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Romans 8
Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Life-Giving Spirit

8 Therefore, no condemnation(A) now exists for those in(B) Christ Jesus,[a](C) 2 because the Spirit’s law of life(D) in Christ Jesus has set you[b] free from the law of sin and of death.(E) 3 What the law could not do(F) since it was limited[c] by the flesh,(G) God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours(H) under sin’s domain,[d] and as a sin offering,(I) 4 in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished(J) in us who do not walk according to the flesh(K) but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live[e] according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh,(L) but those who live[f] according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind-set of the flesh(M) is death,(N) but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile(O) to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh(P) cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since[g] the Spirit of God lives in you.(Q) But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ,(R) he does not belong to Him. 10 Now if Christ is in you,(S) the body is dead[h] because of sin, but the Spirit[i] is life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead(T) lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through[j] His Spirit who lives in you.

The Holy Spirit’s Ministries

12 So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, 13 for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,(U) you will live. 14 All those led by God’s Spirit(V) are God’s sons.(W) 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear,(X) but you received the Spirit of adoption,(Y) by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!”(Z) 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit(AA) that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs(AB)—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that[k] we suffer with Him(AC) so that we may also be glorified with Him.

From Groans to Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing(AD) with the glory(AE) that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation(AF) for God’s sons(AG) to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected(AH) to futility(AI)—not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it(AJ)—in the hope 21 that the creation itself(AK) will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains(AL) until now. 23 And not only that,(AM) but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits(AN)—we also groan within ourselves,(AO) eagerly waiting for adoption,(AP) the redemption of our bodies.(AQ) 24 Now in this hope(AR) we were saved, yet hope(AS) that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see,(AT) we eagerly wait for it with patience.

26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should,(AU) but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us[l](AV) with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts(AW) knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

28 We know that all things work together[m] for the good[n] of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.(AX) 29 For those He foreknew He also predestined(AY) to be conformed to the image of His Son,(AZ) so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.(BA) 30 And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified;(BB) and those He justified, He also glorified.(BC)

The Believer’s Triumph

31 What then are we to say about these things?(BD)
If God is for us, who is against us?(BE)
32 He did not even spare His own Son(BF)
but offered Him up for us all;(BG)
how will He not also with Him grant us everything?
33 Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect?(BH)
God is the One who justifies.(BI)
34 Who is the one who condemns?(BJ)
Christ Jesus is the One who died,(BK)
but even more, has been raised;(BL)
He also is at the right hand of God(BM)
and intercedes for us.(BN)
35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction(BO) or anguish or persecution(BP)
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
36 As it is written:
Because of You
we are being put to death all day long;(BQ)
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.(BR)[o]
37 No, in all these things we are more than victorious(BS)
through Him who loved us.(BT)
38 For I am persuaded that not even death or life,(BU)
angels or rulers,(BV)
things present or things to come,(BW) hostile powers,
39 height or depth, or any other created thing
will have the power to separate us
from the love of God(BX) that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!(BY)

Footnotes

  1. Romans 8:1 Other mss add who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit
  2. Romans 8:2 Other mss read me
  3. Romans 8:3 Or weak
  4. Romans 8:3 Lit in the likeness of sinful flesh
  5. Romans 8:5 Or those who are
  6. Romans 8:5 Or those who are
  7. Romans 8:9 Or provided that
  8. Romans 8:10 Or the body will die
  9. Romans 8:10 Or spirit
  10. Romans 8:11 Other mss read because of
  11. Romans 8:17 Or provided that
  12. Romans 8:26 Some mss omit for us
  13. Romans 8:28 Other mss read that God works together in all things
  14. Romans 8:28 The ultimate good
  15. Romans 8:36 Ps 44:22
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Romans 8
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Chapter 8

The Flesh and the Spirit.[a] 1 Hence, now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death.(A) 3 For what the law, weakened by the flesh, was powerless to do, this God has done: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for the sake of sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,(B) 4 so that the righteous decree of the law might be fulfilled in us, who live not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.(C) 5 For those who live according to the flesh are concerned with the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit with the things of the spirit. 6 The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.(D) 7 For the concern of the flesh is hostility toward God; it does not submit to the law of God, nor can it;(E) 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.(F) 9 But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.(G) 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness.(H) 11 If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit that dwells in you. 12 Consequently, brothers, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.(I)

Children of God Through Adoption.[b] 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.(J) 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba,[c] Father!”(K) 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,(L) 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.(M)

Destiny of Glory.[d] 18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.(N) 19 For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; 20 for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,(O) in hope 21 that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.(P) 22 We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;(Q) 23 and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.(R) 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees?(S) 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

26 In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. 27 And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.(T)

God’s Indomitable Love in Christ. 28 [e]We know that all things work for good for those who love God,[f] who are called according to his purpose.(U) 29 [g]For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.(V) 30 And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.(W)

31 [h]What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?(X) 32 He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?(Y) 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us.(Z) 34 Who will condemn? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.(AA) 35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? 36 As it is written:(AB)

“For your sake we are being slain all the day;
    we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.(AC) 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things,[i] nor future things, nor powers,(AD) 39 nor height, nor depth,[j] nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Footnotes

