We are now landed in the height of our place “in Christ” as shown in this epistle. The full place is summed up in the first three verses. To stop short in Romans 7, is to stop short of the Christian position. That it can be Christian experience is impossible. From the 7th verse to the end of Romans 7 the words I, me, and my, are mentioned nearly fifty times. What is the meaning of the phrases used “I am fleshly, sold under sin,” if Christian experience? What is the meaning of the cry, “Oh, wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me?” Is a man that is “a slave of sin,” who always breaks every commandment of the law, and who is crying out for deliverance out of a condition he is still consciously in, namely, his Adam standing, a Christian? Will you make a Christian an idolater, a blasphemer, a murderer, a thief, a covetous person? Yet this you must teach if you say that the man, who says, “the good (that is, the law) that I would I do not, but the evil that I would not, that do I,” is a Christian. Besides there is no mention of Christ or the Spirit once, till he thanks God, Romans 7:2525I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:25). It is occupation with self, seeing the holiness of the law in its demands, and finding his utter powerlessness to do good (which is always the law in Rom. 7) though he wishes to do it. That it is the experience of a man dead in trespasses and sins is also impossible, for there is the will to do good; he delights in the law of God after the inward man, and with the mind he himself serves the law of God. We are therefore left to the conclusion that it is the experience of a newborn soul, with the will and the mind turned to God, yet occupied with self, and not yet delivered from the Adam condition and from the law. Directly it accepts the man in glory, instead of the man here, it bursts out in songs of praise, and concludes, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus; for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
First, there is a new standing given in the Head of the new race, to whom no condemnation is attached. Second, there is the positive communication of the Spirit of life in Christ that has set us free from the law of sin and death (comp. John 20:2222And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (John 20:22)). Thirdly, what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God has done. Beautiful summary of Romans 5:1212Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)-Romans 7! Romans 5:12-2112Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:12‑21) we have our portion in Christ the Head of the new race, in justification of life; Romans 6, deliverance from the law of sin and death; Romans 7, what the law could not do (Rom. 7:5-245For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. 7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:5‑24)), God has done (Rom. 7:25; 8:825I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:25)
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:8)). He has judged sin in the flesh, by sending His own Son, and making Him a sacrifice for sin, that the law’s righteous requirement might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. Thus the only ones who fulfill the righteousness of the law, are those that have died to it in Christ’s death, and who are alive to God in Him, in possession of His Spirit of life; and grace is the only power over sin, as the law is the strength of sin. It could neither free from condemnation, deliver, nor produce the righteousness it required in us; it could give the knowledge of sin, and condemn the man to death who gives way to its first motions. But God in grace has condemned the sin and delivered the man: what the law could not do We are now in our individual standing place, and this beautiful chapter brings out all the consequences of this position. First, the Christian is in Christ, in possession of the Spirit of life in Christ, delivered, and sin condemned. Secondly, the Spirit of God indwells him, giving him a new state, and as a distinct Person dwelling in him making him know his place as a child of God (Rom. 8:9-309But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:9‑30)). Thirdly, God is for him (Rom. 8:31-3931What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who 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. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31‑39)). What a chapter! May the Lord give the reader sweet thoughts on it.
What we have first is the Spirit of Christ characterizing our new life as born of God. There is an introduction in power of the Spirit in Romans 8:22For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2), that we have not in Romans 7.
Christ communicated His Spirit of life to His disciples in John 20:2222And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (John 20:22), already born of God. It is not merely in Romans 8:5-85For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5‑8) the flesh and new nature as we have in Romans 7, but we are of the flesh or of the Spirit. It is the mind of the flesh or the mind of the Spirit. The delivered man is characterized and energized by the Spirit of God. They that are of the flesh do mind the things of the flesh, they that are of the Spirit the things of the Spirit. The mind of the flesh is death, the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. The mind of the flesh is enmity against God, it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be, so then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Enoch pleased God in his day, as a man of faith walking according to the light he had, in relationship with God revealed as Creator, yet on the ground of sacrifice pointing forward to Christ who was coming, and waiting for the promise. But in his day God was still testing man, as to whether he could recover himself, and so still owned him so far when there was faith, as walking on that ground. It was not proved that they that are in the flesh could not please God, and so the “common appellation” for saints in the old testament is, “the just.” But now everything has come out, man has been weighed in the balances and found wanting; he has: rejected Christ, as well as broken the law. “They that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
But Christians are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be “the Spirit of God” dwell in them. The Spirit communicated to the believer puts him into a new state, taking him out of the flesh, and brings Christ as life into his soul, enabling him to write His death on the old Adam body and condition. It is the Spirit of Christ, because the Head of the new race breathes into us His Spirit of life, and so it is Christ in us. And yet it cannot be separated from the Spirit of God, who is semi further down as a distinct Person dwelling in us. But if Christ be in us, the body is dead for sin; but the Spirit is life for righteousness. The Christ with whom the Christian is one, is a Christ that died; hence death is written on the old Adam body, which henceforth, as dead for sin, becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit. Without the death of Christ applied by faith to it, it is part of the flesh, the old Adam nature; but now the life of Christ fills it, that has passed through death, and the Holy Spirit indwells it; so that if this last is so, He, as the Spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead, when the Lord comes, will quicken our mortal bodies, on account of His Spirit that dwells in us.
