- In the last chapter, Paul gave us a positive presentation of the law, which we often understand as the "three uses of the law".
- He shows us though how the three uses of the law are foiled by the flesh
- Now in this chapter, he presents the answer though which is in the work of the Spirit in us
- Now Paul proclaims the triumphant life in the Spirit, declaring no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, and instead lists many blessings the believer receives as they walk under the law of the Spirit:
- Christ's righteousness covers us, and is the mechanism by which we are no longer condemned for our sin.
- Our mind, now set on the Spirit, brings life and peace, with the indwelling Spirit marking us as belonging to Christ and giving life to our bodies.
- We are adopted as sons of God's kingdom, receiving an inheritance as heirs.
- Verses 29-30 lays out a progression of things which can provide the believer assurance, and the Reformers referred to these 5 things as "the Golden Chain of Salvation":
- Foreknowledge: God's prior knowledge or loving awareness of His people.
- Predestination: God's eternal decree to conform believers to Christ's image.
- Effectual Calling: God's irresistible call to salvation.
- Justification: Being declared righteous through Christ's merits.
- Glorification: The final, complete transformation into Christ's image.
- Therefore, let us rest in the assurance of God's sovereign golden chain, knowing that through Christ's triumph over death, and the indwelling Spirit within us, no condemnation remains, and we inherit eternal blessings as adopted heirs in Christ.