Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 8:17

"and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified with [him]." — Romans 8:17 (ASV)

The Spirit’s ministry set forth in these verses may be thought of as his attestation, in which he confirms for believers the reality of their position as children of God based on adoption into the heavenly family. Though this ministry is mentioned after that of mortification, it is basic to it, because those who want to be successful in contending against the flesh must be assured that they have been claimed by God and equipped with his infinite resources. Later (v.23) Paul will move on to set forth another aspect of adoption that belongs to the future.

The relation of the Spirit to the children of God is presented as being much like that of a shepherd to his sheep. They are “led” by him as their guide and protector. In Gal 3:24 Paul pictures the law as leading people to Christ. Once this goal is achieved, the law must hand over the guiding role to the Spirit, who guides into the truth and, as in the present passage, into holiness. Unlike sin, which may at first only gently seduce, then deceitfully begin to drive as a hard taskmaster, the Spirit relies on persuasion rather than force.

In fact, Paul goes to some pains to avoid misunderstanding on this very point, assuring us that the Spirit’s leadership does not involve a new bondage in which fear ruled one’s life (cf. Hebrews 2:15). The new title given to the Spirit, namely, “the Spirit of sonship” (lit., “Spirit of adoption”) emphasizes the vast gulf between slavery and family relationship. By the Spirit believers cry, “Abba, Father” (cf. Galatians 4:6). The two terms are equivalents, the first being the Aramaic word Jesus used in prayer (Mark 14:36).

The term “adoption” (GK 5625) bears a relationship to justification in that (1) it is declarative and forensic (i.e., it is a legal term); (2) it bestows an objective standing; (3) it is a pronouncement that is not repeated but has permanent validity; (4) it rests on the loving purpose and grace of God (Ephesians 1:5).

Paul’s readers are called “sons” (v.15) and “children” (v.16), without any appreciable distinction. Both are family terms. “Children” emphasizes family relationship based on regeneration, while “sons” stresses the legal standing. In v.16 (cf. Galatians 4:6) the Spirit bears witness together with the redeemed spirit in people to the reality of that membership in the family of heaven, i.e., to the actuality of salvation through Christ. Hebrew law prescribed that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter was to be established (cf. Matthew 18:16). Similarly, there are two witnesses to one’s salvation, the individual person in his or her inmost being and the Holy Spirit, who confirms the believer’s realization to having been made God’s child through faith in Christ.

A comparison of vv.15 and 16 brings out an important truth concerning the assurance of salvation. We sometimes come to the point of doubting our salvation because our sanctification has proceeded so slowly and so lamely. The Spirit, however, does not base his assuring testimony on progress or the lack of it in the Christian life. He does not lead us to cry, “I am God’s child.” Rather, he leads us to call upon God as Father—to look away from ourselves to him who established the relationship.

A final truth about adoption is that it involves an inheritance (v.17). In line with current legal provisions that enabled even a slave, once adopted, to inherit his master’s possessions, Paul teaches that the Christian follows a similar course: a slave (to sin), a child, then an heir (vv.15–17; cf. Galatians 4:6–7). How unexpected and how breathtaking is the gracious provision of God! The marvel increases with the news that we are co-heirs with Christ. Sharing his sufferings may be looked at as simply the cost of discipleship. Yet it has a brighter aspect, because it is the prelude to partaking with him of the coming glory (cf. 1 Peter 4:13).