Romans 8:1 – Verse of the Day 3/16/14

Having explained the nature of our new life in Christ in chapter 6, and the reality of our ongoing struggle with sin in chapter 7, in chapter 8 Paul encourages us by reminding us that we live our new life by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we are united to the Father through the presence of Christ. As a result we no longer need to fear condemnation, because when the Father looks at us He sees the righteousness of Christ!

God saved us when we were still sinners and gave us the Holy Spirit. We no longer need to fear God as one who will judge us but rather as one who loves us and has even adopted us as His own children (verses 14-17). Biblical fear indicates reverence for our loving Father, and eradicates any worry that He will condemn us. Thank God for the gift of forgiveness that welcomes us into God’s family as children and heirs of all the benefits that come through faith in Jesus!