) for the revealing of God's children.

"Unregenerated Mankind Only" Creation

Some argue that this view is more consistent with how ktisis is used in Mar_16:15 and Col_1:23, particularly because these verses speak of those created who are able to receive and understand the Gospel.

According to some commentators, the words "we know that every creature groaneth" denote the whole creatures of God, animate and inanimate, which, as they were cursed for the sin of the first man, may by a beautiful rhetorical figure be represented as groaning together under that curse, and earnestly wishing to be delivered from it. ... Nevertheless Rom_8:21, where it is said that "the creature itself shall be liberated from the bondage of corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God"; and the antithesis, Rom_8:23, "not only they, but ourselves also," show that the apostle is speaking, not of the brute and animate creation, but of mankind, and of their earnest desire of immortality. For these reasons, and especially because of Mar_16:15, "Preach the gospel to every creature," which means to every human creature, I think the words (creature and creation) in this verse and in the preceding three verses (this note was written on Rom_8:22), signify mankind in general, Jews as well as Gentiles. See also Col_1:23 where the words signify "every human creature". -- James Macknight

In other words, we know God has put a longing for immortality in our heart (Ecc_3:11) and all mankind desires for something better that what they see at the moment. Many try to look for that in relationships, material gain or power, but we know true liberation from decay is in Jesus Christ. The hope of all men is to have the true freedom of the glory of the sons of God in Christ Jesus. That truth and the real sons of God will be revealed fully at the end of the age. Unfortunately for some it will be too late. Blessed are those who believe the truth by faith at this time!

Extreme Makeover

In any case, this passage reminds me of a very popular show in this time called Extreme Makeover. In this show, people who have very little self-esteem and self worth apply to be made over by a group of plastic and oral surgeons, professional beauticians, personal trainers and fashion advisors. The whole process takes months. At the end when the person is ready for their revealing, all the family is gathered, anxiously awaiting their unveiling in a hotel ballroom where they will all join in celebration to the person's new body and face after they arrive. During the waiting period everyone is eagerly waiting, excitedly talking to one another and patiently waiting for the new person's arrival. When they are unveiled, everyone is astonished and there is much rejoicing and crying at the new state of the person.

All this for a physical makeover. Sad indeed, that physical makeovers won't last long because the flesh is destined to perish. The sons of God undergo an extreme makeover indeed, but of the spiritual kind. Our revealing will be at the end of the age when all the sons of God will be joined for a celebration and revealing unlike anything else the entire universe has seen.

Since it is such an eager and marvelous expectation that we hope for, we will wait - no matter how long it may seem to take. Because it will be truly life changing!

Think of those people in Extreme Makeover that have to wait for their revealing. I am now talking about the person who is undergoing the makeover. They have to go through pain and some disappointment after surgery; they have to train; they have to heal. Plastic surgery is not only very painful, but right after it is done it makes you look worse than what you were before until all is healed. Not to mention the discomfort and pain that any kind of surgery on your face or mouth will put you through. The ordeal they go through is akin to the ordeal the sons of God go through this life while they wait for their revealing at the end of time.

All those who have gone before us and are waiting for us in the ballroom of paradise are also anxious for this final revealing where we will all be changed, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet...

1Co_15:52-58 NIV For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

The creation’s liberation is entirely dependent upon man’s liberation because man is creation’s deputized head (Gen_1:26-28; Psa_8:5-8). -- New Commentary on the Bible

As we go through each of the following verses in this section you will see why I favor the use of the all inclusive view of Creation. I think it fits the context somewhat better than saying "creation" is only limited to mankind.

Romans 8:20

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope

The creation was subject to futility by sin

As sin came into the world, all that was left for creation to long for was what can be seen - the flesh, the material, the outer beauty. This is what is meant by futility (NAS, ESV; frustration - NIV, GW; vanity - ASV, KJV) (mataiotes: what is devoid of truth and appropriateness; perverseness, depravity; inutility; figuratively transientness; moral depravity: - emptiness).

It wasn't subject to this temporary suffering by its own choice, although by his own choice man sins. But the creation didn't want this burden of futility. God subjected the creation to it in hopes that the creation will desire liberation through the Savior. In other words, in imprisoning man to only experience the bitterness and taste of the passions of the flesh, God was hoping we would be wise enough to see there is something beyond what we see in this life - and reach out to him. This is similar to what Paul was sharing with the Athenians in Act_20:22-31:

"Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed his offspring.' 29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

Paul shares with these Athenians that since we have the hope of being sons of God, we should not focus on the material or think in terms of material, (being that God Himself is spirit) but have a true hope in the unseen. That's essentially what he is also telling the Roman Jews: "Don't focus on the Law, which is of the flesh, but on the Law of the Spirit which brings the hope of the unseen!"

God could have destroyed mankind for sinning, but instead, subjected it to a temporary frustration in hopes that man will earnestly desire the liberation that comes by being in Christ. God gave man a break and we should not ignore this great salvation that has been given us in Jesus!

