Adopted as Heirs of God without Distinction

Rev. AJ Espinosa, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, CA and host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Romans 8:12-17.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Christians has profound implications. Now that the debt of sin has been forgiven in Christ, Christians no longer owe allegiance of sin to the flesh but rather give the due of love in service to God and the neighbor. This happens by the indwelling Spirit, by Whom we put to death sinful deeds. Those who are led by the Holy Spirit are now adopted sons of God. This is more than provision for physical needs; this is a complete change in legal status, the transfer of a man from one family to another. No longer do we belong to sin and death; now we belong to God with the same rights and inheritance as Jesus. That is so true for Jew and Gentile alike, that together without distinction all Christians can address God as our Father with the same term of endearment that Jesus uses. The inheritance that is ours in Christ is ours right now, even though it is hidden. This fills us with hope as we suffer now, waiting for the full revealing of our inheritance on the Last Day when Christ returns in glory.

“The Righteousness of God for You” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Human righteousness cannot save, because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Only the righteousness of God can bring life and forgiveness to sinners. This is the righteousness that He has fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the righteousness that is revealed in the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. This is the righteousness that is not earned, but is freely given by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.