Romans 8:17-39: The Final Perseverance of the Saints

"Little needs to be said by way of introduction to this volume. The verses considered in it are generally agreed to be one of the sublimest portions of scripture.

In it the Apostle brings his argument concerning assurance of salvation to a grand climax. The way in which he advances surely from argument to argument, piling one upon another, is astonishing, and constitutes the supreme example of inspired logic. In doing so he brings us face to face with the fundamental theme of the Bible – God's plan and purpose of redemption conceived before time and the foundation of the world, and spanning the whole of human history from the original creation to the final glory.

What is perhaps most astonishing of all is that all this was done out of a primary pastoral concern, the Apostle's main object being to comfort and to help those early Christians in Rome who were enduring what he calls 'the sufferings of this present time'.

As is characteristic of all Paul's letters, doctrine and practical application are intertwined, reminding us that doctrine and theology should never be treated in isolation or regarded as an academic subject. The only comfort and consolation the Apostle has to offer his readers is based on doctrine. Every step and detail matters, and is of crucial importance in the development of the grand argument. To set the details and the broad principles in opposition is a sign of failure to understand the Apostle's method.

It is only as we follow him 'with the eyes of our own understanding being enlightened' that we shall be able to understand, and to be 'more than conquerors' face to face with the sufferings of our own times. God grant that these expositions may help many in that respect!"—from the author's Preface.