Heb_2:2-4 NIV For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Romans 8:21

that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Our freedom in Christ is at hand!

The only way to break the curse of sin and death is through Christ. We who are in Christ know the reasons for our temporary displeasures here. We are in bondage to decay (slavery to corruption, ruin and destruction). Externally (materially) this is manifested by the fact that we age and by the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics that affects us all: all matter is moving from an ordered state towards a disordered state: entropy = the measure of disorder or randomness. No one can escape these outer manifestations of the curse God placed on creation due to sin. Internally (spiritually) this is shown by man's slavery to sin and the passion of the flesh. The phrase "bondage to decay" is the same as "slaves of sin", except that perhaps "bondage to decay" is inclusive of the material ramifications of the introduction of sin and the resulting curse inflicted on all creation. Thankfully, the sons of God escape the spiritual aspect of that bondage in Christ Jesus if we don’t loose heart or focus! Soon we will be all rejoicing in our final revealing where there will be no more:

1. sorrow

2. aging

3. death

4. sickness

5. discomfort

6. heartache

7. pain

8. suffering

Our true nature as sons of God will be shown to the entire creation of God:

1Jo_3:2 NIV Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Freedom from this bondage only comes through Jesus and will result in our true glory being revealed in Jesus.

Romans 8:22

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

The use of pains of childbirth occurs frequently in the Scriptures to indicate two things:

1. The state of suffering caused by sin

2. The punishment for sin given by God

We know God greatly increased the pains of childbirth for Eve and all women after the fall (Gen_3:16). Not only do women feel the effect of this curse, but all creation is in this bondage, anxiously awaiting a release that only comes through Jesus.

What do these birth pains mean?

1. Suffering

2. Pain

3. Sorrow

4. Depression

5. Nakedness

6. Poverty

7. Hunger

8. Frustration

9. Anger

10. Desperation

These lead to wars, famines, genocide and plagues, directly or indirectly. Creation's bondage to decay also leads to meteorological and geological activity that presents danger and harm to us as well:

1. earthquakes

2. volcanic activity

3. storms

4. hurricanes

5. black holes

Mar_13:8 NIV Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

The fact that Jesus includes both animate and inanimate creation in this word picture justifies Paul's personification of "creation" in these verses.

Many want to escape this bondage and run to other things that temporarily may relieve them but consequently increase their bondage:

1. drugs

2. debt

3. addiction

4. gambling

5. fame

6. power

7. control

8. manipulation

9. dictatorships

10. fascism

11. narcissism

By trying to escape they just get caught into a web of deceit that plunges them even more into darkness and bondage.

1Ti_6:9 NIV People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

1Pe_4:3-5 NIV For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Luk_21:34-35 NIV Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth.

Many an atheist have tried to use the fact of suffering to disprove God exists; but what more dreadful proof of sin and our fallen state there is than our pathetic existence as slaves to sin? The fact that we have fallen indicates the presence of one whom we have fallen from: God. If anything, suffering persistently indicates and proves not only the existence of God, but our dire need to be redeemed in Christ Jesus, not just any ol' religion or spirituality.

Romans 8:23

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Those in Christ are the first of creation to be redeemed

Here we see the sons of God differentiated from the general creation which is subject to the bondage to decay. Since we have the firstfruits (aparche: a beginning of sacrifice, that is, the (Jewish) first fruit: the first portion of the dough, from which sacred loaves were to be prepared (Rom_11:16); hence term used of persons consecrated to God for all time - persons superior in excellence to others of the same class) of the Spirit our anticipation is greater and more desperate than the rest of creation.

The adoption will be final and complete when man possesses his body, free of the sentence of death, thus being empowered truly to participate in the glory of God. The incompleteness of man's salvation shall ever pertain to the earthly phase of the Christian's existence. The adoption is not final, and even his possession of the Spirit of God is partial, in the extent of an "earnest" only, and bearing not the full fruit, but only the "firstfruits." -- Coffman

These firstfruits, sons of God by adoption, also known as the 144,000 in Revelation 14, are those who remain faithful to Jesus and persevere until the end:

Rev_14:4 NIV These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.

1Co_15:22-24 NIV For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.

Jam_1:18 NIV He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

The “firstfruits” is the “first installment” or the “down payment” of the eternal spiritual heritage of glory that awaits the believers. See 2Co_1:22; 2Co_5:5 and Eph_1:14 for an identical teaching concerning the Spirit as the “pledge” or “earnest” of the Christian’s inheritance. The term used in these passages is the Greek word arrabon, which is the term employed in Greek usage for an engagement ring. It is highly suggestive of what the Christian expects God to complete in his relationship. -- New Commentary on the Bible

Our eagerness comes from the fact that we know our bodies will be redeemed and we will finally be clothed right, as legitimate sons of God:

2Co_5:1-3 NIV Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

Phi_3:20-21 NIV But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 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.

