Romans 8

Romans 8:1-17

We saw in 7:12, that though the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good, Paul, as any sinner will, found only death in it.

Paul has spent his letter up to this point showing that they law can never bring life, joy nor peace. The law was never meant to produce justification nor sanctification. Rather, its purpose to the unsaved is to bring conviction, irritate the conscience and to produce enough conflict to bring the sinner to the hopeless end of himself, and to Christ.

The law certainly is not sin; rather, it reveals sin both to the unsaved and the saved.

Without Christ, the sinner hates the law, for it reveals sin, and the just reward of sin.

With Christ, the child of God love the law, for it reveals how we can please our Redeemer and God

Psalms 119:97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (Ps 119:163, 165)

This is a hard saying, but regardless of verbal professions, those who do not love the law of the Lord are none of his, for the Spirit brings with himself that love.

Now the theme of Paul's letter changes.

Defeat of the law
Triumph of the gospel

For seven chapters, Paul has emphasized what the law cannot do. He has torn down any hope in the law to produce justification, sanctification or peace of mind. He even used his own personal experience to make his point.

His message to here has been one of defeat for those whose hope is in the law. He now changes his message to one of triumph. But the triumph is not in the law, but in the gospel of grace.

He will show that the gospel can and will do what the law could never do. Only the gospel, through the indwelling Spirit, can produce justification, sanctification and peace of mind.

Chapter 8 is one of the most interesting and precious sections of Scripture. There are several well-known passages here, particularly vv. 28, 29.

Chapter 8 presents 6 things the gospel will do:

1. Vv. 1-13 The gospel does what the law could not do. It gives life and peace with God and self, and it delivers from condemnation.

2. Vv. 14-17. The gospel produces a spirit of adoption. It produces all the blessings of the confidence we have in addressing God as our Father. The law could only produce terror at the prospect of standing before the Thrice Holy God.

3. Vv. 18-25. The gospel sustains us in suffering while we are still captive in this body of sin. Though we are still captive to the trials and difficulties in this body, the gospel gives hope of future deliverance. It promises a complete and final redemption of the body from all the evils of this life.

4. Vv. 26, 27. The gospel provides the Holy Spirit who to sustains us in our trials and infirmities.

5. Vv. 28-30. The gospel gives the assurance that all things shall work together for good, since all things are connected with the purpose of God. All events that can occur to a Christian come as part of the plan of Him who called the Christian to Himself.

6. Vv. 31ff. The gospel gives comfort in the fact that everything that can affect the happiness of man is on the side of the Christian, and will co-operate in his favour.

1. Vv. 1-13 The gospel does what the law could not do. It gives life and peace with God and self, and it delivers from condemnation.

V. 1 is the shout of triumph, the triumph of salvation by grace.

V. 1, Therefore now... It has been despair and gloom up to 7:25. Now he sounds the note of triumph.

No condemnation... He has shown that all sinners deserve condemnation, in spite of any struggle to obey the law. Here God offers pardon, peace and justification to those in Christ Jesus.

walk... Here he also shows the power of the individual, through the gospel, to use the members of his body for righteousness, rather than unrighteousness. 6:13, 19, 7:5, 7:23.

V. 2. There is a new principle of law in the believer. The law of sin and death that once ruled our members, has been broken by the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. We are now without excuse.

We are pardoned, and are now free from the old law of sin and death that Paul explained in 7:7-24. Through the aid of the Holy Spirit, we are able to live the new life in Christ.

V. 3. What the law could not do...Paul spent the first part of his letter showing that the law, or the commandment, could not control the law of sin and death that ruled our members before conversion. Only the work of the Son of God, who was make in our likeness, could break the control of the law of sin and death.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

V. 4.
Isaiah 13:11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

Scripture is clear: All men are expected to fulfill the righteousness of the law. That is, every man is expected to obey the command of God, from Adam on, regardless of where in the world they are found.

As Paul has mentioned several times, there are two laws: the law of the flesh, which controls the unsaved, and the law of the Spirit which is to control the saved.

