By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Secured
Romans 8:12–25
Eternal Future (12–13)
Paul celebrates Christians’ new life in the Spirit. Since the Spirit has put the deeds of the flesh to death, then we are set free. This glorious act of the Spirit means we are indebted to God, and we will live differently.
Do not be deceived, people who live according to the world have not been set free, and their end is death. Very simply, living according to the Spirit indicates we are God’s children with the assurance of eternal life. Take note, both God and the believer have a role in sanctification. Paul states, “by the Spirit,” meaning God in His power does it.
However, human responsibility comes into play; you must “put to death” the misdeeds of the body through daily actions. In other words, we cannot “hide” behind the sovereignty of God; we must take an active role in resisting our sinful desires.
Eternal Inheritance (14–18)
We should be encouraged that we are no longer slaves to the world, but God’s adopted children. The leading of the Spirit validates our adoption. Thankfully, we are not left to our own wisdom (or lack of it) but are directed by the Spirit who shows us the way. A Spirit-led life is filled with a great sense of liberty that casts out fear of ever returning to slavery.
In both Roman and Greek law, adoption was a tremendous honor that elevated a naturally born person into a new place of position and status. Praise be to God, we are adopted sons and daughters of the King. As God’s children, we have an intimacy that allows us to call Him Abba (Aramaic for Father). A humbling thought is we are now co-heirs with Christ. In some way, we will not only see Christ’s glory but also share in it. I stand amazed!
However, Paul doesn’t let us forget glory is costly. We must be willing to share in Christ’s sufferings as well. Remember, suffering with Christ is not meaningless. Furthermore, the sufferings characteristic of this present age cannot compare to our eternal inheritance with Christ.
Creation Restored (19–22)
Paul presents an amazing thought that all creation is eagerly awaiting the announcement of God’s children. Last year, our family gathered at Samford University for my daughter Abigail’s graduation. We sat on the edges of our seats, awaiting her name to be called. As she walked across the stage to shake President Andrew Westmoreland’s hand, her mother, grandmother and I were beaming and wanted to stand up and shout, “That’s our girl!”
Abigail is thankful we contained ourselves. I can only imagine all creation, with a hushed expectancy, longing to hear God’s children revealed. On this day, creation will be liberated from decay. Everything that has been touched by humanity’s sin will be set free. Creation will be restored to more beauty and productivity than we can imagine, once again fully reflecting God’s glory.
Humanity Restored (23–25)
Along with creation, we too groan in anticipation of the abundant blessings that await us. In other words, we are increasingly homesick for the redemption of our bodies. One day, our physical and emotional aches and pains will be no more. The problems of this world will pass away.
We will see our Savior and our loved ones. We groan because we have not fully realized our adoption and glorification. We live in the already but not yet; still, we look ahead in hope. Hope is not “wishing” something will happen, but an assurance of redemption received from a Spirit-filled life.
We are patient, waiting on God’s timing, but we are rejoicing in the thought that one day all humanity will be restored. Praise His holy name!
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