Romans Part 28

In verse 18 Paul shifts the focus from the blessings of the inheritance God promises to his children to present hardships and future hope. The suffering believers experience in this life is real, but it is temporary. Compared with the extraordinary glory that awaits the children of God, present afflictions are small and passing. The incredible destiny God has prepared for His people far outweighs any trials they endure now, giving them every reason to persevere in faith while looking forward to the fulfillment of His promises. 

In Romans 8:19, Paul now broadens the focus from the individual believer to the destiny of the entire creation. Throughout Romans 6, he described humanity as being enslaved to sin. Here he explains that God's plan extends far beyond saving individuals. The whole creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God because, through Christ's return and the reign of His saints, creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. God is not going to remove the righteous from the earth and abandon the rest of creation. Rather, Christ is bringing the Kingdom of God to the earth, where His people will reign with Him and participate in restoring what sin has broken. As Isaiah prophesied,

"Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end" (Isaiah 9:7).

Creation was subjected to futility "not willingly" (Romans 8:20), reminding us that suffering was never God's desire. The pain, death, disease, and violence that fill the world are the consequences of humanity's choice to reject God's way, not evidence that God delights in suffering. 

Paul observes that all creation groans as if in labor pains. The brokenness of the world is unmistakable, and everyone experiences its effects. Although disobedience has made life far more difficult than it was intended to be, hardship is a universal reality. Even Jesus Christ endured suffering, rejection, grief, and pain in order to redeem creation. His words in Matthew 24:8 about the "beginning of sorrows," literally "labor pains," fit this picture well. Just as labor pains precede birth, the present suffering of the world points toward the coming birth of God's children at Christ's return, when they will help free creation from hatred, violence, greed, lust, pride, idolatry, and every consequence of sin. 

Believers already possess "the firstfruits of the Spirit," yet they still groan as they await "the redemption of our body." This redemption refers to the transformation from mortal flesh to immortal spirit described in 1 Corinthians 15:50–52. The image of firstfruits is significant. In Scripture, the firstfruits are only the beginning of a much larger harvest. If God's Church today represents the firstfruits, then the majority of God's work with humanity still lies ahead. Christ's return is not the conclusion of God's plan but the beginning of an even greater harvest as His Kingdom expands throughout the earth. 

Because of that future, Christians live in hope. Hope, by its nature, looks forward to what has not yet been received. Like the faith described in Hebrews 11:1, Christian hope confidently anticipates becoming like the heavenly Man, Jesus Christ. It looks forward to receiving immortal life, sharing in God's nature as His children, and serving alongside Christ in His Kingdom to bring righteousness and peace to the nations. God's Spirit strengthens believers for the present while continually directing their attention toward that coming future. 

Paul's discussion of the Holy Spirit's intercession in verses 26–27 is not about speaking in tongues but about the intimate relationship between God's Spirit and the human spirit. Just as every person possesses a spirit that is part of who they are, God's Holy Spirit is the very presence and power of God Himself, not a separate person. Through His Spirit, God dwells with His people, searches their hearts, understands even their deepest needs, and presents those needs according to His perfect will. This harmonizes with Jesus' promise in John 14:15–17 that He and the Father would dwell with believers through the Holy Spirit and with Paul's explanation in 1 Corinthians 2:10–12 that God's Spirit knows the deep things of God just as the human spirit knows the thoughts of a person. 

Romans 8:28 reminds believers that all things work together for good, but Paul carefully qualifies this promise. It is for those who love God and who are called according to His purpose. Loving God is far more than an emotional feeling; it is a life of devotion and obedience. Likewise, being called according to His purpose assumes an understanding of what that purpose is. Hebrews 2:10 summarizes it well: God is "bringing many sons to glory." His purpose is to expand His family by transforming human beings into glorified children who share Christ's nature. 

Paul continues by describing God's work from beginning to end. Those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son so that Christ would be the firstborn among many brethren. God's goal has always been to make His children like Jesus Christ as glorified, immortal, and righteous spirit beings. Paul speaks of their glorification in the past tense because, from God's perspective, His purpose is certain. This does not mean people cannot reject God's calling or that salvation is forced upon anyone. Scripture consistently presents the choice between life and death, urging people to choose life by remaining faithful to God rather than returning to sin. 

Paul concludes the chapter with one of Scripture's greatest expressions of confidence in God's faithfulness. If God is for us, no human or spiritual enemy can ultimately prevail against us. The Father has already demonstrated His love by giving His own Son, so believers can trust Him to provide everything necessary to accomplish His purpose. Satan may accuse God's people, but his accusations cannot stand because God is the One who justifies through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Christ now sits at the Father's right hand continually interceding for His people. Earlier Paul said the Spirit intercedes for believers, and there is no contradiction. The Spirit is God's own presence and power working within believers, communicating their needs to the Father through the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ. 

Paul then returns to the theme introduced in verse 18 by contrasting present suffering with future glory. Tribulation, persecution, hardship, famine, danger, and every other trial are real, but none of them has the power to separate God's people from His love. Because God is working all things together for good and because Christ continually intercedes for His people, believers can face every circumstance with confidence. Neither death nor life, angels nor principalities, things present nor things to come, nor any created thing can separate those who belong to Christ from the love of God. The only thing that can ultimately separate a person from God is the deliberate choice to reject Him and return to a life of unbelief and sin.

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.