The book of Romans is one of my personal favorites within Scripture. There are others that rank up there, but few books of the Bible challenge me more than this one! And within this great letter, one chapter in particular sets itself apart, chapter 8. This is not to say this specific chapter carries more weight or is more important, rather this chapter embodies the storyline of the entirety of Scripture packed all into one place! It’s truly beautiful, challenging, and edifying.
Why focus on Romans chapter 8? Because in it we see the love of God collide with the bloody cross, which justifies lost sinners into the peace of God, and marks out for their Spirit-filled vocation to rule with the Lord in a newly created world!
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1 (ESV). This verse should ring out in the Christian’s mind and soul each and every moment. The love of God collides with the bloody cross of Jesus. Because of the work of Jesus we are justified, and declared “not guilty!” in Him! Paul then can declare this Spirit-filled boast, “no condemnation!” No punishment for sin for those who are in Christ Jesus. This verse sends us running to the Scriptures searching to find the beautiful truth of the Gospel which transforms condemned sinners into sons and daughters of the Lord most high! Why Romans chapter 8? Because out of the horror of the cross the beauty of our canceled debt sings a new song of hope!
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” Romans 8:16-17 (ESV). The Spirit of God connected and intertwined with our spirit because the work of Jesus freed us from sin’s guilt, shame, and power, and grants us peace with God the Father! Amazing grace! Thus, through the peace we have with God, we are now brought back into our proper vocation within the created order! We are heirs with Christ Jesus to rule over the new creation of God! This means that because of the work of Jesus, we have been restored into right standing with God, and set apart to work properly within His creation… We have a purpose! This is the glorious message of Romans 8 where we witness the whole arch of the redemptive storyline packed into this amazing passage!
I believe a deep wrestling with this glorious chapter will help you embrace the grace, mercy, and forgiveness that God has applied to you through Jesus. It will open your heart and mind to your purpose to live as the Lord’s sons and daughters in the world as we look forward to the re-creation of all things upon the second coming of Jesus! This, I believe, is an amazing way to begin a new year pondering the beauty of the Gospel, it’s application to us, and it’s implications on us in this present time!
Join with us on Sundays beginning January 7th at 9AM or 11AM as we dive deep into this awesome chapter!!
North Bullitt Christian Church 