Life in the Spirit

July 11

I Chronicles 25-26

Psalm 79:5-8

Proverbs 17:21-22

Romans 8:1-17

Life in the Spirit

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”

Romans 8:1-2, 16-17 NIV

Romans 8 is one of the most loved chapters in the Bible by biblical scholars and Christians in general. It helps us understand the doctrine of eternal security and explains how to live by the Spirit and let peace rule in our hearts. The Holy Spirit living within us gives us constant assurance that we are God’s children, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. He does not want us to live in doubt and fear because we do not face condemnation if we are in Christ. It is comforting that Paul placed this chapter filled with assurance and hope immediately following chapter 7 that dealt with the struggle of sin in the life of the believer. He went from saying he is a wretched sinful man to claiming that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. It is difficult to grasp how we can struggle with sin and at the same time not be subject to condemnation. Paul wants us to understand that our eternal security is not based on our ability to be good. Just like we could not do anything to deserve salvation, we cannot do anything to keep ourselves saved. In John 10: 27-29, Jesus Himself tells us that we cannot lose our salvation. “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” (NIV)

Paul does an extensive comparison between those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit. Their lives are completely different. They have a different focus, different passions and desires, and a different destiny. In verse 16 Paul tells us that we are God’s children. “So, you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.” Galatians 4:7 (NIV) That is an amazing truth. We deserve death and Hell, but instead He chose to willingly sacrifice Himself to pay the penalty for our sin. We are indebted to Him for our very lives, and we should expect to become His servants, but instead He loves us so much that He has adopted us as His children. We have all the rights and responsibilities that come with being an heir. We have been adopted into His family. The adoption papers have been signed and sealed and we can rest in the knowledge that we belong to Him, and He will not let anyone take us away from Him. If you struggle with this truth, please examine these verses for yourself and ask God to give you peace and confidence that your eternity is secure.