Romans 8:30 KJV
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Romans 7 & 8: Living in the Freedom of Christ—The Law of Christ After the Cross
As we open the pages of Romans, particularly in chapters 7 and 8, we stand before two powerful revelations that shape our lives in Christ. Romans 7 brings us face-to-face with the painful tension of the old self under the law, while Romans 8 unveils the glorious freedom of life in the Spirit. It’s in these chapters that we understand not just what Jesus has done for us, but how He has completely redefined what it means to live, to love, and to walk in the fullness of God’s promises.
Let’s talk about Romans 7 first. The apostle Paul gives us a vivid picture of the struggle between the flesh and the law. It’s a familiar scene for many of us: the inner battle, the frustration of wanting to do good, but being overwhelmed by our own weakness. Paul himself speaks of this in verses 18-19:
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”
Is this not the story of so many of us? We know the good we should do, we want to honor God, but time and again we find ourselves stumbling. This is the reality of living under the law—it brings us face-to-face with our sinfulness. The law is holy and righteous, but it exposes us. It shows us where we fall short. It doesn’t give us the power to change; it merely reveals our inability to keep it. We are trapped in this cycle of striving and failing.
But, and here’s the turning point, this is not the end of the story! The beauty of Romans 7 is that it drives us to Romans 8, where everything changes. Paul himself exclaims in Romans 7:24-25,
“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
And that brings us to Romans 8. I can’t think of a more life-changing chapter in the Bible. It starts with these words:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
In a single sentence, Paul shifts everything. The condemnation we deserve because of our sin is now removed, not because we are perfect, but because we are in Christ. This is the foundation of everything we are and everything we do in Christ: there is no condemnation. Jesus has taken our place; He bore the penalty of the law so that we no longer have to.
A New Law: The Law of the Spirit
Romans 8 moves us from the death we faced under the law to the life we now have in the Spirit. No longer bound by the written code, no longer trapped by sin, we are now free to live according to the Spirit of Christ. We’ve been liberated from the penalty of sin, and we’re now empowered to walk in victory. Romans 8:2 declares:
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
This is the law of Christ after the cross. Under the law, we were slaves to sin, constantly reminded of our failures. But in Christ, the Spirit comes to indwell us, making us partakers of His nature, teaching us how to live as children of God, not slaves to sin. The law of the Spirit is a law that sets us free and gives us the power to live the life God intended for us. It is the life of freedom, peace, and joy. It is no longer about striving in our own strength, but about surrendering to the Spirit’s work in us.
Romans 8: The Greatest Chapter in the Bible
Let’s pause here. I truly believe Romans 8 stands as one of the greatest chapters in all of Scripture because it reveals the heart of God’s plan for us. It’s not just about the future salvation of our souls—it’s about our present, moment-by-moment experience of salvation in Christ. Romans 8:28 is a verse that offers immense hope and assurance:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
This verse is not just a hopeful sentiment; it is a promise from God. Every circumstance, every trial, every setback—God is using it all for our good. This doesn’t mean that everything will feel good, or that it will all make sense immediately, but it does mean that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, is working in all things to bring about His good purposes for us. This is part of our calling, part of the hope we have in Christ.
Let me say this clearly: God’s plans for you are only and always good. Everything He does in your life is for your ultimate good, even when it doesn’t feel like it. That is the bedrock of our faith—God is good, and He is good all the time. So, when you face struggles, when you walk through the hardest seasons, hold on to this truth: God is working it all for your good. The struggle might be real, but the victory is already secured in Christ.
Romans 8:30 – The Promise of Glory
I want to draw your attention to Romans 8:30:
“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
This is a powerful chain of salvation. God knew us before time, He called us to Himself, He justified us through the blood of Christ, and He will one day glorify us with Him. This is the unbreakable chain of God’s love for us. It begins with God’s purpose, and it ends with us sharing in His glory. This is the culmination of our salvation—not just forgiveness, not just a relationship with God, but a sharing in His glory. Can you wrap your mind around that? We are destined for glory.
Discussion Points:
- The Law of Christ vs. The Law of Sin and Death
Romans 7 shows the law’s inability to save us, while Romans 8 reveals the power of the Spirit. How does living by the law of the Spirit change the way we approach life? How does it transform our understanding of freedom? - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus
Reflect on the meaning of “no condemnation” in Romans 8:1. How does this truth change the way you view your mistakes and failures? How does this shape your relationship with God? - God’s Good Purpose in All Things
Romans 8:28 gives us a powerful promise that all things work together for good. Have you experienced a time when something difficult later revealed God’s purpose for good? How can you trust in this promise during challenging seasons? - The Call to Live in the Spirit
Romans 8 makes it clear that the Christian life is about walking in the Spirit. What does it mean for you to “live in the Spirit”? How can you actively nurture a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit?
Challenge: Living with Radical Faith
Here’s the fresh challenge for you today: Live with a faith that is radically present, hope-filled, authentic, and sacrificial. Your salvation is not just a future hope; it’s a present reality that shapes every moment of your life. Live in the power of the Spirit. Embrace the truth that there is no condemnation in Christ, and trust that God is working all things together for your good. Don’t wait for the perfect circumstances—start living the abundant life today, trusting in God’s good plan for you.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on Romans 7 and 8, remember this: Christ has set you free from the law of sin and death. You no longer live under the condemnation of the law, but under the freedom of the Spirit. And because of that, all things are working together for your good, as you are called according to God’s purpose. Trust in His plan, walk in the Spirit, and know that His good plans for you are unfolding with every step you take.
