Romans 14:8
If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
If we live
The phrase "If we live" suggests a conditional aspect of life, emphasizing the choices and actions we take daily. In the Greek, "ζῶμεν" (zōmen) implies an active, ongoing state of living. This reflects the Christian understanding that life is not merely biological existence but a purposeful journey. Historically, the early Christians faced persecution, making the act of living a testament to their faith. Living "to the Lord" means dedicating every moment to God's service, aligning with the biblical call to live a life of holiness and devotion.

we live to the Lord
The phrase "we live to the Lord" underscores the purpose and direction of a believer's life. The Greek word "Κυρίῳ" (Kyriō) for "Lord" signifies authority and ownership, indicating that our lives are under the lordship of Christ. This reflects a historical context where allegiance to Christ often meant defying societal norms and authorities. Living to the Lord involves prioritizing His will and commands, embodying the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of life, and recognizing His sovereignty over all creation.

if we die
The phrase "if we die" acknowledges the inevitability of death, a reality faced by all humanity. The Greek "ἀποθνῄσκωμεν" (apothnēskōmen) conveys the act of dying, which, for Christians, is not an end but a transition. In the early church, martyrdom was a real possibility, and dying "to the Lord" was seen as the ultimate act of faith and witness. This perspective offers comfort and hope, affirming that death does not separate believers from Christ but rather brings them into His eternal presence.

we die to the Lord
"we die to the Lord" signifies that even in death, believers remain under Christ's lordship. The concept of dying "to the Lord" reflects a profound trust in God's eternal plan and promises. Historically, this assurance empowered Christians to face persecution and death with courage and peace. It emphasizes that death is not a defeat but a victory in Christ, as believers are united with Him in eternity. This assurance transforms the fear of death into a confident expectation of eternal life.

So whether we live or die
This phrase encapsulates the totality of the Christian experience, affirming that both life and death are encompassed by God's sovereignty. The Greek conjunction "εἴτε" (eite) for "whether" indicates an inclusive condition, covering all aspects of existence. This reflects the biblical teaching that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Historically, this assurance provided strength and unity among believers, knowing that their ultimate destiny was secure in Christ, regardless of earthly circumstances.

we belong to the Lord
The phrase "we belong to the Lord" highlights the believer's identity and security in Christ. The Greek "τοῦ Κυρίου ἐσμέν" (tou Kyriou esmen) emphasizes possession and relationship, indicating that believers are God's treasured possession. This belonging is rooted in the covenant relationship established through Christ's sacrifice. Historically, this identity set Christians apart in a pagan world, providing a sense of belonging and purpose. It assures believers that their lives are held in God's hands, offering peace and confidence in both life and death.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. The Lord (Jesus Christ)
Central to this verse, Jesus is the one to whom believers belong, whether in life or death.
Teaching Points
Belonging to the Lord
As Christians, our identity is rooted in belonging to Christ. This truth should shape our daily decisions and priorities.

Living with Purpose
Our lives are to be lived with the purpose of glorifying God. Every action and decision should reflect our commitment to Him.

Facing Death with Confidence
Understanding that we belong to the Lord even in death provides comfort and confidence, removing the fear of death.

Unity in Diversity
In the context of Romans 14, Paul addresses disputes over non-essential matters. Recognizing our shared belonging to the Lord can foster unity among believers.

Eternal Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps us navigate the challenges of life, knowing that our ultimate destiny is with the Lord.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that we belong to the Lord in both life and death influence our daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can we live more purposefully for the Lord in our current circumstances?

3. How can the assurance of belonging to the Lord help us face fears or uncertainties about the future?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to promote unity among believers, especially when disagreements arise over non-essential matters?

5. How can maintaining an eternal perspective change the way we handle life's challenges and opportunities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Philippians 1:21
Paul expresses a similar sentiment, stating that to live is Christ and to die is gain, emphasizing the believer's dedication to Christ in both life and death.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
This passage highlights the concept of belonging to God, as believers are bought with a price and are to honor God with their bodies.

