Daily Bible Verses for 11/13/2016

Bible Verse
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.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 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. 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.

Reading Notes
The letter to the Roman’s is one of the richest books in the Bible. It’s often referred to as the flagship of the New Testament because of its full and comprehensive presentation of the Gospel Message. And within the book of Romans, chapter eight is one of the most encouraging chapters. One in which every believer should not only read, but also take to heart. Chapter eight clearly outlines our victory in Jesus and the reasons for our joy in Christ. Truly understanding the gift of grace we received because of the work of Jesus at the cross should soften our hearts all the more toward those who are lost. We should never forget our condition and our state before we accepted Christ. Because of sin, we were in bondage with our minds blinded to where we’ll spend eternity. This fallen world and our sin-nature did their best to push the thought of where we will spend eternity far from our everyday thought life.

We had an uncertainty which often times produced an indifference, ambivalence and sometimes even hostility toward thinking about eternity and our eternal destination. For many of us that uncertainty was pushed aside by secular reasoning or relying on our good works or religious activities which did not provide for salvation. However, the former emotions and ambivalence we once experienced have given way to certainty. The spirit of adoption is something we now enjoy because of our faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. The spirit of adoption mentioned here can be translated as an awareness. Because of the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we are now aware that our faith has made us children of God and joint heirs with Christ. Paul goes on to explain that the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit to give us security, peace and rest. Because through Jesus we have a place in the kingdom of God, which we received by divine grace. The glory of which, will be revealed to us at the time we enter heaven and receive our glorified bodies and see Jesus face to face.