  1. 8:1–13 After his warning in Rom 7 against the wrong route to fulfillment of the objective of holiness expressed in Rom 6:22, Paul points his addressees to the correct way. Through the redemptive work of Christ, Christians have been liberated from the terrible forces of sin and death. Holiness was impossible so long as the flesh (or our “old self”), that is, self-interested hostility toward God (Rom 8:7), frustrated the divine objectives expressed in the law. What is worse, sin used the law to break forth into all manner of lawlessness (Rom 8:8). All this is now changed. At the cross God broke the power of sin and pronounced sentence on it (Rom 8:3). Christians still retain the flesh, but it is alien to their new being, which is life in the spirit, namely the new self, governed by the holy Spirit. Under the direction of the holy Spirit Christians are able to fulfill the divine will that formerly found expression in the law (Rom 8:4). The same Spirit who enlivens Christians for holiness will also resurrect their bodies at the last day (Rom 8:11). Christian life is therefore the experience of a constant challenge to put to death the evil deeds of the body through life of the spirit (Rom 8:13).
  2. 8:14–17 Christians, by reason of the Spirit’s presence within them, enjoy not only new life but also a new relationship to God, that of adopted children and heirs through Christ, whose sufferings and glory they share.
  3. 8:15 Abba: see note on Mk 14:36.
  4. 8:18–27 The glory that believers are destined to share with Christ far exceeds the sufferings of the present life. Paul considers the destiny of the created world to be linked with the future that belongs to the believers. As it shares in the penalty of corruption brought about by sin, so also will it share in the benefits of redemption and future glory that comprise the ultimate liberation of God’s people (Rom 8:19–22). After patient endurance in steadfast expectation, the full harvest of the Spirit’s presence will be realized. On earth believers enjoy the firstfruits, i.e., the Spirit, as a guarantee of the total liberation of their bodies from the influence of the rebellious old self (Rom 8:23).
  5. 8:28–30 These verses outline the Christian vocation as it was designed by God: to be conformed to the image of his Son, who is to be the firstborn among many brothers (Rom 8:29). God’s redemptive action on behalf of the believers has been in process before the beginning of the world. Those whom God chooses are those he foreknew (Rom 8:29) or elected. Those who are called (Rom 8:30) are predestined or predetermined. These expressions do not mean that God is arbitrary. Rather, Paul uses them to emphasize the thought and care that God has taken for the Christian’s salvation.
  6. 8:28 We know that all things work for good for those who love God: a few ancient authorities have God as the subject of the verb, and some translators render: “We know that God makes everything work for good for those who love God….”
  7. 8:29 Image: while man and woman were originally created in God’s image (Gn 1:26–27), it is through baptism into Christ, the image of God (2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15), that we are renewed according to the image of the Creator (Col 3:10).
  8. 8:31–39 The all-conquering power of God’s love has overcome every obstacle to Christians’ salvation and every threat to separate them from God. That power manifested itself fully when God’s own Son was delivered up to death for their salvation. Through him Christians can overcome all their afflictions and trials.
  9. 8:38 Present things and future things may refer to astrological data. Paul appears to be saying that the gospel liberates believers from dependence on astrologers.
  10. 8:39 Height, depth may refer to positions in the zodiac, positions of heavenly bodies relative to the horizon. In astrological documents the term for “height” means “exaltation” or the position of greatest influence exerted by a planet. Since hostile spirits were associated with the planets and stars, Paul includes powers (Rom 8:38) in his list of malevolent forces.
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Romans 8
New International Version

Life Through the Spirit

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation(A) for those who are in Christ Jesus,(B) 2 because through Christ Jesus(C) the law of the Spirit who gives life(D) has set you[a] free(E) from the law of sin(F) and death. 3 For what the law was powerless(G) to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b](H) God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh(I) to be a sin offering.[c](J) And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement(K) of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.(L)

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires;(M) but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.(N) 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death,(O) but the mind governed by the Spirit is life(P) and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God;(Q) it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh(R) cannot please God.

9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh(S) but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.(T) And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ,(U) they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you,(V) then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[d] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead(W) is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies(X) because of[e] his Spirit who lives in you.

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.(Y) 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die;(Z) but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body,(AA) you will live.(AB)

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God(AC) are the children of God.(AD) 15 The Spirit(AE) you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;(AF) rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.”(AG) 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit(AH) that we are God’s children.(AI) 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs(AJ)—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings(AK) in order that we may also share in his glory.(AL)

Present Suffering and Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.(AM) 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God(AN) to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,(AO) in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay(AP) and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.(AQ)

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning(AR) as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,(AS) groan(AT) inwardly as we wait eagerly(AU) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.(AV) 24 For in this hope we were saved.(AW) But hope that is seen is no hope at all.(AX) Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.(AY)

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit(AZ) himself intercedes for us(BA) through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts(BB) knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes(BC) for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good(BD) of those who love him, who[i] have been called(BE) according to his purpose.(BF) 29 For those God foreknew(BG) he also predestined(BH) to be conformed to the image of his Son,(BI) that he might be the firstborn(BJ) among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined,(BK) he also called;(BL) those he called, he also justified;(BM) those he justified, he also glorified.(BN)

More Than Conquerors

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things?(BO) If God is for us,(BP) who can be against us?(BQ) 32 He who did not spare his own Son,(BR) but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge(BS) against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns?(BT) No one. Christ Jesus who died(BU)—more than that, who was raised to life(BV)—is at the right hand of God(BW) and is also interceding for us.(BX) 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?(BY) Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?(BZ) 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j](CA)

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors(CB) through him who loved us.(CC) 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future,(CD) nor any powers,(CE) 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God(CF) that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(CG)

Footnotes

  1. Romans 8:2 The Greek is singular; some manuscripts me
  2. Romans 8:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 4-13.
  3. Romans 8:3 Or flesh, for sin
  4. Romans 8:10 Or you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive
  5. Romans 8:11 Some manuscripts bodies through
  6. Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.
  7. Romans 8:15 Aramaic for father
  8. Romans 8:21 Or subjected it in hope. 21 For
  9. Romans 8:28 Or that all things work together for good to those who love God, who; or that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who
  10. Romans 8:36 Psalm 44:22
  11. Romans 8:38 Or nor heavenly rulers
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Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

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