Connecting the Remnant

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans is often considered one of the most theologically rich books of the Bible. In Romans 6-8, Paul transitions from explaining the basics of the Gospel to addressing deeper questions about the Christian life, sin, and the assurance of salvation. These chapters take believers on a journey through the ongoing struggle with sin, the power of Jesus' death and resurrection, and the confidence we can have in God’s unshakable love.

In Romans 6, Paul begins by addressing a fundamental misunderstanding some might have: If we are saved by grace and no longer under the law, can we continue sinning without consequences? Paul’s emphatic answer is "God forbid!" (Romans 6:2).

Paul explains that believers have died to sin through their union with Christ’s death and resurrection, which is symbolically represented through baptism. This death to sin means believers are no longer slaves to sin but are instead called to live a new life in righteousness. Paul uses the language of slavery to illustrate this point: where we were once slaves to sin, we are now "slaves to righteousness" (Romans 6:18). Grace is not a license to sin, but the means by which we are empowered to live free from sin’s dominion.

In Romans 7:1-6, Paul uses the analogy of marriage to explain how believers have been set free from the law through their death with Christ. Just as a woman is no longer bound to her husband if he dies, believers are no longer bound to the law because they have metaphorically died with Christ. This sets the stage for Paul’s discussion on the law’s role and how sin operates in the believer’s life.

Romans 7:7-13 clarifies that the law is not bad in itself, but sin uses the law to bring about condemnation. The law reveals sin, but because we cannot perfectly follow it, sin takes advantage of the law, producing death in us. The issue is not with the law but with sin, which exploits our inability to live up to God’s perfect standard.

In verses 14-23, Paul describes his own personal struggle with sin. Even though he desires to do what is right, he finds himself battling the remnants of his sinful nature. This tension between wanting to do good and the pull of sin is a reality for every believer. Paul highlights the deep frustration of this inner conflict, but he also prepares the reader for the hope that comes in Christ.

In Romans 7:24-25, Paul reaches a moment of desperation, crying out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" But his lament is immediately followed by a declaration of victory: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Paul rejoices that despite the ongoing struggle with sin, believers are delivered from the body of death through Jesus Christ. This leads directly into the profound truths of Romans 8.

Romans 8 begins with one of the most reassuring statements in all of Scripture: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Paul explains that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, believers are freed from the law of sin and death. This freedom comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live according to God’s will.

Paul contrasts "the flesh" with "the Spirit" in this section. The flesh represents the old sinful nature, which leads to death, while the Spirit represents the new life given to believers, which leads to life and peace. Those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires, and their lives reflect the righteousness of God.

A profound truth is introduced in Romans 8:14-17: believers are not only saved from sin and death, but they are also adopted as children of God. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are able to cry out, "Abba, Father," establishing an intimate relationship with God. As His children, believers are also heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, sharing both in His sufferings and His future glory.

Paul shifts his focus in Romans 8:18-25 to the future hope of believers. He explains that all of creation, along with believers, is eagerly awaiting the day when God’s children will be revealed. This moment, which will occur when Christ returns, is when the full redemption of our bodies will take place. Creation, currently subjected to futility, will be set free from its bondage to decay when believers are glorified.

In verses 26-27, Paul highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding and helping believers. Because we often do not know how to pray or what to pray for, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf, aligning our prayers with God’s will. This is a great comfort for believers, as it ensures that the Holy Spirit is actively involved in guiding us toward our future glorification.

Romans 8:28-30 gives us further assurance that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Paul outlines God’s sovereign plan, from foreknowing and predestining believers to conform to Christ’s image, to calling, justifying, and ultimately glorifying them. This passage offers tremendous assurance that God will complete the work He began in those who put their faith in Jesus.

Romans 8 concludes with a powerful assurance of God’s love and the security of salvation for believers. In verses 31-34, Paul asks, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" No one can bring a charge against those whom God has justified because Christ has died, was raised, and is interceding for us.

In verse 36, Paul quotes Psalm 44:22: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." This reference underscores the reality of suffering for believers, but Paul quickly follows with the reassurance that, despite such suffering, we are "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).

In the closing verses, Paul delivers a profound statement of confidence in God’s love: nothing—neither death nor life, angels nor demons, present nor future, powers, height nor depth—can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). This triumphant declaration assures believers that their salvation is secure and that God’s love is unbreakable.

Romans 6-8 provides deep insight into the Christian life, addressing the ongoing struggle with sin, the power of salvation through Christ, and the assurance of God’s love. Believers are called to live according to the Spirit, knowing that their salvation is secure in Christ, and that they are adopted as children of God. These chapters offer both a realistic understanding of the challenges of the Christian walk and an unwavering confidence in the victory and hope found in Jesus Christ.