Here is the full answer to the cry of Romans 7:2424O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:24). Thus the presence of the Spirit of God in the body puts us into our new Christian state, as being no longer in the flesh. It brings Christ into us, writing His death on our Adam bodies, and is the earnest of the future quickening of the body at the first resurrection when Christ returns.
He is now seen as not only forming and characterizing the new Christian state, but as a distinct Person indwelling us (Rom. 8:11,16,2611But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:11)
16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:16)
26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)). Surely then we see that we are not debtors to the flesh for anything; if we live after the flesh we are about to die, but if we through the Spirit do mortify, put to death, the deeds of the body, we shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God. Thus we see that the Spirit not only forms and characterizes the new Christian state, but He is the power of practical Christian life every day. By Him we mortify the deeds of the body, by Him the sons are led. Moreover we have not received a Spirit of bondage again to fear, but we have received a Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him that we may be also glorified together. As we read such wonderful Scriptures the heart naturally breaks out in such a song —
“Happy they who trust in Jesus,
Sweet their portion is, and sure,
When the foe on others seizes,
He will keep His own secure:
Happy people,
Happy, though despised and poor.”
Yes, dear reader, in that poor little cottage home of yours, or in that dark room in the back street, you can sing, if a believer, “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God” (1 John 3:11Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1)).
Suffering here is the Christian’s portion, glory there with Christ as His fellow heirs. We have in the following verses, Romans 8:18-2918For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:18‑29), a sample of what suffering with Christ is. But in view of the glory that shall be revealed unto the children of God, the apostle, and we also, may well reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed unto us. The anxious expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God; for the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him, that is, Adam, who hath subjected, the same; in the hope that the creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. So that whatever the suffering now, there is a glorious future yet for this creation. It groans and travails, but the Lord is coming, then the sons of God will be manifested with Him, and creation shall be delivered; it still groans, and not only it, but we ourselves who are still linked to the creature by our bodies, but having the firstfruits of the Spirit, we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies.
Salvation in this aspect is future; we are saved in hope of this future. The groaning mentioned is a different groaning from that of Romans 7:2525I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:25). There it was, “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” a groaning in the sense of an undelivered soul, not in the liberty of grace; and no doubt not understanding the redemption of the body either; but here it is a groan like Christ groaned at the grave of Lazarus, as feeling on His spirit the ruin of creation, and the dominion of sin and death over it. In this way we are privileged to suffer with Christ, and this is the portion more or less of all Christians; only that our bodies are more or less linked with sin, and not fully redeemed.
In another sense Christians are called to suffer for Christ (see Phil. 1:2929For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29); 1 Pet. 4:1414If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:14)); through enduring persecution, either from the world, or trials amongst the saints inside the assembly (see 2 Cor. 1:22Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:2)). But we must not confound these sufferings with what Christ suffered for us in atonement on the cross. There He stood alone under our judgment, bearing the wrath of God for us, that we might never have to bear it. But here the subject is, suffering with Christ, having the same spirit whilst passing through a groaning creation. And even the presence of the Spirit of God in our bodies makes us groan, but He also helps our infirmities, and though we know not amidst the pressure of things what to pray for as we ought, He makes intercessions within us with groanings that cannot be uttered. But He who searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercessions for the saints according to God.
But if under the pressure of trials we know not what to pray for as we ought, this we do know that all things work together for good to them that love God, (and now comes the summing up); these are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn amongst many brethren!
Five blessed links of an everlasting chain that connect us with the passed and future eternities follow. Foreknowledge, Predestination, Calling, Justification, Glory! The second is founded on the first. It is not the same as it. See John 6:64-6564But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (John 6:64‑65). Jesus foreknew who would not believe, and should betray Him. Founded on this He added, “Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come to Me except it were given him of My Father.”
But oh, the infinite grace of God! every dear Christian is predestinated to be conformed to the image of God’s Son. This voice makes itself heard in the soul, in due time He calls us. We are awakened, brought to repentance, He justifies us. Finally He glorifies us! God’s grace has never done with us till we are conformed to the image of His Son. Who is He! The firstborn amongst many brethren; the chiefest amongst ten thousand, the altogether lovely! Song of {s 22221}Solomon 5:10-1610My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. 11His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. 12His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. 13His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. 14His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. 15His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. 16His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. (Song of Solomon 5:10‑16).
