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Post by dougedwards on Sept 22, 2013 14:48:51 GMT -5
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. Romans 8: 18-23
Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I read scripture such as this. All of nature has been in bondage and groans waiting to be liberated by those who are called the Sons of God. Earlier in this same 8th chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Rome he describes those Sons of God as all who walk according to the Spirit.
Doug
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Post by dannoboone on Nov 3, 2013 12:45:57 GMT -5
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Post by dougedwards on Nov 16, 2013 9:22:04 GMT -5
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Post by dougedwards on Nov 16, 2013 9:23:04 GMT -5
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Post by dougedwards on Jan 13, 2014 9:07:44 GMT -5
Well, this has been laying here long enough so allow me to elaborate on what is evidently indicated in this passage concerning the term "children (or sons) of God" This is best done by using the scripture itself.
12 Therefore, brethren, 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 as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “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 joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:12-17
If we put this passage in context which begins with "There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For the law of Life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death." it becomes obvious that Paul is addressing the elect and continues to inform them that without the Spirit of God living within a person.....that person has absolutely no hope of attaining any measure of righteousness hence no hope of pleasing God.
In addition, Paul warns that those who have not the Spirit of Christ dwelling within them are estranged from
God and not in God's family. Then the 8th chapter of the letter to the Romans ends with this which pertains only to the children of God.
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This is further explained in the first letter to the Corinthians chapter 2 verse 14
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
Therefore, we can conclude, at least from these passages, that the term children or sons of God is referring to those who have received God's Spirit because by doing so have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby they may cry out to the Father as He was their daddy. It would certainly require some philosophical gymnastics to conclude otherwise.
Doug
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