1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, [then] do we with patience wait for [it].
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? [It is] God that justifieth.
34 Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Overview of Romans Chapter 8
Romans Chapter 8 is a pivotal section of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, emphasizing the themes of life in the Spirit, the assurance of salvation, and the ultimate victory over sin and suffering. This chapter presents a profound theological understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life and the hope of future glory.
Key Themes
- Life in the Spirit: The chapter begins by contrasting life in the flesh with life in the Spirit, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
- Assurance of Salvation: Paul reassures believers that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
- Adoption as Children of God: The concept of believers being adopted into God’s family is a significant theme, emphasizing their new identity and relationship with God.
- Suffering and Glory: Paul discusses the relationship between present suffering and future glory, providing hope for believers facing trials.
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty in the believer’s life, including His purpose and predestination.
- Unbreakable Love: The chapter concludes with a powerful declaration of God’s unbreakable love for His people.
Detailed Analysis
1. No Condemnation (Verses 1-4)
Paul opens the chapter with a declaration that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This statement establishes the foundation for the believer’s security and freedom from the law of sin and death.
- The law of the Spirit of life sets believers free from the law of sin and death.
- God sent His Son to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law on behalf of humanity.
- Believers are called to live according to the Spirit, not the flesh.
2. The Mindset of the Flesh vs. the Spirit (Verses 5-11)
Paul contrasts those who live according to the flesh with those who live according to the Spirit. This distinction highlights the importance of the believer’s mindset.
- Those who set their minds on the flesh experience death.
- Those who set their minds on the Spirit experience life and peace.
- The Spirit of God dwells in believers, affirming their identity as children of God.
3. Adoption and Inheritance (Verses 12-17)
In these verses, Paul elaborates on the theme of adoption, emphasizing the intimate relationship believers have with God.
- Believers are not slaves to fear but are adopted as children of God.
- As children, they are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.
- This adoption comes with the promise of suffering alongside Christ, leading to future glory.
4. Suffering and Future Glory (Verses 18-25)
Paul acknowledges the reality of suffering in the present age but contrasts it with the glory that is to be revealed.
- He asserts that present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed.
- The creation itself is longing for redemption, indicating a cosmic hope.
- Believers wait eagerly for the adoption and redemption of their bodies.
5. The Role of the Holy Spirit (Verses 26-27)
Paul discusses the intercessory role of the Holy Spirit, who helps believers in their weakness.
- The Spirit intercedes for believers with groans that words cannot express.
- God knows the mind of the Spirit and aligns it with His will.
6. God’s Sovereign Purpose (Verses 28-30)
These verses provide assurance that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
- Paul outlines the process of being called, justified, and glorified.
- This underscores God’s active role in the believer’s salvation journey.
7. The Assurance of God’s Love (Verses 31-39)
Paul concludes the chapter with a powerful affirmation of God’s love and the security it provides to believers.
- If God is for us, who can be against us?
- Nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
- This declaration serves as a source of hope and strength for believers facing challenges.
Conclusion
Romans Chapter 8 encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith, offering profound insights into the believer’s identity, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of God’s love. It serves as a source of comfort and encouragement, reminding believers of their secure position in Christ and the hope of future glory.
