Christ's Work. Our Adoption. 

In the last reading we learned about the logical argument Paul is using in Romans 8 to assure Christians of their salvation. The argument went like this: 

1. If Jesus is raised from the dead, then you can be adopted (14-16).
2. If you have been adopted, then you have an inheritance (17). 
3. If you have an inheritance, then you have assurance (18-39).

Today, I want us to focus on the foundation for this whole argument. The foundation is found in the first four verses and is based on the finished work of Jesus. 

Condemnation comes from the law. When we fall short of God's law, that is considered sin. Sin must be judged. 

However, Jesus changes the equation. Jesus perfectly obeyed the law on our behalf, giving us its blessing instead of its curse. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly took the punishment of the law we deserved, cursing him so we could be blessed. Therefore, the condemnation that was upon us is gone. And the blessing that was nowhere near us has come. 

This is how Paul sets up this whole chapter. He asks, "If Christ." If Christ lived perfectly, died for our sins, and was raised to give us his blessing, then nothing can separate us from the love of God. All the debt is paid. All the penalty is exacted. All the blessing is earned. All the righteousness is credited. 

That is how we can be adopted. We were estranged from God because of our sin. If we came near him, our sins would be punished. Also, we had no worth or right to be in his family and live with him. That is why the finished work of Jesus works out our adoption for us. 

It's like we had a really high adoption fee. Jesus paid that for us on the cross. And then, it's as if we needed to be remade into the image of our father in order to be truly made a part of the family. This is what Jesus does when he credits his good work to us. He makes us like our heavenly Dad. 

As you watch the video and read through Romans 8 today, try to focus in on the completed work of Jesus and your adoption into God's family as the basis for everything else. 

Welcome to the family adopted of God!