We saw in 1 John 3:8, that the purpose of the death of Christ was to enable his people to live a righteous life, after the Spirit.

V. 5. The call to every person, saved and unsaved, is to righteousness, or right with God. However, Paul proved that no matter how one may obey the commandments, the law cannot make him righteous nor holy. It is impossible for the law to change the heart. That was never its purpose.

Paul has shown that the unsaved are under the power of the law of sin, so man follows his fallen desires, as he minds the things of the flesh–?that is, the things that appeal to the fallen nature.

The fallen nature may even produce a desire to do the things that he believes pleases the Lord, yet those things are works of the flesh, and are sin and death.

Romans 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Proverbs 21:4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

Christ alone makes our actions acceptable to the Father.

After the spirit, or those who are regenerate. The Spirit gives him both the desire and the power to obey the new law of righteousness that he now loves:

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

V. 6, gives the end of each.

Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The Lord himself makes it clear--the mind that wants to follow the desires of the fallen man–the world, flesh and the devil–is on the broad path to destruction, regardless of what the mouth professes.

The mind that desires the follow afer righteousness as defined by God's word, is on the narrow way to life and peace.

Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

V. 7, enmity vs enemy.

Enmity meas to be an adversary, or resist. A deep-rooted hatred that will not, nor can it change. Satan is at enmity against God.

V. 6, the carnal mind must be changed to a spiritual mind, which cannot be done through the law, but only through the gospel:

Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

enemy means a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. Enemy may be reconciled, but enmity cannot be reconciled. Jacob and Esau were enemies, but were reconciled later in life.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Neither can be... This refers back to Romans 3:10, which quotes.

Psalms 14:2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that would understand, and seek God. 3 All are gone out of the way: they are all corrupt: there is none that doeth good, no not one.

The natural man is at enmity against God, and that enmity can only be removed by the gospel.

V. 8, Cannot please God... For the past 7 chapters, Paul has explained this problem of the natural man being unable to please God. But manfs problem does not remove his responsibility, for there is a change of heart through the Holy Spirit.

V. 9, the Holy Spirit through the gospel delivers us from the power of the fallen flesh.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Notice if any man have not the Spirit... If no freedom from the power of the fallen flesh, no salvation.

The Spirit of Christ gives a love for his righteousness as revealed in his law.

V. 10. Romans 3:10, the wages of sin is death --- that is, physical death. The seeds of death is in our physical body, and we will die.

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

But Spirit produces life.

V. 11, shall quicken... Though the body will die, we will live forever by the same power that raised Christ from the dead; that is, the Holy Spirit which now lives in us.

V. 12, the unsaved are debtors to live after the flesh. That is, they are in debt to sin. But that debt has been paid in Christ. We saw in v. 2 that the captivity to the law of sin and death has been broken by Christ.

Vv. 13 and 14 go together, or v. 14 explains v. 13.

Romans 8:14-39

Paul's message to here has been one of defeat for those whose hope is in the law. He now changes his message to one of triumph. But the triumph is not in the law, but in the gospel of grace.

He will show that the gospel can and will do what the law could never do. Only the gospel, through the indwelling Spirit, can produce justification, sanctification and peace of mind.

Chapter 8 is one of the most interesting and precious sections of Scripture. There are several well-known passages here, particularly vv. 28, 29.

Chapter 8 presents 6 things the gospel will do:

1. Vv. 1-13 The gospel does what the law could not do. It gives life and peace with God and self, and it delivers from condemnation.

2. Vv. 14-17. The gospel produces a spirit of adoption. It produces all the blessings of the confidence we have in addressing God as our Father. The law could only produce terror at the prospect of standing before the Thrice Holy God.

3. Vv. 18-25. The gospel sustains us in suffering while we are still captive in this body of sin. Though we are still captive to the trials and difficulties in this body, the gospel gives hope of future deliverance. It promises a complete and final redemption of the body from all the evils of this life.

4. Vv. 26, 27. The gospel provides the Holy Spirit who to sustains us in our trials and infirmities.

6. Vv. 31ff. The gospel gives comfort in the fact that everything that can affect the happiness of man is on the side of the Christian, and will co-operate in his favour.