From Romans 8:3131What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) to the end, we have God for us. This is manifested in three ways: First, He has not spared His Son (Rom. 8:3232He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)); secondly, He has justified us (Rom. 8:3333Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. (Romans 8:33)); thirdly, nothing can separate us from His love as displayed in Christ Jesus our Lord! The Apostle always argues down from what God is to us. It is not, because we are so and so for Him that therefore He will be so and so for us No, but God is for us, just as we were, nothing but sinners. Who then can be against us? He has not spared His Son, how shall He not then with Him also freely give us all things!
But secondly, Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? The apostle here alludes to Isaiah 1:8-98And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. 9Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. (Isaiah 1:8‑9), where Christ is heard confessing His confidence in Jehovah, as the One who justified Him, when man condemned Him It is most interesting to see how the apostle here quotes the very same passage to bring out the justification of God’s people now! the same justification that applies to Christ, applies to the assembly as one with Him.
But then, thirdly, Christ died, yea rather, has been raised up, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who then shall separate us from the love of Christ? That love was tested down here by tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and sword, and nothing stopped its flow. It has gained the victory, and has been brought into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, so that even though passing through all like circumstances, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us, though for His sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. But it is not only that no circumstances can stop us, but not all the powers of the unseen world which are next mentioned: death, life, angels, principalities, powers, things present, things to come, etc., nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What a chapter! The Christian is seen in Christ at the beginning, Romans 8:1-21There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1‑2). Secondly, the Spirit of God is seen in him, Romans 8:99But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9), first bringing Christ as Life into his soul, and secondly, indwelling him as a distinct person as God, bearing witness with his spirit that he is a son, Romans 8:10-3010And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:10‑30). Thirdly, God is for him, Romans 8:31-3931What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34Who 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. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31‑39). The Spirit also intercedes for him on earth, and will finally raise up or change his body; whilst Christ intercedes for him in heaven, and nothing therefore can separate him from the love that does this, till He returns to fetch him home.
The second part of the Epistle is done. From Romans 3:22-2622Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:22‑26), we have seen God’s righteousness as an objective thing in Christ justifying the believer from all his sins through Jesus and His blood. Justification is by faith, not by works, as Abraham’s and David’s examples show. David’s example showing the negative side; sins forgiven, iniquities covered, sin not imputed. Abraham’s showing the positive side: it was a faith resting in a God of resurrection, raising a living Isaac out of Sarah’s dead womb. In the one case, it was a righteous God forgiving sins; in the other case a righteous God fulfilling His promises, which came before law and circumcision, and went out to the Gentiles through Christ, the Heir now come. This ends Romans 4. It is a present blessing to us, for we believe on a God who has raised Jesus from the dead. Peace, present favor, and glory are the result for us, Romans 5:1-111Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Romans 5:1‑11). We enjoy present; tribulation with hope of glory in front, by the Holy Spirit, who also makes us joy in God Himself, revealed in love, as well as in righteousness! This introduces God as a Reconciler as well as a Justifier, and both in present blessing. Believers are now justified by His blood, they have now received the reconciliation (Rom. 8:9-119But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (Romans 8:9‑11)). Up to this point sins are treated of, Christ was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.
From Romans 5:1212Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12), to end, Adam and Christ are compared as the Heads of two races. Adam bringing in sin, death, and condemnation to all his descendants, by his one offense; Christ bringing in grace, righteousness and eternal life, leading on to the full result in glory, by His one obedience unto death. This results in a justification of life from sin for the believer, not merely justified from sins. Romans 6 applies Christ’s death for present deliverance from the dominion of sin, as well as for justification; Romans 7, deliverance from the law, as applying to the Adam condition; both expressed for present deliverance, in Romans 6:2222But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Romans 6:22); 7:6, by the words, “Now being made free from sin,” and “Now we are delivered from the law” And Romans 8 shows him his full standing in Christ, in the words, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus” His state as not in the flesh but in the Spirit follows; the Spirit indwelling him making him know his place as a son, and being the earnest and pledge of the resurrection of his body, when the Lord comes. Lastly, God is for him, and nothing can separate him from His love. The little word now, applied to justification in Romans 5:99Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:9), to reconciliation in Romans 5:1111And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Romans 5:11), to deliverance and freedom from sin Romans 6:2222But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (Romans 6:22), to deliverance from the law Romans 7:66But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (Romans 7:6), and to the Christian’s full standing in Christ, in justification of life from sin, Romans 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1), shows clearly, that all these different lines of doctrine are only several parts of one great salvation, and that salvation is all received in Christ at once, when the poor sinner believes. He needs to be established in its different parts afterward, as this epistle clearly shows, but the different parts of the salvation are not consecutive, but run in parallel lines, making up one complete whole, though the call takes place first! May the Lord bless this to the help of the reader, is the prayer of the writer!