Romans 8:15-18 in the KJV says, “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. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

First things first, understanding the language makes this verse, or any verse more impactful

In Romans 8:15-18, the past tense participle is “have received” in the phrase “ye have received the Spirit of adoption.” This phrase emphasizes that as believers, we have already received the Spirit of adoption and become children of God, and nothing can take that away from us nor do we have to work to keep the Spirit of adoption. Because we believed the gospel. The theme of the passage is the assurance of our salvation and the hope we have in Christ, because of our inheritance even in the face of trials and suffering.

While I don’t claim to be an expert in language or grammar, this is a lesson that was imparted to me by wiser individuals, and it has significantly impacted my approach to studying the Bible.

Another example of why understanding language is crucial when reading a Bible verse.

In Romans 8:16, the phrase “we are the children of God” is in the present tense, but it also carries the sense of a completed action, which is sometimes referred to as the “perfect tense.” This means that our adoption as children of God is not only a present reality (the moment we believe the gospel) but a past event that has ongoing effects on our lives.

Romans 8:15 -18 

These verses remind us that as believers, we have not received a spirit of fear or bondage, but rather a spirit of adoption. Because we believed the gospel. We can confidently cry out to our Heavenly Father as His beloved children. Through the Holy Spirit, we have assurance (Ephesians 1:13; sealed with the Holy Spirit) that we are the children of God.

As His children, we are not only heirs of God, but we are also joint-heirs with Christ. Because we believed the gospel we identify with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). We share in His inheritance, and all that belongs to Him belongs to us. This is a powerful truth that we can take comfort in, especially when we face difficult times.

The last verse is a powerful reminder that no matter what trials or suffering we may face in this present time, it is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. As we walk through the trials of this life, we can keep our focus on the hope of the future glory that awaits us. It’s real beloved, believe it, trust in the promises of God, that we will be with Him in heaven forever regardless of what happens to us here on earth. Praise God!

So take heart, my friends, and remember that you are a child of God, a joint-heir with Christ and that the glory that awaits us is far greater than any suffering we may face. Let us hold fast to this truth, and continue to press on in our journey of faith, knowing that we have a loving Father who is with us every step of the way.