In the first half of Romans 8 (vs. 1-11) Paul argues that it is the Spirit who gives hope for life after, and out of, death. Those who are in Christ have their life in the Spirit (Part 15). In the second half of the chapter, Paul describes the glorious inheritance which can be anticipated by God’s children (vs. 18-36).
And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:23
The two sections are linked together by what Paul says in verses 14-17. It is the Spirit who identifies a person as a child of God, and as a child, then as an heir. It is because of the Spirit that we can anticipate an inheritance.
Once again notice that Paul refers to all Christians; not just Jews, not just Gentiles, and not just a few select Christians who had received miraculous spiritual gifts. Observe the use of the words “all”, the plural “you” (I use the word “y’all” in the quotes below), “our”, and “we”. Paul identifies children of God as “all” those who are led by Spirit, by whom “we” (that is, Paul and all those saints to whom he was writing) relate to God as father, and “we” all are joint heirs with Christ. Paul does not exclude any of the saints in Rome to whom he was writing (cf. Rom. 1:7).
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For y’all did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but y’all have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:14-17
According to Paul, it is the Spirit who relates Christians to God as children. First, Paul says “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (v. 14). Then he refers to the Spirit as “the Spirit of adoption,” by whom we cry “Abba Father” (v. 15).
How can we know if we are children of God? Because “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (v. 16). It is because of the Spirit that we are assured of our status as heirs with Christ.
Paul does not, however, describe this assurance as mere emotional confidence, or some sort of sentimental feeling in our hearts. It is important to note that the Spirit confirms our identity as children of God only as two conditions are met. First, we must be willing to put to death the deeds of the body. Secondly, we must be willing to suffer with Christ.
Dying with Christ
Immediately prior to Paul’s claim that “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God,” Paul explains what it means to be “led by the Spirit of God”.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not according to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if y’all live according to the flesh y’all will die, but if by the Spirit y’all put to death the deeds of the body, y’all will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 8:12-14 (Emphasis added)
It is the Spirit who gives us resurrection hope (Rom. 8:9-11). But this hope is contingent on meeting a condition – indicated by the word “if” in the quote above – “if” we put to death the deeds of the body. Who are those who will live? Only those who put to death the deeds of the body. Who are those who are led by the Spirit? Only those who put to death the deeds of the body. Those who do not put to death the deeds of the body will die – the Spirit offers no hope to such persons.
Just as the Spirit of God was seen in Christ, as he chose to lay down his life (Rom. 5), so the Spirit of God can be seen in Christians when they choose to live with the same mindset – the mindset which puts to death the deeds of the body. It is a hard and painful experience to deny our bodies of what they tell us they want. But a life which is not focused on putting to death fleshly attitudes and actions demonstrates a spirit which is noticeably out of step with the Spirit of Christ on the cross.
A Christian’s existence must be continually characterized by dying with Christ.
Suffering with Christ
Moreover, Paul gives a second condition.
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:16-17 (Emphasis added)
According to Paul, the Spirit bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God and heirs of Christ. But once again, Paul adds a condition, this time indicated by the word “provided.” The Spirit bears witness that we are children, and thus heirs, “provided” we suffer with Christ.
It is only by sharing in the death and suffering of Christ in the present that Christians are able to love and serve others as Christ did. It is not enough to say that a “spiritual” person is one who obeys the Spirit-inspired words of Scripture, although this is certainly true. The Spirit bears witness that we are children of God only if we are obedient to the point of, and through suffering, as Christ was. It is not simply a general attitude of obedience to Scripture – it is a degree of obedience that remains ready to abandon even life itself.
The Spirit, in other words, links Christians to the cross, and via the cross to Christ through suffering and death. The Spirit of God is in a Christian as they walk with the Spirit of Christ in their life (cf. 8:10). That is, as they share in the mindset (cf. 8:5-8) of Christ, who was willing to obey God even when it meant putting his own life to death for the sake of loving others.
It is this shared Spirit which marks Christians as God’s own children (8:14-17). But this is true only to the extent that their lives are marked by conformity to the mind, or “Spirit” of Christ on the cross.
The Christian Exile 