From Lost to Loved: A 30-Day Study of Romans 8Sample

In December 1944, Japanese soldier Hiroo Onoda was sent to a Philippine island with strict orders: hold the island and never surrender. The war ended the next year, but Onoda ignored every report of Japan’s defeat and retreated into the wilderness. For nearly 30 years he carried on his mission from jungle hideouts, refusing to believe the war was over without his commanding officer’s direct command. When he was finally discovered in 1974, officials flew Major Yoshimi Taniguchi to the island to deliver the news and order Onoda to stand down.[1]

Not just anyone could move Onoda to action. He held his ground until his major gave the order to do otherwise. Onoda didn’t ignore every voice because he was stubborn; he knew only one voice carried true authority. In the same way, only the Spirit can testify to our adoption. Believers often do the opposite. We live in a world full of voices trying to tell you who you are, whether you're saved, or whether you're enough. But the witness that matters most isn’t found in your emotions, your achievements, or the people around you. Matthew 7 tells the chilling story of those who stood before Christ and pointed to their works as proof of sonship. Despite their prophecies, demonic deliverances, and miracles, they were told, “I never knew you.”

Don’t assume spiritual activity is proof of spiritual life.

Activity can be faked, but new birth cannot. Romans 8:16 declares: “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” There is no salvation apart from Christ, and no assurance apart from the Spirit. Don’t rest your identity on religious performance, good intentions, or the illusion that you’re better than others. You cannot earn your way into sonship, and you cannot confirm it by sheer effort.

So what bears witness to your identity? The applause of others? A history of good behavior? Or the voice of the Spirit crying within you, “You belong to the Father”? Only the Spirit can affirm we are children of God. The Father adopts, the Son redeems, and the Spirit testifies. The world and your accomplishments have no role in your salvation.

There are no orphans in Christ, only sons and daughters. The war for your worth ended at the cross. Listen for the Spirit. And when He speaks, believe Him.

REFLECT:
What voices are actively shaping your identity even though they have no authority to speak for God?

[1]Kelly Grovier, “Onoda: The Man Who Hid in the Jungle for 30 Years,” BBC Culture, April 13, 2022.