Adopted As Heirs — Andrew Forrest

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:12-17

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Paul makes it clear that it is the death of Jesus that saves us and that we must respond in obedience. If you continue in sin, that kind of unrepentant behavior will lead you to eternal death. Obedient faith is saving faith.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

One of the gifts of the Spirit to us is that he makes us feel like we are God’s beloved children, i.e., he offers assurance. Because we are God’s heirs, our inheritance will be to share in God’s glory.