Romans 8:16-30 proved to be a gold mine of doctrine concerning the physics of immortality! Using 1 Corinthians 15:35-38 as our starting point, we explored its companion chapter, comparing scripture with scripture and making some awesome discoveries.
First, we discovered that we are joint heirs with Christ, through salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is the firstfruits of our inheritance. Ephesians 1:13-14 declares him to be the earnest or down payment of our eternal life. Through him we are seated in heavenly places, in the presence of God, even now! The veil of flesh prevents us from seeing the glory of heaven, but we are no less seated in the presence of our heavenly Father!
Ephesians 2:4-7: But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Second, we discovered the 3 groanings that are currently taking place in this Dispensation of the Grace of God!
1. Creation is groaning, waiting to be returned to the perfect state it was created. God will purge the world of all that man has corrupted, and return the earth to a state of harmony and perfection.
Romans 8:22; 2 Peter 3:10-13
2. Our bodies are groaning, waiting for the coming redemption when this mortal puts on immortality, and this corruptible puts on incorruption.
Romans 8:23-25
3. The Holy Spirit makes groanings and utterances on our behalf, in our infirmities, that we do not know how to articulate to our heavenly Father! Romans 8:26-27
I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit makes intersession for us before our heavenly Father, and so does the Lord Jesus Christ!
Romans 8:34: 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.
Third, the final gold we mined out of Romans 8 is found in V.28-30.
1. All things work together for good for those who heed the call of salvation! V.28
2. God’s purpose, God’s will is that we be conformed to Christ. V.29 Romans 12:1-2 describes God’s will clearly!
God predestines that all saved, born again believers grow into maturity, taking on the character qualities of the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s will is that we…
A. Be saved! 2 Peter 3:9
B. Be prayerful and thankful! 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
C. Be vigilant and watchful! Ephesians 5:15-17
D. Be studious! 2 Timothy 2:15
E. Walk in the Spirit, manifesting the fruit of Spirit! Gal. 5:22-25
3. God justifies the called! He declares them righteous, as though they had never sinned! V.30
4. God glorifies the justified! Ultimately, we will all appear with Christ in glory! V.30
Colossians 3:1-4: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Studying the Word is such an exciting adventure! We will continue this adventure next Sunday!