This summer, we are walking through the book of Romans in our Masterclass series at church. The Book of Romans is incredible! For many Biblical scholars, Romans is known as one of the greatest books of the Bible. The deep, rich theology coupled with this incredible insight into how to live out the Christian faith. Every great revival in history started out of the Book of Romans. It is powerful!
This Sunday, we come to Romans 8. Now, Romans 8 is the pinnacle of Romans. How awesome to think about diving into the greatest chapter of the greatest book of the Bible. Romans 8 begins with “Therefore.” Anytime you see a “therefore” in the Bible, you must ask yourself, “What’s it there for?” And, this “therefore” connects the first part of Romans. Romans chapters 1-3 are all about God’s wrath for the total depravity of man. Then, Romans 4-6 show us that it is by faith alone that we are saved. The key verse is Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Praise God! Romans 7 shows us the call to all Christ-followers to put to death their sinful nature and live our lives for Jesus. Then, comes Romans 8…
This beautiful chapter begins with “Therefore,” – in light of sin and God’s judgment on sin – “…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Yes! This is good news! In fact, it is the best news ever. We have all sinned, but we are not condemned. So many people think God is mad at them, but He is not. Through Jesus, we stand righteous before God. God is not mad at us, but He loves us. God loves you!
The good news continues in Romans 8 to say not only does God not condemn us, but He invites us into His family. We are adopted sons and daughters into the family of God. How incredible! We have the full rights of sonship. With God as our Heavenly Father, we don’t have to live in fear and worry. God is with us and He is for us!
As you continue in Romans 8, you come to one of the greatest verses in the greatest chapter of one of the greatest books of the Bible – Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Wow! What an awesome truth. Notice this verse does not say all things “are” good because there are things that happen in our lives that are not good. But, it does say that “God works all things for good.” This means God takes our hurt, pain, and even the things we don’t understand and redeems them for good in our lives. God is always working in our lives for good. Thank You, Father! Our calling is to love and trust Him.
The chapter closes with one of the most powerful and beautiful points of Scripture that “nothing can separate us from the love of God that is Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39. How great is that? Once you are in Jesus, you are forever His. There is nothing you did to earn your salvation and there is nothing you can do to lose your salvation. You are forever a part of God’s family through Jesus. Why do we worry? Why do we live defeated lives? As you read Romans 8, you realize that God has you. You are forever His child. Live with boldness and confidence in this truth. From no condemnation to no separation, Romans 8 shows us the depth and goodness of God. He loves you! Trust Him and live boldly for Jesus today. Yes, may God forever be praised!