We have covered the first product of the gospel---vv. 1-13 The gospel does what the law could not do. It gives life and peace with God and self, and it delivers from condemnation.

Now the second:

V. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

How much clearer can the Spirit be? If there is no desire for a righteous life, there is no salvation.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Those who are controlled by the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and the pride of life are living after the flesh. The result is eternal death. Paul clearly tells us that those who live after the flesh will die.

It is obvious that the sons of God are led by the Spirit rather than being led by the lust of the flesh, and the way of the world.

Paul raises serious questions about the salvation of those who live after the lust of the flesh, and who seek to please the world.

Sovereign Grace Problems

There are churches that preach hard the 5 points of Calvinism, yet they believe that a Christian is no longer required to try to please God. Since their profession of faith in Christ, they were totally dependent on Christ to please God. Therefore, they did not need to make any self-effort to please the Father.

We loudly deny that such a wicked doctrine has any relationship with Christianity or Calvinism.

For the life of me, I certainly do not know how those who claim to believe all Scripture can come to that evil conclusion.

That church claimed "Sovereign Grace". Several times, I have heard that charge against "Sovereign Grace" groups. They are saved by grace through faith, but they totally corrupt the Scripture in their anti-law attitude.

Though the "Sovereign Grace" groups may preach through Romans many times over, they miss Paul's clear message. Conversion results in a hatred for unrighteous, or sinful, actions. Chapter 7.

They seem to understand that Grace means freedom from the command to be holy even as the Father is holy. But again, they probably say they are depending on the holiness of Christ for their holiness. But holiness is actions on the part of those seeking to please the Father.

Are those who deny the validity of the law of the Lord saved?? Lane and Mary said that though they were converted at that church, upon their conversion, they knew their antinomian attitude was wrong.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

It is obvious that the Spirit of God would not lead Godfs people in unrighteous actions.

When professed Christians have such an anti-Godfs law attitude, what can we expect from the pagans? How can they condemn the world for their anti law attitude, when the problem lies in the churches? We have gotten just what we deserve with a totally anti-law president who has totally turned his back on the law of the land, the constitution.

The purpose of the gospel is so That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit., v. 4.

Those who are not led by the Spirit into righteous actions are not the sons of God.

Vv. 15 & 16 conclude what Paul has been saying. The natural man, the carnal mind is enmity against God, nor can it be subject to the law of God. V. 7.

The gospel changed our relationship to the Father. We are now adopted as sons, with free access to the thrown of grace.

The gospel changed the fear of punishment when the law was heard and applied by the Spirit. We now have boldness as sons of God.

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 ÷ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

It is through Christ that the Spirit changed our enmity against God to adoption as a son of God. He brought about a new nature that is not at enmity against God. Rather, that new nature loves the very law that caused us to fear. That new nature broke that bondage of service to the world, flesh and the devil.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Fear held us in bondage.

Paul has been clear: those who are at enmity against the Law of the Lord are at enmity against God. They certainly cannot sing "I was a wondering sheep...", nor can they read the 119th Ps.

Christ brings us into a Father son relationship. And as sons want to please their fathers, so the sons of God want to please their Father.

Abba, Father. As adopted sons of God, we have free access to our adopted Father:

Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. 29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

The book of Hebrews presents Christ as the Great High Priest who intercedes for the believer with the father.

The Hebrews to whom the book of Hebrews was written, knew very well the office and purpose of the High Priest under the Hebrew manner of worship instituted by Moses. He was the go-between, between Godfs people and the Father.

But long before Moses, Job made this request:

Job 9:25-35 (33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.)

Christ became that daysman between Godfs people and the Heavenly Father. Christ became the High Priest for his people, as explained in Hebrews:

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

V. 16, the Spirit must bear witness... The Spirit must produce righteous works, but though one may have good works, it is the Spirit who bears witness. The Spirit bears witness to us, as well as to others. The Spirit bears witness when we are around other Christians.

