In verses 16 and 23 of this chapter, Paul teaches that the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian is the assurance of the reality of our right standing with God (justification) and our future transformation into God's perfected children (glorification).
Paul continues by saying that just as his presence assures us of the truth of scripture, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we pray. For various reasons, such as selfishness or ignorance, we don't really know how to pray and what to pray for. Some of what we pray for is in line with God's will, but much of the time, without even realizing it, we pray for things that aren't lined up with God's will for us and those we're praying for. The Holy Spirit is God himself, and so can "translate" our prayers into expressions that are more profound and fitting than any clumsy expressions that human words could formulate. (v.26)
It's been comforting to me to know that when I don't have the words, or when I know I'm not in a good mindset to pray, I can sigh and say, "Holy Spirit, I need you to pray for me, because I just don't have it in me right now. Put my mind and motives in line with God's agenda and bring his will about, whatever it is, in my life and in the lives of the people I'm thinking about."
Because the Holy Spirit is God, his expressions to God the Father on our behalf are completely in line with God's will. This is another way in which believers are "credited" with being completely in line with God's will. (v.27)
Grace (God's "undeserved favor") sets biblical Christianity apart from every other religion and philosophy. Where all other theistic religions rely on personal performance for divine approval, the Bible teaches that God credits us with his own perfect moral performance record. He doesn't rely on our efforts for our ultimate transformation. He has "stacked the deck" in our favor in enormous ways. In fact, every detail of existence is strategically positioned and used by God for the ultimate good of those who choose to love God, those who have been called by God to fulfill his purposes. In other words, those who genuinely place their trust in Jesus. (v.28)
The amazing future for believers is a gift, from start to finish, with zero dependence on our abilities or willpower. Although human choice is real and we are held responsible for our choices, God "simultaneously" knows his future children in advance, choosing them for this incredible future. He predestines them to become more and more like Jesus, ultimately becoming a flawless copy of his goodness. God's plan in sending Jesus into our world was not simply to give us an example and "show us how it's done". In God's agenda for the universe, Jesus is just the first of many siblings in God's eternal family who, like him, will reflect the love, goodness and perfection of God.(v.29)
Unlike the flaws in our man-made social programs, God's "no child left behind" program is perfect. Everyone God chooses in advance to be his child is also justified(made right with God) and everyone God justifies is also ultimately glorified(made perfect in both body and character). No exceptions. We aren't "cut from the list" if we have a bad day or a bad decade. God finishes what he starts and never gives up on those he has chosen to be his children, no matter what. (Philippians 1:6)
In light of this knowledge, Paul reacts by saying, "if God, who does all these things for us, is our biggest supporter, who can possibly be against us that is even worth mentioning?" Even Satan and his allies, who CAN derail us temporarily, have no power to take this amazing future from us no matter how hard they try.
I realize that I haven't gone into detail about the compatibility of human free will and God's power over the universe. The reason for that is because it isn't dealt with exhaustively here and isn't the focus of Paul's writing here, either. If that is a topic that you'd be interested in me going over, please let me know and I'll be happy to carve out some time for it in the future. My position is that both God's sovereignty (his ultimate control over everything) and our free will are completely compatible. (I wouldn't describe my view as Arminian or Calvanist.) In the meantime, I'd highly recommend "Beyond The Cosmos" by Hugh Ross, for a compelling, scriptural look at the topic and what multi-dimensional theory might be able to reveal about this hotly debated issue.
Next- The unbreakable bond between God and his children
Coffee House Question- How do you think this assurance of a Christian's future should effect the way we view and live out our lives now?
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