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Chapter 10: The Path of Progress: Walking In The Spirit

Coming now to Romans 8 we may first summarize the argument of our second section of the letter from chapter 5:12 to chapter 8:39 in two phrases, each containing a contrast and each marking an aspect of Christian experience. The are: Romans 5:12 to 6:23: ‘In Adam’ and ‘in Christ’. Romans 7:1 to 8:39: ‘In the flesh’ and ‘in the Spirit’.

We need to understand the relationship of these four things. The former two are ‘objective’ and set forth our position, firstly as we were by nature and secondly as we now are by faith in the redemptive work of Christ. The latter two are ‘subjective’ and relate to our walk as a matter of practical experience. Scripture makes it clear that the first two give us only a part of the picture and that the second two are required to complete it. We think it enough to be “in Christ”, but we learn now that we must also walk “in the Spirit” (Rom. 8:9). The frequent occurrence of “the Spirit” in the early part of Romans 8 serves to emphasize this further important lesson of the Christian life.

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