Romans 8:24

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?

The hope that saves is the hope that is unseen

The next two verses (24, 25) are an aside, clarifying further the kind of hope we have as firstfruits of the promise. Paul explains there is no real hope in what we can see. I believe Paul to be referring to that which is perceived thorough the senses, whether it is seeing, hearing, tasting, touching or smelling. Anything that comes through our senses can only relieve us temporarily. It is the spiritual that truly satisfies our hunger as Jesus told the Samaritan woman:

Joh_4:13-14 NIV Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

He also says:

Mat_5:6 NIV Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Rev_21:6 NIV He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life."

Those who have their mind on the flesh hope for what is seen. The confirmation of our salvation is the fact that we hope for what is unseen, convinced that we will truly be filled with Jesus in Paradise.

Earnestness for the material turns to envy and greed –

earnestness for glorification with Jesus is salvation

-- Pedro Gelabert

Hope is made of desire and expectation (vs 23). It is the anchor of our soul (Heb_6:19); the substance (assurance) of our faith (Heb_11:1).

Romans 8:25

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

The fact that we have real hope helps us wait (apekdechomai: full of expectation) with a special patience (hupomone: cheerful endurance):

Rom_5:3-5 NIV Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

1Co_13:7 NIV It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

If our hope were only in this life, we would be pathetic:

1Co_15:19 NIV If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

But that not being the case, our hope strengthens us and blesses us:

2Co_3:12 NIV Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

Col_1:27 NIV To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

This special cheerful patience, full of eagerness and joyful disposition that can get you through anything, is the mark of a saved soul. Those who hope in the world or in this life first of all have no patience, and if there is a semblance of patience, it is characterized by fretfulness, worry or heartache which turns that waiting into envy and greed.

Of the three greatest coordinates of God's salvation system: faith, hope and love; listed in ranking order in 1Co_13:13.; hope outranks faith and leads to love. God is love (1Jo_4:8) and those whose faith leads to real hope will also walk in love. You cannot love like God loves without hope and without faith!

Romans 8:26

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 with groans that words cannot express.

IN CHRIST WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS

Paul begins disclosing the identity of our second advocate (Joh_14:15-17) here on Earth, the paraclete (one called to aid or support; hence, the consoler, comforter or intercessor), who is with us until the day we are taken up into Heaven and who helps make us more than conquerors.

Some have interpreted this verse as arguing for “prayer tongues.” However, close examination reveals that the believer is not speaking at all. The Holy Spirit is making the intercession. Moreover, the precise words in Greek are stenagmois alaletois, “groanings which cannot be uttered.” Literally, the words might be rendered “unspoken sighings.” In other words, the communication is nonverbal, involving no speaking of any kind. -- Believer's Study Bible

There are two intercessors for the Christian:

(1) Christ at the right hand of the Majesty on High (Heb_7:25)

(2) the Holy Spirit within the Christian himself.

Thus, there are two sources of encouragement open to the Christian:

(1) the blessed hope within himself

(2) the help of the Holy Spirit.

This entire arrangement supplies both human and divine encouragement to the child of God. What follows in the next verses until the end are the exact kind of encouragement that assures us the victory in Christ Jesus:

1- The Spirit intercedes on our behalf

The Spirit's firstfruits in us accomplish on our behalf:

1- Help in our weakness

a- The Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies (Joh_6:63; Rom_8:11)

b- The Spirit brings peace to our troubled soul (Rom_8:6)

c- The Spirit sets us free from sin and death (Rom_8:2)

d- The Spirit will raise us up in a new body (1Co_15:42-44)

2- Intercession on our behalf before God in prayer

a- When we do not know what to express

b- When we don't have the words to express

c- The Spirit helps us realize what we want to convey by maturing our convictions

d- The Spirit helps us communicate by the use of the Scriptures

Some have said that the way the Spirit intercedes is by making our expressions, thoughts or emotions known to God, but in the next verse (27) and these others verses we prove this is not so:

1. Christ is our mediator before God: 1Ti_2:5 NIV – For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

2. Christ makes intercession for us: Heb_7:25 NIV – Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

3. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray through the scriptures, not apart from them.

4. In the first century, all the scriptures had not been revealed. Therefore, there were miraculous prayers: Jud_1:20 NIV – But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

5. God does not need the Holy Spirit to tell Him what the groanings of man might be.

6. God knows all of our thoughts (Act_1:24; Act_15:8; Rom_8:27; 1Jo_3:20).

7. If God knows what we have need of before we ask, then He does not need the Holy Spirit to interpret our groanings: Mat_6:8 NIV – Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Romans 8:27

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

The Spirit works as God's agent to directly assist us here according to God's will, which means according to the Scriptures. There is direct communication between us, the Spirit in us and God Himself as we see in this verse and this one below:

1Jo_3:19-22 NIV This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20 whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.

