Romans 8

No condemnation in Christ Jesus

Christ — the Anointed One; Jesus — Jehovah saves

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1–2

Those who belong to Christ Jesus and follow the Spirit are no longer condemned. Life in Christ sets us free from the power of sin and death.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 3:17-18 — He that believeth on him is not condemned.

God's own Son sent in the likeness of sinful flesh

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Romans 8:3

The Father sent His own Son into a real mortal body like ours, and as an offering for sin He defeated sin in that very flesh. He did what the law could never do.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by Philippians 2:7 — Made in the likeness of men.
• alludes to Hebrews 4:15 — In all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

The Spirit of Christ; Christ in you

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:9–10

Belonging to Christ means having His Spirit and having Christ live in us. Where Christ dwells, there is spiritual life.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Moroni 7:16 — The Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil.
• alludes to Galatians 2:20 — Christ liveth in me.

The Father who raised up Jesus will quicken our bodies

Jesus — Jehovah saves; Christ — the Anointed One

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11

The same Father who raised Jesus from the dead will also bring our mortal bodies back to life. Christ's Resurrection is the promise of ours.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 — Christ the firstfruits; in Christ shall all be made alive.
• alludes to Alma 11:42-44 — The death of Christ shall loose the bands of temporal death, that all shall be raised.

Joint-heirs with Christ

Abba — Aramaic for 'Father,' the intimate word Jesus used in prayer

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15–17

Through the Spirit we become God's children and can call Him 'Abba, Father,' the very word Jesus prayed in Gethsemane. As children we share Christ's inheritance, if we are willing to suffer with Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Mark 14:36 — Jesus in Gethsemane: Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee.
• alludes to Galatians 4:6-7 — God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father... an heir of God through Christ.
• alluded to by D&C 84:38 — All that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

Firstborn among many brethren

Firstborn — the heir holding the birthright and preeminence in the family

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

God's plan is for us to become like His Son. Jesus is the Firstborn, the eldest brother in God's family, and we are meant to grow into His image.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Colossians 1:15 — The firstborn of every creature.
• the same title in D&C 93:21 — I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn.
• the same title in Hebrews 1:6 — When he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world.

The Father spared not His own Son

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32

The Father did not hold back His own Son but gave Him up to die for us. The wording echoes Abraham, who did not withhold Isaac, the similitude of the Father offering His Only Begotten.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Genesis 22:12 — Thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
• typified by Genesis 22:16 — Abraham offering his only son prefigures the Father giving His Son.
• the same event in John 3:16 — God gave his only begotten Son.

Christ at the right hand of God, making intercession

Christ — the Anointed One

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:34

The very One who could condemn us is the One who died for us, rose again, and now stands at the Father's right hand pleading our cause. He is our Advocate.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Psalm 110:1 — Sit thou at my right hand.
• the same title in Hebrews 7:25 — He ever liveth to make intercession for them.
• the same title in D&C 45:3-4 — Him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him.

The love of Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35–39

Nothing, not suffering, death, or any power in the universe, can cut us off from the love of God that we find in Christ Jesus. Through Him who loved us we win.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Galatians 2:20 — The Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
• alludes to 1 Nephi 11:22 — The love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad, shown in the condescension of the Son.