3. THE LIFE IN THE SPIRIT OVER AGAINST THE FAILURE OF THE LAW; THE GOSPEL AS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO PRESENT SALVATION FROM SIN .

This chapter is ‘the climax of the Epistle' (Tholuck). The gospel is a present power unto salvation; the law has proven a failure, both in justifying (chap. 3) and in sanctifying men (chap. 7), but those who are in Christ Jesus, not only are justified, but also have a new life in the Holy Spirit. Hence Meyer gives as the theme of the chapter: ‘the happy condition of a man in Christ.' Hodge prefers the heading: ‘the security of the believer.' The whole chapter may be summed up thus: the life in the Spirit leads to fellowship with Christ in suffering and glory (Romans 8:1-17); in this fellowship of suffering we have three grounds of encouragement insuring our blessedness, attesting our security (Romans 8:18-30); the believer has nothing to fear, for nothing can separate him from the love.

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Old Testament