Romans 8: "Joint-Heirs with Christ"

New Testament: Student Study guide, (2003), 115

The promises found in Romans 8 are impressive and inspiring. Before reading these words of Paul, consider the following statement from the Prophet Joseph Smith: “[You] shall be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. What is it? To inherit the same power, the same glory and the same exaltation, until you arrive at the station of a God, and ascend the throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 347).
Joseph Smith

Understanding the Scriptures

Romans 8

Carnally minded, carnal mind (vv. 6, 7)Sinfully minded, having their minds set on natural and evil desires 
Enmity (v. 7)Hatred, bitterness 
Received the spirit of adoption (v. 15)Became spiritual children of God 
Heirs (v. 17)Those who have the right to receive or inherit something 
Travaileth in pain (v. 22)Suffers the pains of childbirth 
Maketh intercession (vv. 26, 34)Pleads in behalf of, mediates 

Romans 8:15—Abba

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: “Abba is the Aramaic term for Father; and the adopted sons in the family of the Eternal Father are privileged to address him who is the Ruler of the universe in this intimate way” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 2:261).

Studying the Scriptures

Do the following activity as you study Romans 8.

Activity A iconInheriting All That the Father Has

Read Romans 8:13–18; Doctrine and Covenants 84:33–42; and 132:19–21 and ponder the extent of the blessings promised to those who inherit the celestial kingdom and all that Heavenly Father has.

  1. 1.

    What is required to receive the blessings provided by Christ’s Atonement?

  2. 2.

    What blessing stands out in your mind as the most important?

  3. 3.

    Why would you like to receive that promised blessing?