Being that God knows our heart and the mind of the Spirit, God Himself through the Spirit intercedes on our behalf to help us in the here and now.

Jesus is the one who intercedes from us to God

The Spirit intercedes from God to us.

We receive anything we ask because:

1. We obey His commands

2. We do what pleases Him

A heart at rest in God's presence characterizes the victorious in Christ Jesus

Our weaknesses bring insecurity, condemnation from our own heart, restlessness, grief, frustration and doubt. By the Spirit's intercession we get assistance in all these areas producing:

Romans 8:28

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.

2- Everything is jury rigged in favor of the saints

This is the central providential statement to the hope that is in every Christian. We can also extrapolate some basic spiritual laws from this statement. We'll get to those later. Let me first speak of the providence of God. According to Webster's dictionary of American English, providence is:

...the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures. He that acknowledges a creation and denies a providence involves himself in a palpable contradiction; for the same power which caused a thing to exist is necessary to continue its existence. Some persons admit a general providence, but deny a particular providence, not considering that a general providence consists of particulars. A belief in divine providence is a source of great consolation to good men. By divine providence is often understood God himself.

God generally provides:

Mat_5:43-45 NIV "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

God specifically provides:

Mat_6:31-33 NIV So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Eph_1:3 NIV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

This verse: Romans 8:28

In these three verses we see only the kingdom citizen having special provision from God in contrast to the general provision made for the rest of creation.

We know... (Law of Assurance)

Doesn't it make you feel secure and confident that no matter what happens to you here on Earth, God is always watching and making sure you will make it safe to Heaven? This is such a comforting promise on so many levels - so deep! The encouragement of the Spirit in this verse is: Don't you know that? We have to be convinced of this for our hope to fan on the flames of love for God and the lost.

For those who love God... (Law of Limitation)

Of course there is a clause to this promise: it is for those who love God! And how does one love God?

1Jo_5:3 NIV This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome...

All things (Law of Inclusion) will work (Law of Operation) together (Law of Cooperation) for good (Law of Compensation) ...

This is akin to saying: everything is gonna be alright like the song says. No matter how it is, or what it is you are looking at, things are going to turn out for good as long as you are being obedient to God's purpose for you. Even when you are not being obedient God is working things out in your life to bring you close to him as we saw in verse 20.

All things include all sufferings, sorrows, infirmities, and everything else of a discouraging and calamitous nature which might befall God's child on earth. "For good ..." cannot mean earthly prosperity, success, bodily health, or any other purely mortal benefit, but is rather a reference to the eternal felicity of the soul. Whatever might happen to the Christian in this life, absolutely nothing can happen to HIM, that is, his saved inner self. This is true because God is able to overrule every earthly circumstance in such a manner as to compel its contribution to the eternal redemption that awaits the children of God. -- Coffman

Now what you may think is good may be different from what God knows is good for you. You may not see a situation as good in the present but you have to trust God that it will work out for good, sooner or later. A prime example is the life of Joseph, the old testament Patriarch, who at the end of his story in Gen_50:19-21 exclaims:

"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children."

Joseph's brothers had really intended to harm him and Joseph himself was put to the test throughout this entire ordeal, more than once! Yet Joseph learned that God is in control and works everything out for everyone's best, even when you have been selfish or mean or unfaithful. When you suffer on earth or when you go through a situation it is being done is for your eternal good, not necessarily for your temporal good. What's the worst thing that could happen to you in this life? Death? But for the kingdom saint death is the beginning of eternal life! Any crisis brings about opportunity for good. The Chinese word for crisis is composed of two characters: one meaning danger and the other opportunity.

Some ships sail east, and some sail west,

By the selfsame winds that blow.

It's the set of the sails and not the gales

That determines the way they go!

-Anonymous

The reaction of the child of God, or his response, to the ills of mortal life must be one of patience, submission, humility, prayer, love, hope, and faith. Even adversity of the severest kind must be made to yield its precious fruit in the heart of the Christian. It has been proved again and again by Christians that "Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity is the blessing of the New." -- Coffman

Those who are called according to His purpose... (Law of Design)

If you work and strive for your own purpose things won't work out together for the good. Only when we are within the purpose God has set for us will all things work out for the good. We have to be on the right track to reach the destination we long for in our heart of hearts. Everything in this life is just a means or a tool to work out the purpose God has set for us and to accomplish the work of the Gospel.

Some may ask: How is one called to this purpose (prothesis: meaning God's placing all future events before his mind so as distinctly to see them. )? The answer of course is in the Scriptures:

2Th_2:13-15 NIV But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Review of the Spiritual Laws working in our favor:

1. Law of Assurance: God is working for me. Joseph believed that! Christians have the greatest assurance of all God's creatures! Isn't that what people are always looking for when they seek promises, contracts, insurance, guarantees, etc?

