MDB 25: Romans 8

Roman 8:16
"The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,"

Derek Thomas preached through Romans 8 last summer at First Presbyterian Church and provocatively declared the text as the best chapter in the Bible. It would be hard to argue.

Since at least verse 9, Paul has been thinking about the Spirit's work within us. The Spirit's presence assures us of our future resurrection (verse 11), is at work in our sanctification (verse 13), and later will be seen at work in our prayers (26-27). But in verses 14-17 his focus is on the role of the Spirit in our adoption into the household of God.

Those who were, by nature, separated from God and at war with him have been welcomed into the family. Because of what Christ has done, sin has been condemned and the law has been fulfilled. Those who were rebels have been made into sons and daughters. The strangers have been brought home and are made co-heirs with the Elder Brother who is the very Son of God.

The claim is so outstanding it rises to the level of the unbelievable. What would God have to do with folks like us? Welcomed home? Adopted? Sons and daughters of God? It cannot be! But yes, the Spirit assures, that is exactly what has happened. Not merely pardoned but restored. Not merely forgiven but reconciled. Not merely set apart from the world but celebrated in heaven as co-heirs with Christ. It is overwhelming, and without the Spirit's work to assure, only those unfamiliar with themselves would  dare take hold of such a promise. Adoption is unbelievable, and yet by the inner testimony of the Spirit of God, our spirits are assured that the unbelievable has come true. We are God's children and at home in his family.