The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

That is, it is not merely the children born through natural descent who were regarded as God's children, but it is the children born through the promise who were regarded as descendants.

For all who are led by God's Spirit are God's children.

For the creation is eagerly awaiting the revelation of God's children,

that the creation itself would also be set free from corrupting bondage in order to share the glorious freedom of God's children.

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace by which we have been established, and we boast because of our hope in God's glory.

But if our unrighteousness serves to confirm God's righteousness, what can we say? God is not unrighteous when he vents his wrath on us, is he? (I am talking in human terms.)

Yet before their children had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God's plan of election might continue to operate

Now we know that God's judgment against those who act like this is based on truth.

Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

But God's free gift is not like Adam's offense. For if many people died as the result of one man's offense, how much more have God's grace and the free gift given through the kindness of one man, Jesus the Messiah, been showered on many people!

Therefore, God's choice does not depend on a person's will or effort, but on God himself, who shows mercy.

But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for it is not without reason that they bear the sword. Indeed, they are God's servants to administer punishment to anyone who does wrong. Therefore, it is necessary for you to be acquiescent to the authorities, not only for the sake of God's punishment, but also for the sake of your own conscience.

nor did he doubt God's promise out of a lack of faith. Instead, his faith became stronger and he gave glory to God,

That is why the mind that focuses on human nature is hostile toward God. It refuses to submit to the authority of God's Law because it is powerless to do so.

Who will accuse God's elect? It is God who justifies!

For they are ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God while they try to establish their own, and they have not submitted to God's means to attain righteousness.

Consider, then, the kindness and severity of God: his severity toward those who fell, but God's kindness toward you if you continue receiving his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off.

I therefore urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God, for this is the reasonable way for you to worship.

Every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for no authority exists except by God's permission. The existing authorities have been established by God,

and that if it's God's will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you.