V. 17, joint-heirs with Christ...

Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Christ is our elder-Brother, and he is not ashamed to call us brethren. It is through his cross that we are made joint heirs. The inheritance is his by nature, and ours by grace.

Suffer with him... In 2 Timothy 3:12, we are told all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution, which is confirmed by Romans 8:18.

But the context implies another suffering with him:

Romans 6:1-8 talks of water baptism illustrating our death, burial and resurrection with Christ. It illustrates the death of the old man, and the new life in Christ, which makes us sons of God, and joint heir with Christ. Our death with Christ freed us from the power of sin. Those who are crucified with Christ shall also live with him, 6:8.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

That is to say, those who have suffered with Christ in his crucifixion are joint heirs with him in his glory.

Romans 8:18

In the first seven chapters of Romans, Paul told us that though the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good, the law only contains death for the sinner.

The law was never meant to bring life, joy nor peace. Nor was the law ever meant to produce justification nor sanctification. Rather, its purpose was and is to produce conviction, irritation of the conscience and enough conflict to bring the sinner to the hopeless end of himself, and to Christ.

The law certainly is not sin; rather, it reveals sin both to the unsaved and the saved.

Without Christ, the sinner hates the law, for it reveals sin, and the just reward of sin.

With Christ, the child of God love the law, for it reveals how we can please our Redeemer and God

Psalms 119:97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (Ps 119:163, 165)

Paul has emphasized that regardless of ones verbal professions, those who do not love the law of the Lord are none of his, for the Spirit brings with himself that love.

Romans 8 changes the theme of Paulfs letter up to this point. Romans 8 presents the glories of the gospel of Christ:

Chapter 8 presents 6 things the gospel will do:

1. Vv. 1-13 The gospel does what the law could not do. It gives life and peace with God and self, and it delivers from condemnation.

4. Vv. 26, 27. The gospel provides the Holy Spirit who sustains us in our trials and infirmities.

6. Vv. 31ff. The gospel gives comfort in the fact that everything that can affect the happiness of man is on the side of the Christian, and will co-operate in his favour.

We are ready for #3,

Vv. 18-25. The gospel sustains us in suffering while we are still captive in this body of sin. Though we are still captive to the trials and difficulties in this body, the gospel gives hope of future deliverance. It promises a complete and final redemption of the body from all the evils of this life.

V. 18, continues the thought of v. 17. Though there might be suffering for the cause of Christ in this life, that suffering cannot be compared with what is in store for the sons of God.

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction which is but for a moment, causeth unto us a far most excellent and an eternal weight of glory: 18 While we look not on the things which are seen, but on the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen, are temporal: but the things which are not seen, are eternal.

Vv. 19-21 is admitted by all to be a difficult passage. The word creature, or creation, v. 22, is used 4 times in these verses.

This passage shows us that not only did man fall under the curse of sin, but all creation is suffering under that curse. Every aspect of creation is groaning under that curse, and is looking forward to the curse being conquered through Christ.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 3:21 holds this promise: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Until the time of restoring. Christ has already restored all things by his death; but the effects of his work are not yet fully apparent. So both man as well as all creation groan under the burden of servitude to sin. The kingdom of Christ only began with his incarnation. However, it will last for all eternity. The final perfection spoken of by Peter will not come to pass until the last day. We see only a small part of that kingdom today. Instead of the perfection of his kingdom, we see the mass confusion of the world, as sin continues to do its work in those who reject the gospel and its power.

Though we must regret and mourn over the miseries of sin, we are encouraged by the fact that the Spirit will make all of his enemies his footstool. Psalms 110:1, Hebrews 10:13,

Romans 8:22, tells us that the present conditions on earth are not natural. Rather, they are the results of sin. The results of sin include every creature, as the margin says, including the animal creation.

V. 22, until now. Christ lifted the curse of sin. We will be held accountable as to our faithfulness in lifting the curse of sin in our areas of influence. It is lifted by preaching the gospel, and by our individual godly actions.