2. Law of Inclusion: There is not one bad thing Satan can throw at us that God cannot turn into good. Think about the persecutions in the first century - they accomplished the spread of the Gospel!

3. Law of Operation: God is involved in the lives of everyone; intimately involved -- generally (Act_17:20-23) and specifically (1Co_10:13)!

4. Law of Cooperation: God brings all the supposed bad elements together for the good. This shows us that God is in control. When we are given lemons God teaches us to make lemonade.

5. Law of Compensation: Jesus' death on a cross turned out for our good. If we get sick or a crisis comes up in our life it can turn into good when we follow God's direction and look for opportunity within the crisis. The death of a loved one can result in good for others; i.e., turning to God for comfort and accepting the Gospel of grace.

6. Law of Limitation: Special providence is limited to those who love God

7. Law of Design: God has a purpose for us being here. Your life is not an accident!

In the next verse we see this purpose revealed and explained

Romans 8:29

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

3- God's will and purpose for us is to be conformed to Jesus

For those whom He foreknew He also predestined...

Inevitably, Paul introduces the Romans to predestination, which we have discussed previously in Eph_1:4-5. Here's a little refresher:

Predestined = (pro – Horizo): pro = before; horizo = “horizon”, to mark out or bound, specify, declare; proorizo: to limit in advance, i.e. (figuratively) predetermine:--determine before, Foreordain, predestinate.

Several translations reflect Calvinistic like thinking in these passages concerning “predestination”, but we need to understand that it is really a predetermination of events or vehicles, not individuals, which is the mechanism of salvation by incorporation – the price paid by Christ and the indwelling of the Spirit, not the voiding of our own freewill, as if God has already chosen those who will be with him and we have no control over it. As you can see, the Godhead is personally involved in all the aspects of our salvation, but our own wills must weigh in for that salvation to take place. God’s pleasure and will is that we choose Jesus as that mechanism for redemption.

Example of biblical predetermination in our world:

Say you are in NYC, at Penn station and you want to get to ground zero. You know there is a train “predestined”, or predetermined to go there, so you search on the subway map which train is it that is predetermined to get to ground zero. When you get on that particular train, you know now you also are predetermined to get to ground zero. So the predetermination was not on you, the individual, but on the vehicle appointed to get to a particular place at a particular time. You had to make the choice to get "into" the vehicle.

In Rom_8:29 we read: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” So those whom God foreknew (proginōskō; to know beforehand, that is, foresee: - foreknow (ordain), know (before)) would believe and be baptized were predetermined to be conformed (summorphos: sum = together (with); morphos = form, external appearance; i.e. - jointly formed; become like one form; having the same form) to Christ's likeness!

Since before you were born God knew you and has been planning for you to be conformed to Jesus and so be with Him for eternity:

Jer_1:5 NIV "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Gal_1:15 NIV ...God, who set me apart from birth (from my mother's womb -NAS, KJV) and called me by his grace...

Jeremiah and Paul were known by God before the womb and their vehicles predetermined. All God was hoping is for them to choose it for themselves as well and they did not disappoint Him! Can you think of some people mentioned in the Scriptures whom God predetermined to be in the Kingdom but who eventually choose for themselves a different path? (i.e., King Saul, Judas, Solomon) This shows that our freewill is intact within God's foreknowledge and predetermination.

To be conformed to the image of His Son...

Understanding this purpose helps us accomplish the will of God and worship Him in Spirit and truth throughout our lives here on earth:

Rom_12:1-2 NIV Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (metamorpho: changed in form or 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.

Joh_4:23-24 NIV Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

Something of the nature and quality of the destiny God intended for all people is illustrated by the various destinies of other portions of God's creation. Thus a tiger was destined to live in the jungle, the fish in the water, the mole in the earth, the bird in the bush, and the bat in a cave. It is in such a broad frame of reference that man was destined to be a Christian, meaning that his true happiness, not merely hereafter but NOW, is best served by his conformity to the image of God's Son. -- Coffman

1Jo_3:2 NIV Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

In order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers...

Jesus Himself was transformed from Spirit to flesh to conform Himself to our image to be able to save us through His suffering. As the firstborn, he was made the prototype—to whom all the other sons would be conformed. As the firstborn, he became the older brother of all the sons of God (see Col_1:15, Col_1:18; Heb_2:11-13).

Heb_2:10-12 NIV In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."

Romans 8:30

And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

4- We have been on a path since before we were born!

God's favor has been with us since before time immemorial:

1. He predestined us - made a clear and simple pathway to ensure our salvation

2. He called us - worked in every which way in our lives to encourage us to choose His path (Act_17:26-31). This actually confirms that God's foreknowledge and predetermination is not independent of man's free will. If it was, why the need to call us? We are called through the Gospel. Here is where the devil knew he could try and mess with God's plan. It is this step of God's predetermination that people and the devil have messed with, since it is the only step that can be fulfilled in cooperation with man's will.

