Heirs of God (Romans 8:12-17)

This week at Grace, we're talking about what it means to be adopted by God. For the great Anglican theologian, J.I. Packer (who led the translation of the ESV Bible we use in worship most Sundays), the doctrine of adoption is a mirror to our understanding of the gospel of Jesus: 

If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means that he does not understand Christianity very well at all... Our understanding of Christianity cannot be better than our grasp of adoption.”

In Romans 8:12-17, Paul describes the way that the Spirit speaks to us of our adoption as heirs of God, and co-heirs with Christ. It is a truly mind-boggling passage, and one worth reflecting on often. 

Looking forward to listening to God's Word with you this Sunday at Grace!

In Christ, 
Pastor Bob

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12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

- Romans 8:12-17