Romans 8:21-23. The context shows us that the main design of the passage is to show the sustaining power of the gospel in the midst of trials. It shows us that the sons of God are sustained by the prospect of the future deliverance and inheritance of their positions as sons of God, and joint heirs with Christ.

V. 23. The sons of God are not friends with the world. Rather, they consider themselves strangers and pilgrims who look forward to the final day of redemption.

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

V. 24, saved by hope...

The context here speaks of our hope in the future glory with him sustains us in the trials and tribulations of this life. It is the hope of the future deliverance that uphold us, and enables us to bear our trials with patience.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Hope passes away when the reality is possessed. Our hope of future glory ceases when we have that glory with Christ.

I have used this as a salvation verse, and the context of Scripture will permit such a use, though the word hope and faith are two different words with different meanings.

There can be no salvation for those who seek some visible sign or action concerning salvation.

V. 25, our hope of eternal glory creates patience in us in the midst of our trials and tribulations.

4. Vv. 26, 27. The gospel provides the Holy Spirit who sustains us in our trials and infirmities.

Vv. 26-27, presents a new source of support. Previously, our support came from the hope of eternal glory with the Lord. So while we are waiting in hope, yet suffering, the Spirit helps our weakness, strengthening and helping us in prayer.

Pray... In the times of greatest trials, we do not know what is best, nor how to pray.

The creation groans under the curs of sin, we groan under the curse of sin. But the Spirit does not grown under the curse of sin, for he is free of that curse. So he alone knows how to properly pray in every situation.

Speechless groanings.

Geneva:

there is no reason why we should faint under the burden of afflictions, seeing that prayers minister to us a most sure help: which cannot be frustrated, seeing that they proceed from the Spirit of God who dwells in us. [The Spirit] Bears our burden, as it were, so that we do not faint under it. [He] Incites us to pray, and tells us as it were within, what we will say, and how we will speak.

V. 27, searcheth the hearts...

Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

The Spirit knows our heart. It is after we have given up our way for his way in our desperation, that he prays for us according to the will of God.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

The gospel alone can redeem, justify and give us hope in whatever situation we find ourselves in.

It brings us into the family of God with free access to our new Heavenly Father.

The gospel alone can sustain us in our captivity in this body which is subject to so much sin. The gospel alone can give hope of final deliverance from this sin-wrecked life into the glories of our new Heavenly Home.

Only the gospel can see us through the trials and infirmities of this life.

vv. 28-39

Now we come to one of the better known passages of Scripture,

5. Vv. 28-30. Here the gospel gives the assurance that all things shall work together for good, since all things are connected with the purpose of God. All events that can occur to a Christian come as part of the plan of the One who called the Christian to Himself.

V. 28 follows v. 27. v. 27 tells us that only the Spirit knows our heart. After we have yielded our way for his way in our desperate situations, he prays for us according to the will of God.

V. 28, is no doubt one of the most encouraging passages in Scripture. But many times we fail to realize the context of v. 28. It follows the depth of despair of v. 27. In abandoning our way for His, we come to him in desperation and sincerity.

However, sincerity does not necessarily mean that our prayers are according to the will of God. So in our desperation, sincerity and knowing our love for Godfs will, the Spirit intercedes for us for the will of God. Our desires may not be what is needed to conform us to the image of his Son, so the Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God, and God works all things together for the good to those who love God and are the called according to his purpose.

It is God who makes all things work together in our lives for good; that is, our ultimate good.

Good... All of our afflictions, trials, persecutions and calamities may seem endless and overwhelming, yet we are assured here that they are appointed for our welfare. They lead us to look to the Heavenly Father for support. The trials of this life preform a Christian work in us that no other events can preform.

As we are told in v. 24, that trials and afflictions increase our hope in the future glory with him, and that hope sustains us in the trials and tribulations of this life.

Psalms 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

V. 28 that love God... Difficulties prove our love of the Lord. Those who love the Lord will be made better by the difficulties. Those who do not love the Lord will be further hardened by resisting the same difficulties. They will refuses to submit to the obvious design of the circumstances; that is, they will refuse to be drawn to Christ through the circumstances, who is the only source of strength, joy and peace.

