Assurance of Salvation: Hope in Resurrection and Glorification
Summary
In Romans 8:11, we find a profound assurance of our complete salvation, both spiritually and physically. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us, promising that our mortal bodies will also be quickened by this same Spirit. This chapter of Romans is designed to provide believers with certainty about their final salvation, affirming that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Paul contrasts the life of a Christian, who walks after the Spirit, with that of a non-believer, who walks after the flesh. The Christian, though spiritually alive, still contends with sin in the body, which remains dead because of sin. However, this is not a cause for despair but rather a source of hope, as our spiritual life is already secured, and our physical redemption is assured.
Paul's argument is that the Spirit's indwelling is a guarantee of our future resurrection and glorification. This is not merely a moral resurrection but a literal, physical resurrection akin to that of Christ. The Spirit's presence in our bodies is a seal and earnest of our final redemption, ensuring that God will complete the work He has begun in us. The resurrection of our bodies is essential for our complete deliverance from the fall and sin's consequences. Just as our bodies have shared in the effects of Adam's sin, they will also share in the redemption brought by Christ.
The doctrine of the Trinity is evident here, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all involved in our resurrection. This underscores the unity and cooperation within the Godhead in the work of salvation. Our future glorification will result in bodies free from sin, weakness, disease, and death, transformed to be like Christ's glorious body. This hope should fill us with joy and anticipation, knowing that our current struggles are temporary and that complete redemption is assured.
Key Takeaways:
- The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of our future resurrection and glorification. This assurance is rooted in the same power that raised Christ from the dead, promising that our mortal bodies will also be quickened. This truth provides comfort and hope, knowing that our salvation is secure and complete. [09:56]
- The resurrection of our bodies is essential for complete deliverance from sin and its consequences. Just as our bodies have shared in the effects of Adam's sin, they will also share in the redemption brought by Christ. This emphasizes the holistic nature of salvation, encompassing spirit, soul, and body. [33:41]
- The doctrine of the Trinity is central to our understanding of salvation. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all involved in our resurrection, highlighting the unity and cooperation within the Godhead. This deepens our appreciation of the divine work in our lives and assures us of its completion. [22:33]
- Our future glorification will result in bodies free from sin, weakness, disease, and death. This transformation will make our bodies worthy of the divine life within us, reflecting the glory of Christ's own resurrected body. This hope should inspire us to live with joy and anticipation. [39:35]
- The Spirit's presence in our bodies is a seal and earnest of our final redemption. This assurance means that God will complete the work He has begun in us, transforming our mortal bodies into glorious ones. This truth encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that our current struggles are temporary. [28:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans 8:11
- [01:30] - Assurance of Salvation
- [02:32] - Contrast Between Flesh and Spirit
- [03:50] - Present State of the Christian
- [06:31] - Sin in the Body
- [09:56] - Future Resurrection of the Body
- [12:07] - Misinterpretations of Resurrection
- [16:23] - True Meaning of Resurrection
- [20:36] - The Trinity in Resurrection
- [25:21] - The Spirit as Guarantee
- [28:22] - Assurance of Complete Redemption
- [33:41] - Necessity of Bodily Resurrection
- [37:33] - Complete Redemption and Glorification
- [42:42] - Final Encouragement and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:11
- 1 Corinthians 6:19
- Philippians 3:20-21
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 8:11, what assurance do believers have regarding their mortal bodies? How does this relate to the resurrection of Jesus? [09:56]
2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the current state of a Christian's spirit and body? What distinction is made between the two? [06:00]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the life of a believer, as discussed in the sermon? How is this connected to the future resurrection? [28:22]
4. How does the sermon explain the involvement of the Trinity in the resurrection of believers? [22:33]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the assurance of a future physical resurrection impact a believer's understanding of salvation? What does this mean for the completeness of salvation? [33:41]
2. The sermon mentions that the Spirit's indwelling is a guarantee of our future resurrection. How does this assurance affect a believer's daily life and struggles with sin? [28:22]
3. In what ways does the doctrine of the Trinity deepen our appreciation of the work of salvation? How does this understanding influence our relationship with God? [22:33]
4. How does the promise of future glorification provide hope and encouragement in the face of current physical and spiritual struggles? [39:35]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current struggle you face. How does the assurance of future resurrection and glorification provide comfort and hope in this situation? [09:56]
2. The sermon emphasizes the Spirit's presence as a seal of our final redemption. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit's work in your life this week? [28:22]
3. Consider the unity and cooperation within the Trinity in the work of salvation. How can this understanding influence the way you approach relationships and teamwork in your own life? [22:33]
4. The sermon highlights the temporary nature of our current struggles. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of the eternal perspective and live with joy and anticipation? [39:35]
5. How can the promise of a future body free from sin, weakness, and disease inspire you to take care of your current physical body as a temple of the Holy Spirit? [18:14]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel defeated by sin. How does the knowledge that your spirit is already alive in Christ encourage you to persevere in faith? [08:02]
7. The sermon discusses the holistic nature of salvation, encompassing spirit, soul, and body. How can you seek balance in nurturing all three aspects of your being in your spiritual journey? [33:41]
Devotional
Day 1: The Spirit's Indwelling as a Promise of Resurrection
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a profound assurance of our future resurrection and glorification. This assurance is rooted in the same power that raised Christ from the dead, promising that our mortal bodies will also be quickened. The presence of the Spirit within us is not just a comforting thought but a powerful guarantee that our salvation is secure and complete. This truth provides comfort and hope, knowing that the work God has begun in us will be brought to completion. As believers, we can rest in the knowledge that our spiritual and physical redemption is assured, and this should fill us with joy and anticipation. [09:56]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: How does the assurance of the Holy Spirit's indwelling change the way you view your current struggles and future hope?
