God’s Sovereign Work: An Exegetical-Theological Study Of Romans 8:28–30 -- By: David Q. Santos

Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 17:51 (Summer 2013)
Article: God’s Sovereign Work: An Exegetical-Theological Study Of Romans 8:28–30
Author: David Q. Santos


God’s Sovereign Work:
An Exegetical-Theological Study Of Romans 8:28–30

David Q. Santos

* David G. Santos, M.T.S., pastor, Mid Valley Baptist Church, Durham, California; and, graduate student, Tyndale Theology Seminary

The book of Romans is unique among all the New Testament as it is the most thorough explanation of theology; in systematic fashion, it addresses anthropology, sin and salvation, condemnation, salvation by faith alone, redemption, adoption, sanctification, sanctification excepting law, freedom from sin, indwelling of the Holy Spirit, eternal security, Israelology, and practical theology. By means of brilliant rhetorical usage, Paul utilized his education to advance the Word of God, as a consequence of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8 is one of the most theologically diverse passages in all Scripture; it speaks powerfully with regard to pneumatology, soteriology, and personal eschatology. Romans 8 answers the difficulty raised at the end of chapter seven, wherein Paul realized that even he could not live the life he was called to live by himself. He was not capable of winning the war that was waging within him between his desire to live for Christ and the desire of his flesh. He asked who could save him from his body of sin. The answer is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (8:1–11). He also explained the meaning of sonship to the believer who has been adopted into the family of God (8:12–17), and he also wrote concerning the reality of present sufferings in the life of the believer.

The present passage is a kind of summary of 8:1–27. It prepares for, and to some extent is similar to, the grand climax found in verses 37–39. It cannot be fully understood except in the light of verses 1–27. It draws a conclusion; in fact, a very comforting conclusion.1

Commentary And Outline

Verses 28–30 must be read in light of the preceding verses, as is the case with the entire book of Romans (since each chapter further develops the previous, which is even true in verses 28–30). Each verse, phrase, clause, and word was carefully constructed to be impactful, and thus demonstrates God’s sovereign work in the world, the believer’s r...

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