3. He justified us - when we choose Jesus and are incorporated we are justified by His blood

4. He will glorify us - By conforming us to the image of His Son we will share in His glory when our flesh is clothed with the imperishable (1Co_15:53-54).

An interesting thing to note in the Greek is that the tenses in all these verbs is first aorist (expresses time indeterminate, that is, either past, present or future) active indicative, meaning these things that have already happened and we are still under their effect or state, forever. Even though our glorification is incomplete, for we yet have to see Jesus as we are, the confirmation here is that those who are in Christ will be glorified in the mind of God, and no one can change God's intent, especially after He has made a promise!

Here is the foreknowledge of God revealed. His plan that was hidden throughout the ages is now known to all who care to look to the Son of God. It is simple and beautiful! It is majestic! Truth is always simple, it is man and the devil that complicate things and make them look grey when in Christ it is all black and white, clear as crystal, sharp as a needle.

Romans 8:31

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

5- God is on our side!

In the next few verses Paul lists the compelling reasons that prove God is on our side and therefore, nothing or no one can be against us.

1. God did not spare His own Son

2. No one can bring any charge on God's elect: God is the one who justifies

3. No one can condemn God's elect: Jesus intercedes for us

4. No one can separate us from the love of God: no circumstance or power on earth or in Heaven can or will separate us from the love of God

5. We are more than conquerors!

What can we say to this? Can we make excuses? Can we complain? Can we allow ourselves to be brought down by petty temporary things or conditions? Will we sell our soul for any decaying or rotting thing or person here on Earth? Can anything or anyone, like the devil or his angels, prevent us from continuing onward, unless it is our very desire or will not to continue?

God appears in this verse, not as a detached or disinterested judge, but as a helper, protector, and benefactor. As Paul put it, "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (Phi_2:13)." -- Coffman

God is for us, therefore, no one or thing can be against us since it would have to overpower God!

Psa_118:6 NIV The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Heb_13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Christians are the safest creatures in all of God's creation!

Romans 8:32

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?

God did not spare His own Son for our sake. The Father could have objected to Jesus' desire to give Himself up for us all. What would you say to a son who would want to give himself up for a bunch of evil people? If God did not spare any expense, showing this by giving up His Son for our sake, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?

Key words here: with Him. With Jesus we get it all. Without Jesus there is nothing:

NO JESUS NO PEACE

KNOW JESUS KNOW PEACE

This is the epitome of Paul's a fortiori (for a still stronger reason; all the more) argument that has been being built from the beginning of this epistle. The progression reaches a culmination in this chapter, which is exactly the middle of the letter to the Romans.

Rom_5:8-9 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!

Joh_3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Giving up one's son is the ultimate parental self-sacrifice, as God Himself proved when He tested Abraham with the very thing:

Gen_22:9-18 NIV When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." 15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

Of course, the difference between Abraham and the Lord is that our God did not spare Jesus, but let Him be sacrificed on our behalf.

Romans 8:33

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.

Who indeed can make a judgement against any one of God's elect? Can any officer of the law or judge or prosecutor bring a lasting charge upon one of God's children? Of course not! Not one that will stick, anyway, for eternity!

Yes, we may be charged and abused and victimized by all sorts of corrupt government officials; incarcerated wrongly or accused unjustly - that's all part of the game of life. But when it comes to what counts, when it comes to the real judgment day, in Christ we have the best representation and we will have no condemnation, as the Holy Spirit says at the beginning of this chapter.

God is the one who will justify whoever He wants justified, as Paul will elaborate in the next chapter of Romans.

God's elect has no special meaning other than those who have decided to be incorporated into Jesus and follow the plan of God. These are the ones chosen by God, chosen to be in Jesus Christ! Many false teachers have abused the word elect and have made entire doctrines presupposing God has chosen certain peoples outside of their freewill. That contraindicates everything we have learned in Romans so far about the need to choose God and obey His will.

Romans 8:34

Who is he that condemns? 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.

If no one can bring a charge against the sons of God, can anyone condemn other than God Himself? And will God condemn anyone who takes refuge within His Son Jesus Christ? Jesus is the one who was condemned on our behalf! He was the one who died! Shall we need to die as condemned men as well? Then what would be the point in taking shelter in Jesus? Of course, all these are rhetorical questions. Their answers are obvious and Paul is using them to drive the point home and to seal his case in bullet proof logic.

Of course, he doesn't stop there - Jesus did not just die for us, taking away our condemnation; in fact, taking our place and our punishment (Isa_53:5) - Jesus was raised and now sits at the right hand of God. This means He occupies a seat of power and limitless influence in God's Kingdom. We know He is the head of the church (Eph_1:22; Col_1:18) and willingly employs all His benevolence and influence in interceding on our behalf. How can we be condemned??? It is for the express purpose of saving us that He died and was raised!!!