We use this verse for comfort in difficulties, but the verse sais all things. All things include material prosperity. Even prosperity may reveal lack of love for the Lord.

Proverbs 30:7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Paul fully accepts human "free will," but behind it all he shows us God's sovereignty. This fact is totally beyond our finite understanding.

I am on the mailing list of a man who denies the term sovereignty of God, for the word is never used in Scripture. Sovereignty means supreme power and authority. The state claims sovereignty over the individual, and I have heard individuals say that they are sovereign individuals. Though the term is not used of God, the idea is on every page.

Those who say that salvation depends upon the individual choosing God have made the individual sovereign, and above God.

God is the absolute and final authority. He is the unseen cause behind everything that takes place in creation:

Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

V. 29, foreknew...

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Simply put: God's calling of his people, which took place in Christ at the very beginning, has a purpose. The purpose of all things is to conform us to the image of Christ.

Foreordained:

Acts 4:28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Conformed. Circumstances, particularly distressing circumstances, conform us little by little into the image of Christ. They change us from glory to glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

That he, Christ, might be...

Christ is the only First Born,

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

many brethren... The many brethren are the multitude of believers who become joint heirs with Christ.

Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

The purpose of everything that happens in the lives of the believers is to conform them into the image of the First Born, Christ.

The next two verses are the subject of great, and confusing, discussions. On one side are those who reject what it teaches because it does not fit into their own reasoning ability. So they try to reduce the doctrine presented here to natural understanding.

On the other side are those who admit it is totally beyond comprehension, yet they believe it because God said it.

Vv. 29, 30 tell us that Godfs purpose in all things from the very beginning was to call an innumerable number of people to be conformed to the image of his Son. And he calls the by name according to who he has written in the book of life.

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Predestinate...

1) to predetermine, decide beforehand
2) in the NT of God decreeing from eternity
3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand

Predestinate

To mark out beforehand, predetermine. In #Ro 8:29,30, it forms a link in the chain that connects the foreknowledge of God in the past with the glory in the future. Election is God's choice of individuals; predestination is to a blessing, as in #Eph 1:5,11, believers are predestinated to the adoption of sons, according to the purpose of God. Predestination does not, as insisted on by some, imply reprobation of some to wrath. God "will have [or desires] all men to be saved," #1Ti 2:4; but to ensure some being saved, He predestinated, called, justified, and glorified them in His sovereign purpose. (A weak statement. Concise Bible Dictionary)

Our finite and fallen minds cannot understand vv. 29 & 30. Paul will develop this doctrine of predestination, or election, through the rest of his letter to the Romans. It is a doctrine that is absolutely rejected by the natural man, for it just does not seem right.

Hebrews 11:3, through faith we understand... We understand that the worlds were created out of nothing, so why cannot we understand that God adopts sons, according to the purpose of God.

I do not at all understand this, nor can I make any such claim. All I can do is point out what Paul says here:

First, he foreknew certain ones by name according to his sovereign purpose. His purpose was and is to conform the elect to the image of his Son.

Second, he predestinated, or he determined to form Christ in those certain ones even before he called them.

Third, he called them to his Son:

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Fourth, he justified freely by his grace, Romans 3:24.

Fifth, he glorified them with Christ by making them joint heirs with Christ in his glory.

From the beginning, the Elect had the promise of justification and glorification with Christ. That is, in due time God promised to bring them to Christ, and ultimately to the glory shared by Christ with the Father. Included in this promise is sanctification; that is, conformed to the image of Christ.

Only the gospel gives the assurance because all things are connected with the purpose of God, they all shall work together for good. All events that can occur to a Christian come as part of the plan of the One who called the Christian to Himself.

Our last point in this chapter is,

6. Vv. 31ff. The gospel gives comfort in the fact that everything that can affect the happiness of man is on the side of the Christian, and will co-operate in his favour.

The rest of the chapter is a hymn of praise to God.

Typical of Paul, he answers objections.