Day 2: The Necessity of Bodily Resurrection
The resurrection of our bodies is essential for complete deliverance from sin and its consequences. Just as our bodies have shared in the effects of Adam's sin, they will also share in the redemption brought by Christ. This emphasizes the holistic nature of salvation, encompassing spirit, soul, and body. The promise of bodily resurrection assures us that our salvation is not just spiritual but also physical, and it is a crucial part of God's redemptive plan. This truth should encourage us to live with a sense of purpose and hope, knowing that our bodies will be transformed and glorified. [33:41]
1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (ESV): "So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."
Reflection: In what ways can you honor God with your body today, knowing it will one day be resurrected and glorified?
Day 3: The Trinity's Role in Our Salvation
The doctrine of the Trinity is central to our understanding of salvation. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all involved in our resurrection, highlighting the unity and cooperation within the Godhead. This deepens our appreciation of the divine work in our lives and assures us of its completion. The involvement of the entire Trinity in our salvation underscores the depth of God's love and commitment to us. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded of the incredible grace and mercy extended to us through the cooperative work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. [22:33]
2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV): "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Reflection: How does understanding the Trinity's involvement in your salvation deepen your relationship with God today?
Day 4: The Hope of Future Glorification
Our future glorification will result in bodies free from sin, weakness, disease, and death. This transformation will make our bodies worthy of the divine life within us, reflecting the glory of Christ's own resurrected body. This hope should inspire us to live with joy and anticipation, knowing that our current struggles are temporary and that complete redemption is assured. The promise of glorification encourages us to persevere in faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises and transform us into the likeness of Christ. [39:35]
Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Reflection: What specific aspect of your future glorification fills you with the most hope and anticipation today?
Day 5: The Spirit as a Seal of Redemption
The Spirit's presence in our bodies is a seal and earnest of our final redemption. This assurance means that God will complete the work He has begun in us, transforming our mortal bodies into glorious ones. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a constant reminder of God's promise and faithfulness, encouraging us to persevere in faith. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can hold onto the truth that our current struggles are temporary, and our ultimate redemption is secure. This truth should motivate us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that God is at work in us. [28:22]
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Reflection: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's presence as a source of strength and assurance in your daily life today?
Quotes
The whole object of the entire chapter is to give us assurance and certainty about our final complete salvation. That's the theme. There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, he says. Now that's the business. There is no condemnation now, there never will be, there never can be. [00:01:38]
The Christian is a man who's born again. He's got new life spiritually. He's alive. He was dead, wasn't interested in the things of God then. He was at enmity against God, not subject to the law of God, neither indeed could be. That was death, but now he's alive. [00:05:18]
While we are in this world and in this life, sin remains in the body, and we'll constantly have to watch it. We'll constantly have to fight it. He'll tell us that in detail in verses 12 and 13, but here he's just putting it in general. The body is dead because of sin. [00:06:34]
You in a sense are as saved now as you'll ever be. I mean by that spiritually, in your spirit, you yourself are already saved. The spirit is life because of righteousness. Reckon yourselves, he's already told us in chapter 6:1, to be dead indeed unto sin and Alive unto God. [00:07:49]
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. What's it mean? Well, unfortunately, I've got to give you two negatives first. [00:09:56]
The Apostle is here teaching the resurrection and the glorification of our bodies. 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. [00:16:26]
The Holy Spirit dwelling in a Christian is the seal and the earnest of the Final Redemption of the purchased possession. Now I'm quoting, as you realize, Ephesians 1: 13 and 14. Let me read them to you: in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of Truth. [00:28:22]
Our deliverance from sin and all its consequences and all the consequences of the Fall would not be complete apart from the resurrection of our bodies. Now we know that in the fall and as the result of sin, the whole of men fell. It wasn't merely men's spirit that fell. [00:32:41]
If this body of mine isn't going to be redeemed and glorified, well then I say Christ has failed at that point. Our bodies are as they are. They're subject to diseases, they're subject to death. They the place where sin dwells and where the devil is constantly tempting us. [00:34:29]
This body is going to be raised. It's the same thing as you get in Philippians 3:20. Our citizenship is in heaven, from whence also we expect the Savior, who shall change this our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to that Mighty working. [00:36:48]
Man at last will be entirely and completely redeemed and delivered. He's already that in the spirit. The day will come when he'll be like that in the body. That's what will happen when Christ comes again. The resurrection, if there are some of us still left when he comes. [00:37:33]
The spirit of God is in me now. It's a guarantee he's going to do it. He's put the spirit into this body, this MO, corrupt, frail, weak body, and it's an assurance to me that all this is going to be raised and changed and renovated. No weakness, no disease, no sin. [00:42:42]
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