'Ro 8:18-39

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Christian confidence (Ro 8:18-39)

Whatever sufferings believers may experience, they are of little significance when compared with the glory to be revealed on the day of final victory (Ro 8:18).

On that day the physical creation, which from the time of Adam has suffered because of human sin (cf. Gen 1:28-30; 3:17-18), will enter its full glory along with redeemed human life (Ro 8:19-22).

All the effects of sin will be removed, and believers will be raised from the dead in imperishable spiritual bodies suited to life in the coming age (Ro 8:23; cf. 1 Cor 15:42-57). Christians, being saved by faith, do not yet experience all that God has promised, but they look to the future with patience and confidence (Ro 8:24-25).

The same Spirit who gives hope for the future gives help in the present. When believers’ prayers are unable to express their deepest thoughts and feelings, the indwelling Spirit pleads to God on their behalf. And God knows the mind of the Spirit (Ro 8:26-27).

This concern that God has for his people involves everything. He is at work in all their affairs, right from his eternal choice of them to be his sons to his act of final glorification when they will share the likeness of Jesus Christ (Ro 8:28-30).

Christians need have no doubts about any aspect of their salvation. If God has given the greatest of all gifts, the gift of his Son, nothing is beyond him (Ro 8:31-32).

They need not fear any accusations against them, because the one who has declared them righteous is God himself, and he has done so on the basis of the perfect work of Jesus Christ (Ro 8:33-34).

Nor should they fear persecution or even martyrdom, because through Christ they are assured of final victory (Ro 8:35-37).

No matter what happens to them, nothing can separate them from the unchanging love of God (Ro 8:38-39).