Romans the eighth chapter is one of the “crown jewels” for believers to gaze upon in the Word of God. It has been said that the Book of Romans is the “Alps” of the books of the Bible and that the eighth chapter of Romans is like the Matterhorn. Dwight L. Moody once said: “I would rather live in the center of Romans 8 than in the center of the Garden of Eden.” He explained that, even in the Garden, Satan was able to lead Adam and Eve into temptation, but the believer who lives in Romans 8, Moody reasoned, was protected from Satan’s deceptions. While such may be an overstatement, the believer who comes to rest in God’s sovereign control over all things (which is the message of Romans 8) is greatly strengthened against all kinds of difficulties.
If Romans 8 is a “crown jewel” for believers, then Romans 8:28 must be one of the more precious jewels. A. W. Tozer noted that Romans was like a beautiful ring on a woman’s finger, Romans 8 was like unto the jewel set in that ring, and Romans 8:28 was like the sparkle of that great jewel. Analogies aside, Romans 8 is a power chapter that speaks of God’s continuing work, protection, and plan for all believers.
With these thoughts in mind, the focus of this issue is that great chapter. In Romans 8, we find teaching on sanctification (8:1-17), suffering (8:17-25), the role of the Spirit in prayer (8:26-27), and God’s providence and constant love for His children (8:28-39). But most of Romans 8 provides comfort to believers no matter what they are facing in this world. Paul begins with the reminder that, for those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. He concludes the chapter with a great encouragement: that nothing shall ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Throughout the chapter, great comfort is provided for those who are the children of God.
Because this chapter is so rich in truth and comfort for struggling believers, all of the articles in this issue are related to some aspect of Romans 8. Certainly we could have included many other excellent articles as this great chapter has been preached often by men of old to the edification of the saints. We hope that each one will serve to help you to better “comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height” (Ephesians 3:18) of the love of God which is found in Christ Jesus alone.
By His Grace,
Jim & Debbie Ehrhard
