In Romans 8, Paul shows what Christ gives His followers that the world cannot experience. It is enough to make a man jealous! What are Christianity’s benefits?
There is no condemnation in Christ (8:1–14). God accepts us, so we can accept ourselves. All men deserve to be condemned before God (3:9–23), but Christians will not be condemned in the judgment (8:1, 39). This is because of their position and their actions; they are “in Christ” (8:1, 39), and they do not walk “according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (8:1).
We have been adopted into God’s family (8:15–17). We are not slaves made to fear God (like in Judaism and paganism) (8:15) because we are heirs of God (8:17; 1 Peter 1:4; John 14:1–3; 1 John 3:1) and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
We have hope (8:24–25). God keeps His promises. Hope saves us, although it is not yet attained. Hope = desire + expectation. It is possible to have either of these and not have hope, but hope comes with both. It causes us to wait in patience (8:25).
We have the Holy Spirit’s help (8:26–27). He helps our infirmities; specifically, he takes the needs and desires of our hearts to God that we cannot adequately express in prayer. He makes intercession for us (8:26–27). Mediation and intercession are not synonymous. Only Christ mediates for us (1 Timothy 2:5); but a number may intercede for us—even righteous people (Genesis 18:22–23; 1 Timothy 2:1; James 5:16). The intercession of the Spirit is a blessing beyond our ability to appreciate.
God’s providence helps Christians on earth (8:28–34). “All things” work together for our good. “All things” must be considered in its context, of course. The devil, demons, and evil lusts do not do us any good, but God can thwart and overcome them. Our primary focus should be on all those things Paul has mentioned—the Spirit’s intercession, our adoption, and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
No external thing can separate us from God (8:35–39). God does not force us to remain with Him, but if we desire to, He will help us each step of the way. What assurance!
The church has room for more. Come with us to heaven!
