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A foundational exploration of Romans 8 for the soundly saved believer, centered on verse 18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us."
The Foundation of No Condemnation
Romans 8 opens with one of the most powerful declarations in scripture: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom 8:1). This truth sets the tone for the entire chapter, reminding believers that they are forever delivered from God's wrath and eternal punishment. Through Christ's blood, the wide gulf of sin has been bridged, bringing us near to God (Eph. 2:3).
As the chapter unfolds, it reveals staggering blessings for believers:
- Children of God status (Rom. 8:14-15)
- Joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8: 17)
- Future glorification (Rom. 8:19)
- Divine purpose in all circumstances (Rom. 8:28)
- Transformation into Christ's image (Rom. 8:29)
- Eternal security (Rom. 8:30)
- Support against all adversaries (Rom. 8:31-37)
- Inseparability from God's love (Rom. 8:38-39)
The Reality of Present Suffering
The struggle of earthly existence cannot be sugar-coated. Scripture uses strong language to describe the "sufferings" believers face - misfortune, calamity, affliction that comes from association with Christ and His kingdom work. As Jesus stated plainly: "You will have suffering in this world" (John 16:33).
These trials come from multiple sources:
- Our own foolish decisions (Gal. 6:7)
- Others' poor choices affecting us
- Direct persecution for godly living (2 Tim. 3:12)
- The general brokenness of a fallen world
Yet believers are never truly alone in suffering. While our individual walk may feel solitary, God's Spirit provides constant presence and support. As 1 Peter 5:6-10 promises, the God of grace will "restore, establish, strengthen and support you after you have suffered a little while."
The Promise of Future Glory
For the child of God, present suffering pales in comparison to coming glory. Jesus himself promised to prepare an eternal dwelling place (John 14:1-3). Paul declared that departing to be with Christ is "far better" (Phil. 1:21,23).
The Book of Revelation provides vivid glimpses of what awaits believers:
- A land of music and new songs (Rev. 5:9)
- Perfect praise and worship (Rev. 4,7)
- Complete rest from earthly labors (Rev. 14:13)
- Pure rejoicing at the marriage supper (Rev. 19:7)
- Freedom from all current suffering (Rev. 21:1-6)
- Intimate fellowship with God (Rev. 22:3-5)
This transformation involves not just a change of place but of person - not merely position but composition. At death, believers receive an intermediate spiritual body until the resurrection, when we will be fully changed and made like Christ (1 Cor. 15:50-57; 1 John 3:1-3; 2 Cor. 5:1-5).
Finding Balance in Present Purpose
Understanding future glory provides steady balance for present trials. Paul's word "consider" in Romans 8:18 indicates careful study leading to firm conclusion - not mere wishful thinking but confident knowledge that current struggles cannot compare to coming glory.
This perspective allows believers to be thankful not necessarily for all things, but in all things. While problems bring sorrow, they serve divine purposes:
- Reminding us of God's sovereignty
- Directing our gaze heavenward
- Conforming us to Christ's image
- Driving us to deeper dependence
- Moving us beyond comfort to service
We walk by faith rather than sight, making it our aim to please the Lord whether present in the body or absent with Him (2 Cor. 5:7-11). This eternal perspective transforms how we view temporary trials, knowing they work toward an incomparable weight of future glory.