romans

There are few texts more beloved among Christians than Romans 8.28, which confidently proclaims that “all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called in alignment with God’s purpose.” But this beautiful sentiment is grounded in an idea that many find far less comforting: predestination. Today I’d like to … Continue reading God’s Chosen Destiny: Romans 8.18-30, Part 3

Last time we saw how Paul’s understanding of salvation stretches beyond humanity to include the whole creation. While Paul’s message about all creation groaning in longing for restoration is powerful in its first-century context, it has taken on an added significance in the midst of our twenty-first-century climate crisis. While many have welcomed what these … Continue reading Creation Groans: Romans 8.18-30, Part 2

There can be no doubt that Romans 8 represents one of the high points not only in Romans, but also of the whole New Testament. So far, we’ve seen how Paul shifts the focus away from what the rule of sin and death look like to what the rule of the Spirit looks like, and … Continue reading The Glory to Be Revealed: Romans 8.18-30, Part 1

Last time we saw how Paul pivoted from focusing on the ‘before’ picture of humanity, to the ‘after’, by talking about the role of the Holy Spirit in freeing us from the way of sin to live out God’s holy way of love. Today we’ll turn to a short passage in which he introduces a … Continue reading A Spirit of Adoption: Romans 8.14-17

Since chapter 5, Paul has been exploring the implications of his participationist take on the ancient ‘two way’ ideology. It isn't that we can follow one of two ways, as Paul understands the world, but that there are two humanities in which we can participate: the old humanity of Adam that is bondage to sin … Continue reading The Flesh and the Spirit: Romans 8.1-13