By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Professor of Historical Theology and Director of Intercultural Studies, University of Mobile
INDWELT
Romans 8:14–27
Relationship (14–17)
Chapter 8 begins with one of the most significant statements in the entire Bible: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” This is astounding!
The gospel shows us that we are not held accountable for our transgressions against God, but God instead considers us righteous because of what Christ did for us.
We receive this pardon by grace through faith, and we are now adopted into God’s family. (See Eph. 2:8–9.)
Not everyone receives this adoption; it is only for those who believe in Christ and His atoning death and resurrection. A common sentiment people repeat is that everyone is a child of God, but only Christians are children of God. (See John 1:12–13.)
Adoption was common in the Roman Empire and came with significant benefits. Therefore, Paul’s readers would understand that adoption is an act that comes with life-changing advantages.
Being adopted into God’s family means we are full heirs of God’s promises.
We are no longer slaves to sin but are free to resist sin. The guarantor of this is the indwelling Holy Spirit, God Himself!
Hope (18–25)
One might wonder why we still suffer if we are adopted sons and daughters of God. Early Christians were persecuted, and in many parts of the world they are still persecuted today.
If God loves us, why does He allow this to happen? Paul points out that all of creation groans for redemption.
Because of the curse of Adam from Genesis 3, we live in a fallen world. Things do not work the way they were intended. The earth is afflicted with earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Humans are afflicted with disease, death and heartache, and sin has corrupted our very minds so that humans have evil desires and thoughts leading to acts of evil and cruelty.
However, Paul points out that these sufferings are short lived and are in fact momentary and do not compare with our future life with Christ in the new earth.
This has always been the Christian hope. It is what allows us to face trials and sufferings because we know that there will come a time when these will cease and we will be with the Lord.
It is sometimes said that Christians are too heavenly minded to be any earthly good.
In reality if Christians are heavenly minded, we will make things better on earth as we try to carry out God’s will here, sharing the gospel with others so they too may share in the hope we have in Christ.
Help (26–27)
While we are still on this earth, we face frustrations and trials, and sometimes we struggle even to know how to pray in the midst of these ordeals.
Paul informs us that in times like these the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. There may be times when we are so overcome with pain or grief that we just sit in silence, but the Holy Spirit prays for us in accordance with the perfect will of God.
This is also why we do not need to speak to God in fancy language. God knows our needs, and our inability to communicate clearly in our prayers does not hinder His will from being done.
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