Heb_7:24-25 NIV ...because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Romans 8:35

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

6- Nothing can separate you from God's love

Because of these things, who can separate us really, from the love of Christ? If it was His love that took our punishment in our stead, and He is the judge of all the living and the dead, then nothing and no one can separate us from His love!

On our side of thinking, we shall not let any temporary distress separate us from God's love - no trouble or persecution or poverty or danger shall distract us or cause us to loose sight of our goal. Mind you, in those early days of Christianity these dangers and situations were the commonplace occurrence. In our day and age it it not so for many of us! Shall we let anything less than this distract us from our goal or cause us to doubt God's love for us?

Although it may appear at times that God is not blessing you, your trust in Him should keep you from being distracted since you know He is for you. Paul is very familiar with this sentiment:

2Co_12:7-9 NIV To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

We shall not interpret, as some did in those days and even today, these things that plague the elect as tokens of God's wrath. When we walk in obedience we know these things we suffer are to strengthen us and keep our focus on the eternal.

Romans 8:36

As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

Paul knew many in those days considered the Christians as the most unfortunate souls, like animals waiting to be slaughtered, since many were met with death in the persecutions. Paul is convincing us to accept our lot in this life: suffering; since in the next one we will triumphant.

Don't complain about what you do or what you have or don't have. That's not what life is about:

Rom_14:17 NIV For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit...

Mat_6:31-33 NIV So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Our lot now is to suffer as a Christian and complete the sufferings of Christ as members of His body:

Phi_1:29 NIV For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,

Col_1:24 NIV Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

Rom_5:3-4 NIV Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Rom_8:17 NIV 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.

2Co_1:5 NIV For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Phi_3:10 NIV I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Romans 8:37

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

All these things shall not present any concern for us since God declares us not only conquerors of them in Jesus, but more than conquerors. How is this so? Simply because:

1. We have died to our old identity that was conquered by these things

2. We have been incorporated into Christ - we have His righteousness - His perfection - His Power

3. Our identities are now royalty, as children of the Father, brothers of the King of Kings

4. Our hope is no longer in what we see but in our heavenly inheritance

5. Our obligation is not to anything in the flesh anymore, but to making sure we die to that flesh and allow the Spirit to work in us that we may see our hope fulfilled on the last day.

Because of these things we endure the suffering appointed to us at this time. Suffering in the flesh to remind us of the greater hope seeded in us and to ensure us that we are dying to self to see that hope fulfilled.

If we suffer we know we are conquerors because we are not giving into the flesh, as Peter put it:

1Pe_4:1 NIV Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

Because Jesus suffered, He finished off sin as that which prevented us from being in Him. Similarly, our suffering indicates we are done with sin as well, focusing on building up the kingdom and so bearing spiritual fruit. This is how we know we have conquered:

1Co_15:57 NIV But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Jo_5:3-5 NIV This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jud_1:21 NIV Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Romans 8:38

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

Here are listed things we have no control over in this life; and they have no control over our destiny in Jesus:

1. death - though some doctors may think they can predict or stave off death, they have no control over anyone's death or health apart from God. Some who try to seek eternal youth or health through people's skills are also deceived. Our responsibility is to keep ourselves healthy to do God's work, not to indulge the flesh or to hope in health or long life.

2. life - we certainly did not control our coming into this life any more than we can control our death. As many say: life happens. It's how you interact with what happens and use it for the glory of God that counts. Those who try to take advantage of what happens or manipulate what happens to their own advantage are those who are most deceived into thinking they can actually control these things. Many find out soon enough about their deception and many loose their souls over it. Life is to be used to worship God and serve Him only (Mat_4:8-10). We, as Christians, need to accept our lot in life: a life that will be hard on the flesh but that will prepare us for the glories of Jesus in Heaven.

3. angels - Angels are here to serve us (Heb_1:14). Many try to consult them by praying to them or just by trying to be faithful to them in some type of devotion. Mediums and others try to rely on spirits to guide them or tell them their fortunes. Such things not even spirits know or control, unless God has given them the authority.

4. rulers - or principalities, whether physical (human) or spiritual (demonic or angelic). Although given much power, principalities of this world, whether spiritual or human, cannot even exercise control over certain things unless given the authority to do so by God. Some rulers may subject you and try to control you in many different ways, but they cannot take you away from the love of God. This was an important encouragement to the Christians in the first century, who feared the government's power. We will see more on this in Chapter 13. See also Eph_6:12.

5. present circumstances - Many a time we have tried to juggle what comes into our present daily life. Some we prepare for but there are many things that just happen around us. We can have the mindset to use these circumstances to glorify God or be brought into bondage to sin all over again. When the chips are down and you seem to be drowning in a glass of water, remember that God is using these things to actually bring you closer to him. Remember what Joseph believed: "God has a plan to do us good, although others may intend to do harm." The most important thing I can do today is call on the name of the Lord. Today is the day of salvation! If you are already saved then go and make that true for someone else!

