Romans Part 26

Paul makes an emphatic statement in Romans 8:9 that you are in the Spirit

"if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you."

He continues in Romans 8:10 by emphasizing that the presence of the Holy Spirit is what identifies whether a person truly belongs to God. The Spirit marks God's ownership of His people, replacing their former slavery to sin with a new relationship as His children. Through the Spirit, believers receive new life, fulfilling the promise of 2 Corinthians 5:17 that anyone in Christ is a new creation. The old life has died, and a new one has begun. When Paul says believers are "alive because of righteousness," he is referring back to verse 4, where the righteousness of Christ is fulfilled in His people as He works through them by His Spirit. The promise extends beyond spiritual renewal in the present. God has also promised to give life to our mortal bodies. This answers the cry Paul expressed at the end of Romans 7:24–25:

"O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Just as Jesus did not remain in the grave but was raised and transformed, believers also look forward to the resurrection, when their mortal bodies will be changed into immortal ones, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:50–51. Every physical limitation, defect, weakness, and effect of the curse will be removed when Christ returns and raises His people at the last trumpet. 

Paul also speaks of the Spirit as the Spirit "of God," the Spirit "of Christ," and the Spirit "of Him who raised Jesus from the dead" (Romans 8:11). This language highlights the complete unity between the Father and the Son. Just as husband and wife become one flesh, the Father and the Son are perfectly united through one Spirit. The Spirit is how God extends His power, presence, and influence. In this understanding, the Holy Spirit is not viewed as a separate independent being but as the very Spirit shared by the Father and the Son. This is consistent with Paul's greetings throughout his letters, including Romans 1:7, where he extends grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ without including the Holy Spirit as a separate person. 

Paul then reminds believers that they have an obligation, not to the flesh, but to live according to the Spirit. By the Spirit believers put to death sinful behavior and learn to walk in obedience to God. This path leads to eternal life. Importantly, Paul does not say that eternal life is earned by law-keeping. Such an idea would make salvation dependent upon human works. Instead, he teaches that those who refuse to turn away from sin will not inherit life. Obedience is the evidence of a transformed heart, not the means by which salvation is purchased.

Epistles of Paul is a course taught at ABC by Mr. Steve Myers. Recordings from the 2023–2024 class year are available on the ABC website.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.