Reformers Unanimous Essay Report:
"Romans 8"

Question: What does this chapter mean for the new believer?

Answer: If a man walks after the Spirit, that is, is lead of the Spirit (and not the flesh) then he is not condemned for his sin, because he is no longer under the jurisdiction of the law, which governs the flesh. Because Christ came in the flesh, and overcame sin, and so imputes His righteousness upon our behalf if we receive it [v.1-4]. There is then this contrast between flesh and spirit, the carnal and the spiritual, and those who are fleshly/carnal will mind worldly things, but those who are spiritual Godly things. And because of this clash, is it impossible to please God in the flesh, because it is in complete opposition to Him. [v.5-8]. Now, if one is truely saved, the Holy Ghost indwells that person, and so they will not be lead of the flesh, but be lead of God, and one must have the Holy Spirit inside them in order to be God's own. Also, if a person is saved, his spirit will now be alive (before being dead) and be dead to his flesh, in the sense that he now does not satisfy what it desires [v.9-11]. Through the Holy Ghost we are now able to mortify (that is, to subdue, to bring into subjection) our fleshly acts, and in so doing we live spiritually, and are not dead. For those whom the Holy Spirit resides in, they are God's children, God having adopted them through the Spirit. The Holy Ghost will confirm this in a person if they are saved, and since they are His children, they are now joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (the Son of God), and will suffer for bearing his reproach. But ultimately any pain felt on this earth for Christ's sake is uncomparable to our glory in eternity [v.12-18]. The entire creation groans in expectation if this glory, waiting for our bodies to be changed [v.19-23]. Since the Spirit lives inside a person, and his body is not yet perfect, He actually intercedes on his behalf in asking for the things he needs, because man does not always know what he should be praying to God for. There is a promise to those who love God and accomplish His will that everything that happens works towards their good, even though not every event will be good [v.24-28]. God planned for every Christian to be made to resemble His Son, Jesus Christ, having called them, justified them, and glorifying them [v.29-30]. We can have confidence in God that He will supply us ever need, because He already gave us His Son, and nothing is more valuable than He, who Himself intercedes on our behalf. This being the case, there is no circumstance in life, no hardship or trial, that can seperate God's love from His people [v.31-39].

Conclusion: As a Christian I should daily be submitted to God and the leading of His Holy Spirit, and not be lead away by my flesh with lusts. As a child of God, I know that He hears my prayers, knows my needs, and will meet them, and all I must do is accomplish what He desires be to, and I do not have to worry about anything else, knowing that nothing can seperate me from God's love.

• 09/08/12 •