These things... Paul could be referring to the great doctrines of salvation by grace through faith which he has been covering since chapter 3. But the context, both previous and following, implies that he is speaking more of the great truths he just presented in vv. 29, 30, and will develop more fully as he goes along.

From the very start of Christianity there have been enemies of what has been presented in vv. 29, 30. Many refuse to hear these things, but we must not be swayed by the those who seek to reduce God to their level:

To doubt them is to deny them: for God asserts them--from foreknowledge to glorification. To question whether they apply to us is to question--not election, but the words "whosoever will," of the gospel invitation. You can let God be absolutely sovereign in election, and yet, if you find the door opened by this sovereign God, and "whosoever will" written over it by that same sovereign God, by all means enter! Set your seal to this, that God is true, by receiving His witness (# Joh 3:33). Do not allow any "system of theology" to disturb you for one moment! What will you say to these things? Say, with Paul: God is for me: He spared not His own Son--for me! This question, What shall we say to these things? is a testing word, as well, as a triumphant word. (Newell on Romans)

If God be for us is Paul's challenge to all who doubt what he has said. There is no one equal to God, so there can be no challenge to what Paul has delivered by the Spirit of God. The challenge is against God, not against Paul.

V. 32, us all things goes with v. 28. The gift of his own Son is our promise that all things work together for good to them that love God.

V. 33, Paul tells those who challenge what God has said to come forward as an accuser, as one would come forward in a courtroom.

It is God... God is the Judge, and he is the one who established the laws of Justification, Romans 3:21-31. He is the one who established predestination and election, vv. 29:30. The accuser must face God with the charges that God is unjust. And many do.

The mailing list I am on that I mentioned above–?the man who is hostile against the sovereignty of God. He is extremely hostile against any doctrine of presentation or election. These people have no problem charging God with being unjust.

It is God that justifieth, and man has no right nor authority to question God, nor change his word to suit their own understanding. Those who judge God or question his message of justification do not serve the God of the Scripture, but a god after their own imagination. They have made a god in their own image.

V. 34. It is a bold accuser who can face God with any charge, true or false:

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Not only does the devil accuse us, but many professed brethren accuse us of being deceived if we believe what Paul presents concerning election. But God the Father is the one who established the terms of Justification.

V. 35. Can anyone put a distance between Christ's love and us? Can any one cause Christ to cease loving his people? Such things do happen between family members, such as husbands and wives.

Then Paul changes from who shall separate us to what shall separate us. Referring back to v. 28–?though these things may come upon God's people who have been called according to his purpose, they cannot separate them from the love of God as proven in giving his only Son.

V. 36 develops the sword of v. 35.

Slaughter. Continuous martyrdom. The early church faced this slaughter as sheep–?no resistance. The church until Martian Luther faced slaughter. Though we do not face this today, those living in Muslim and Hindu countries do. As this nation turns into a Muslim nation, we will see this slaughter here also.

The sword cannot separate the child of God from the Love of God.

V. 37. Rather than being separated, we are conquerors through Christ.

1) We are conquerors in all this terrible situation, in all these things.
2) We are more than conquerors.
3) It is altogether through Him that loved us, and not through human energy of any kind, that we are more than conquerors.

more than conquerors
1) It is to come off conqueror in every difficulty
2) It is to know that Divine, and therefore infinite, power has been engaged for us in the conflict, 3) It is the absolute confidence that this infinite and therefore limitless Divine help is granted to us against any possible future emergency,
4) It is to "divide the spoil" over any foe, after victory! (# Isa 53:12.)

Him that loved us, past tense. Preaching that always emphasizes the present love of God or Christ for the soul falls sadly short. His love for his people and his church goes back to vv. 29, 30–?from the beginning.

Vv. 38, 39, all the things that people dread are listed here – natural, supernatural and even things we do not even know about.

These things strike fear in the heart of the unsaved, but in Christ, fear is gone. Rather than dread and fear, we are assured all is for our benefit. We are assured by the giving of the Son by the Father for our benefit, v. 28.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.