6. future circumstances - We know how pointless it is to plan when we don't know what the future holds. We say we will do this or that. James reminds us that it is God who will allow this or that (Jam_4:13-14). I am not saying don't plan; but keep your plans in God's hands and know that only in Him will they succeed or fail. We need to stick to what He has planned for us to do: the good works of the kingdom. We know those are always approved of.

7. powers (physical or spiritual) - Again, here we are talking about powers beyond human capacity or understanding. Power of the universe or even of earthly nature, like hurricanes or earthquakes. If you are subject to these powers remember they happen to bring us or someone else closer to God. Glorify Him through your experience.

8. heights - Or high thing, elevated place or barrier. Nothing that may seem a barrier to you can separate you from God - no sin you have committed, no offense you may be guilty of. Nothing that may seem impossible for you to conquer can separate you from God's love. Nothing that may seem impenetrable or impossible to achieve should deter you from placing full confidence in God's saving grace. This could also mean the heights of prosperity: when you have in abundance; when you are prosperous and rich in things and you may be tempted to forget God, it can only happen by your own doing: for prosperity nor richness can separate you from the love of God in Christ.

9. depths - Or mystery, profound thing. In the same way, nothing that may seem too mysterious to understand or comprehend, too incredible to believe or to deep to embrace should stop you from placing full confidence in God's saving power. Our minds are too limited to appreciate or comprehend the deep things of God. We need to trust Him fully through what He has revealed in Jesus. This could also mean the depth of misery: Paul said that whether he was in want or in abundance, he learned the secret of contentment in Jesus. The same is being taught here. Whether you find yourself prosperous or miserable; these things cannot separate you from the love of God in Christ.

10. nothing in all creation - no created thing, like animals, people, nor any physical or spiritual thing God has created. Just in case you can think of something else not listed here, the Spirit makes sure you understand that nothing in the universe that you can think of and even those things you don't even know of; nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ!

Our lot is to interact with these things. We cannot exercise control - that belongs to God. Many people lose their soul trying to control these things in some way. We are to submit to the Father's will over these things, understanding that He wills for us to be blessed and succeed through them and with them. None of these things can separate us nor will be used to separate us from the love of God in Jesus for us. Quite the contrary, they are used to bring us closer and closer. So be of courage and rejoice!

That's what the Lord always said when He presented Himself to people:

1. Take heart; (be courageous) - Be of Good cheer (KJV) (Mat_14:27; Mar_6:50; Act_23:11; Joh_16:33)

2. Do not be afraid (Luk_1:30; Mat_1:20; Mat_28:5; Mat_28:10; Luk_1:13; Luk_2:10; Act_18:9)

3. Be courageous (Deu_31:23; Jos_1:5-9)

Paul knew better than anyone that all these things just brought Him closer to God for he himself suffered many calamities (2Co_11:23-30). He was under great pressure and often despaired of life (2Co_1:8). He was hard pressed on every side and perplexed; persecuted and struck down (2Co_4:8-9). He experienced beatings, imprisonments, riots and hunger (2Co_6:4-5). Yet, through all this he rejoiced (Rom_5:2-3; Phi_4:4) and counted himself extremely blessed (Rom_15:29; Eph_1:3)!

Paul was not talking about the impossibility of apostasy here.

All the things mentioned are things without. Nothing is here said of what corrupting influences may do to the heart. No powers of persecutions can compel one to stop loving God; if he quits, he does it of his own accord. Love cannot be destroyed by force of imperial command, but it may wax cold. Some even depart from their first love (Rev_2:4). Paul recognized that people depart from the faith, but he was persuaded that no evils coming on us from without could destroy the love of God. -- Whiteside

Whiteside's point is well taken; but it is God's love for man, not man's love for God, that Paul is talking about here. We are the only ones who can decide not to accept God's love and reject it. You can choose to allow these things to influence your belief and trust in God.

1Ch_28:9 NIV And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

Romans 8:39

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.

Separate us from the love of God...

If God has not chosen to separate Himself from those He's after, but rather pursue their interest and face (Act_17:24-27), how can He let anything created be able to separate us from His love? Of course, the context here is for Christians, which strengthens the a fortiori argument. If God is for us and will not separate Himself from us, who even gave up His Son for us, how can anything in all creation do it? This argument is designed to take any excuse away from the doubting Christian or even from the unbeliever. They can blame anything they want but the truth is that it is them who are separating themselves from God. In this sense, our will-power has more power than anything else in all creation: that is the definition of free will. God gave it to us: the power to choose.

In Christ Jesus our Lord...

This is the ultimate synecdoche. Only in Christ Jesus is this all true. Only Christ is our refuge, our Rock, our Salvation:

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his pinions,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

5 You will not fear the terror of the night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

8 You will only look with your eyes

and see the recompense of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place--

the Most High, who is my refuge --

10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,

no plague come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up,

lest you strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;

the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation."