Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 8
The first Christians considered Christ’s death to be God’s greatest gift, the perfect expression of his love (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10).
The Bible describes God to us as one God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19). In our present state, we cannot understand God’s nature fully; we can only know him as he has shown himself to us (1 Corinthians 2:7-12 and 13:12; John 1:18). So, in the words ‘Father’ and ‘Son’, we should recognise the perfect relationship of love at the heart of God (Mark 1:11; John 3:35 and 17:24; 1 John 4:8).
God’s love is not selfish, but generous. It is a love for many people (John 17:23), and a desire for them to be members of his family (8:29). That is why God the Father sent Christ, God the Son, into the world. Christ came to do God’s work in the world (John 5:36). People had separated themselves from God by their evil deeds, and they had made themselves God’s enemies (5:10). However, it was Christ’s desire to do what his Father wanted (John 6:38; John 10:14-18; Mark 14:36). Christ willingly chose to die so that people could receive a right relationship with God (Romans 5:6-8; Hebrews 9:28; Ephesians 2:13).
God’s plan for his people is not only for them to live good lives or to call themselves Christians. He wants to give them the full rights of children in his family (8:14-24). They will always live with him (Revelation 21:3-7). All things will be theirs (2 Corinthians 6:10; Matthew 25:34). In the future age, they will have great authority (Revelation 22:5; Luke 19:11-17). They will even be the judges of angels (spirits) - 1 Corinthians 6:2-3.
Next part: Who accuses God's people? (Romans 8:33)
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