Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (141) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

We also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Romans 8:23-25

Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (141)
Christians already belong to the new creation through their association with Christ. They have "the firstfruits of the Spirit", i.e. they have already received many blessings that the Old Testament prophesied for the kingdom of peace. The Spirit of God in them is the guarantee that at the ­resurrection they will enter into the full benefit of their "adoption".

Through their bodies Christians are still linked with the old creation. So they "groan" owing to the surrounding consequences of the fall through sin besides those with which their bodies are afflicted. However, believers have the assurance that their bodies will be redeemed. This sure hope is an essential element of their salvation.

Hope is the joyful expectation of something good at a future date. As is so often the case with mere human hopes, this "hope" is not contrasted with knowledge or certainty, but with seeing. Its fulfilment is certain on the basis of God's promise and the indwelling of the Spirit of God in the Christian.

Precisely because the future expectation of the Christian is a certainty, he waits with patience and perseverance and need not waver in his faith on account of the sufferings of the present time.

(to be continued on Sunday, 6th June)

Today's reading: Jeremiah 50:29-46 · Romans 15:1-13