Romans 8:12-39, Our New Relationship to God

Bible Study with Dr. Thomas Constable

Romans 8:12-39 is a profound and encouraging passage that speaks about the believer's relationship with the Holy Spirit, their assurance of God's love, and their eternal security in Christ. Here's a summary of this extensive and impactful section:
Paul begins by urging believers not to live according to the flesh, which leads to death, but to put to death the deeds of the body through the Spirit. He emphasizes that those who are led by the Spirit are children of God. The indwelling Spirit testifies that they have been adopted into God's family, and they can now call Him "Abba, Father."
The passage reassures believers that they are no longer slaves to fear, for they have received the Spirit of adoption, making them heirs with Christ. As heirs, they will share in both His sufferings and His glory.
Paul acknowledges the reality of suffering in the present world but emphasizes that it cannot be compared to the future glory that will be revealed in believers. He highlights that all creation eagerly awaits the revelation of God's children and the liberation from the bondage of decay.
The Holy Spirit comes to the aid of believers in their weaknesses, interceding for them according to God's will. God works all things for the good of those who love Him, and He has predestined them to be conformed to the image of His Son.
The passage declares the security of believers in God's love. Nothing can separate them from the love of Christ—not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, danger, or any other hardship. They are conquerors through Him who loved them.
Paul concludes by listing various things that cannot separate believers from God's love: neither death nor life, angels nor rulers, things present nor things to come, powers, height, depth, nor any created thing. Nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus their Lord.
In summary, Romans 8:12-39 assures believers of their identity as children of God through the indwelling Holy Spirit. It emphasizes their security in God's love and their eternal inheritance as heirs with Christ. The passage encourages believers to persevere through sufferings, knowing that God is working all things for their good and that nothing can separate them from His boundless love.