Monday, October 3, 2022

October 3, 2022

Romans 8: 16 (NIV)
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
If perfect biblical interpretation is the key to salvation, then we’re all doomed.*
I find this verse both confusing and reassuring. There are a few schools of thought regarding Paul’s intended meaning but we will look at only two of them.

The first interpretation is that Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit that we are God’s children. Those who adopt this viewpoint see the Holy Spirit acting in his role of Comforter as he assures us that we really are heirs of God. One writer goes so far as to say that the Spirit provides evidence to our minds.* It is through God’s word that the Spirit testifies to our spirits and “the Spirit in the heart cannot contradict the Spirit in the word.”*

The second interpretation is that the Holy Spirit stands beside us to testify to God that we are his children. Proponents of this position admit that testifying to the Father is not necessary for his sake but it gives us “a sense of calmness and assurance.”* Imagine yourself in a courtroom, trying to convince the jury to believe your testimony. You don’t know which way they are leaning but you feel so much more confident when an expert witness appears on your behalf. When we claim God as our Father, the Holy Spirit is our expert witness, “confirming out testimony.”*

Perhaps you feel strongly about one position over the other – or you have yet another idea of what Paul meant. While I remain confused, there remains the reassurance I find in this passage: 

· I am God’s child. Though I am adopted, I am a co-heir with his Son. 
· The Holy Spirit testifies on my behalf, wherever an expert witness is needed. 

This assurance is yours, as well, “if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body . . . because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8: 13, 14)
The Word of God is the objective side of faith, and the witness of God is the subjective side of faith. We need both if we are going to be winners.*

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