Romans 8:1-4, 35-39
Why could Paul say this?
-Because he knew that Jesus came to make “redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament.” Heb. 9:15
-Because he knew that the Law was a “shadow of good things to come.” Heb. 10:1
-Because he knew that Christ was a “High Priest of good things to come.” Heb. 9:11
-Because he knew that the Holy Ghost was “the earnest of his inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession.” Eph. 1:13-14
The price of Redemption had been paid at the Cross, however until Jesus brought His precious blood into the Holy of Holies made without hands, the Redemption of the purchased possession (THE CHURCH) was still in expectation, not possession.
At this time the Law was passing away: “now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” Paul stated in Heb. 8:13
Acts 6:14 states that Jesus would destroy the temple and thereby change the customs of Moses.
Paul said in Romans 8:19 that the “earnest exception of the creature (Strong’s #G2937= Name used by Rabbi’s for a man who was converted from idolatry to Judaism.) waith for the manifestation of the Sons of God. 20: For the creature was made subject unto vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21: because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the Children of God.”
The “manifestation of the Sons of God” refers to the time when the Church would receive the adoption and redemption by the rejection of national (natural) Israel by the destruction of the Jewish state at the closing of the Mosaic age.
Before the manifestation of the Sons of God” could come to pass the early Church had to endure suffering and persecution.
Paul viewed it this way in Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Let’s take a look at a brief overview of the book of Romans after Paul introduces the subject of persecution here in chapter 8 to get a better feel for the power of his “I am persuaded…” statement:
In chapter 9; Paul deals with the rejection of national (natural) Israel, calling them “vessels of wrath.” Rom. 9:22
In chapter 10; Paul enlarges on the theme of natural Israel’s rejection of Christ and their unwillingness to obey the Gospel.
In chapter 11; Paul refers to natural Israel as an enemy of the Gospel. Rom. 11:28
In chapter 12; Paul revisits the theme of persecution, saying “recompense no man evil for evil… if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Rom. 12:17-19
In chapter 13; Paul indicated the manner by which God will avenge his elect: by the sword of the civil government yielded in the hand of Rome. Rom. 13:1-6: Verses 11 and 12 of chapter 13 indicate that the timing of said vengeance and the manifestation of the Sons of God was shortly to come to pass: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand.”
In chapter 15; Paul asks for prayers that he would be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea. Rom. 15:31
In chapter 16; Paul gives assurance that “the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your (their) feet shortly.” Rom. 16:20
Now that we have a high level survey, let’s consider the following:
Judaizers were working hard against the Church doing EVIL.
Romans 13:4 says, “For He is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for He beareth not the sword in vain: For He is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
And then you have Romans 2:9-10 “Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.”
The natural Jew was appointed to wrath, tribulation and anguish.
The Spiritual Jew (The Church) is appointed to glory, love and peace.
Consider: “…if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.” Rom. 8:17
“Glorified together” how? – “Joint heirs with Christ”… ie. Adoption – Sons!
In the words of the Prophet Isaiah chapter 60:1-3: “Arise, and shine; for they light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness or they rising.”
