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Victory in Christ (Romans 8) Paul has moved from showing all under the condemnation of sin (Rom. 1-3) to showing there is a solution that God has provided. Through an active, obedient faith (Rom. 4) we can be justified (Rom. 5), sanctified (Rom. 6), and glorified (Rom. 7-8) in Christ. Chapter 8 is the celebration of that victory. |
Victory in Christ (Romans 8)
Paul has moved from showing all under the condemnation of sin (Rom. 1-3) to showing there is a solution that God has provided. Through an active, obedient faith (Rom. 4) we can be justified (Rom. 5), sanctified (Rom. 6), and glorified (Rom. 7-8) in Christ. Chapter 8 is the celebration of that victory.
- No Condemnation — Sin ended in death (Rom. 6:23), even the law showed the horrible nature of sin but could not provide for salvation (7:11-13). But in Christ we find no condemnation (8:1), rather salvation and life (8:2-4; Eph. 2:1; John 10:10) to those who walk after the Spirit—a re-flection back to Rom. 6 that we are servants of God, not sin.
- Children of God — Further we are reminded that we have become sons of God (8:14; Eph. 2:19; 5:1; 2 Cor. 6:17-18), by means of adoption (8:15; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Mark 14:36), and as children of God, heirs—indeed joint-heirs with Christ (v16-17; Matt. 16:24; 25:21; Rev. 3:21; 21:7). What a glorious inheritance we anticipate, one that is greater than anything we can image and worth any necessary cost (8:18, 24-25; 2 Cor. 4:8-10, 16-18).
- Super-Conquerors — God is for us! What greater joy can there be? The Spirit is interceding for us (v26-27), God is working for the good of His people (v28-33), and Christ also intercedes for us (v34). No external force can separate us from Him (8:35ff). Victory for those in Christ (v39)!
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:57)