2 Corinthians 5:15
Paul speaks about living for Christ, who died for all, reinforcing the idea of living and dying for the Lord.
A Consecrated LifeJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:8
Dying unto the LordS. Smith.Romans 14:8
Dying unto the LordJ. Whitson.Romans 14:8
Dying unto the LordJ. Foster.Romans 14:8
Dying unto the LordG. S. F. Savage.Romans 14:8
Living and Dying unto the LordN. Emmons, D.D.Romans 14:8
Living unto the LordJ. W. Burn.Romans 14:8
Living unto the LordR. Walker.Romans 14:8
Living unto the LordR. Walker.Romans 14:8
The Christian Idea O LifeE. L. Hull, B.A.Romans 14:8
We are the Lord'sJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:8
We are the Lord'sJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:8
Working as to the LordW. Lockhart.Romans 14:8
The Christian's Dependence and the Christian's IndependenceC.H. Irwin Romans 14:1-9
Christian ContentionLord Bacon.Romans 14:1-12
Christian ForbearanceH. W. Beecher.Romans 14:1-12
Contagious ContentionCawdray.Romans 14:1-12
Disputations to be AvoidedRomans 14:1-12
Practical Godliness Better Rectifies the Judgment than Doubtful DisputationsT. Woodcock, A.M.Romans 14:1-12
Religious DisputationsH. W. Beecher.Romans 14:1-12
Religious TolerationD. Swing.Romans 14:1-12
Strong and WeakJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:1-12
Test of ControversyAbp. Bramhall.Romans 14:1-12
The Duty of Forbearance in Matters of OpinionJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:1-12
The Risen Saviour as Lord of the ConscienceR.M. Edgar Romans 14:1-12
The Treatment of the WeakPhilip Henry.Romans 14:1-12
The Weak in the Faith to be ReceivedW. Tyson.Romans 14:1-12
TolerationJ. R. Andrews.Romans 14:1-12
Toleration: its ValueDr. Stephenson.Romans 14:1-12
Unity to be Maintained in Spite of Differences of OpinionJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:1-12
Unwise DisputationsChristian JournalRomans 14:1-12
Christian LibertyT.F. Lockyer Romans 14:1-23
Christian DevotednessR. Watson.Romans 14:7-9
Every Man has a Good or Evil InfluenceRomans 14:7-9
InfluenceJ. Foster, B.A.Romans 14:7-9
Influence, a Child'sRomans 14:7-9
Influence, a Child'sFreeman.Romans 14:7-9
Influence, InevitableN. Macleod, D.D.Romans 14:7-9
Influence, PermanentBabbage.Romans 14:7-9
Influence, Perpetuity OfRomans 14:7-9
Influence, PersonalC. H. SpurgeonRomans 14:7-9
Influence, PosthumousRomans 14:7-9
Influence, Small, its ValueRomans 14:7-9
Influence, UnconsciousRomans 14:7-9
Influence, Unconscious, its PowerRomans 14:7-9
LivingRouen Thomas, D.D.Romans 14:7-9
Living and Dying to the LordR. S. Candlish.Romans 14:7-9
Living for OthersGreat ThoughtsRomans 14:7-9
None Liveth unto HimselfRomans 14:7-9
None of Us Liveth to HimselfH. W. Beecher.Romans 14:7-9
None of Us Liveth to HimselfA. K. H. Boyd, D.D.Romans 14:7-9
None of Us Liveth unto HimselfBp. Simpson.Romans 14:7-9
Related LifeBp. H. C. Potter.Romans 14:7-9
Religious SelfishnessJ. Vaughan, M.A.Romans 14:7-9
Religious SelfishnessS. Milner.Romans 14:7-9
Self or Christ; Which is ItH. Bonar, D.D.Romans 14:7-9
Selfish and Unselfish WorkersH. W. Beecher.Romans 14:7-9
The Action of PresenceH. Macmillan, D.D.Romans 14:7-9
The Christian's MissionD. Moore, M.A.Romans 14:7-9
The Divinity of the Inner and Outer Life of the GoodD. Thomas, D.D.Romans 14:7-9
The Duty of not Living to OurselvesJ. Priestley, L.L.D.Romans 14:7-9
The End of LifeW. Landels.Romans 14:7-9
The Lord of the Dead and the LivingW. B. Pope, D.D.Romans 14:7-9
The Object of LifeArchdeacon Hare.Romans 14:7-9
The Power of InfluenceW. M. Punshon.Romans 14:7-9
People
Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Belong, Die, Lord's, Whether
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 14:8

     8402   claims
     9022   death, believers
     9105   last things

Romans 14:1-10

     5010   conscience, matters of

Romans 14:1-13

     5897   judging others

Romans 14:1-18

     6662   freedom, abuse

Romans 14:1-23

     4478   meat

Romans 14:5-8

     8023   faith, necessity

Romans 14:7-8

     8115   discipleship, nature of

Romans 14:8-9

     2224   Christ, the Lord
     5396   lordship, of Christ

Library
July 25. "He that in These Things Serveth Christ is Acceptable to God" (Rom. xiv. 18).
"He that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God" (Rom. xiv. 18). God can only use us while we are right. Satan cared far less for Peter's denial of his Master than for the use he made of it afterwards to destroy his faith. So Jesus said to him: "I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not." It was Peter's faith he attacked, and so it is our faith that Satan contests. "The trial of our faith is much more precious than gold that perisheth." Whatever else we let go let us hold steadfastly
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Twenty-First Day. Holiness and Happiness.
The kingdom of God is joy in the Holy Ghost.'--Rom. xiv. 17. 'The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Ghost.'--Acts xiii. 52. 'Then Nehemiah said, This day is holy unto the Lord: neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. So the Levites stilled the people, saying, Hold your peace; for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. And all the people went their way to make great mirth, because they had understood the words.'--Neh. viii. 10-12. The deep significance of
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

December the Fifteenth what is My Tendency?
"Whether we live, we live unto...." --ROMANS xiv. 7-21. Unto what? In what direction are we living? Whither are we going? How do we complete the sentence? "We live unto money!" That is how many would be compelled to finish the record. Money is their goal, and their goal determines their tendency. "We live unto pleasure!" Such would be another popular company. "We live unto fame!" That would be the banner of another regiment. "We live unto ease!" Thus would men and women describe their
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Limits of Liberty
'So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock, or an occasion to fall, in his brother's way. 14. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 14:17.--For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. In this text we have the earthly revelation of the work of the Trinity. The Kingdom of God is righteousness; that represents the work of the Father. The foundations of His throne are justice and judgment. Then comes the work of the Son: He is our peace, our Shiloh, our rest. The Kingdom of God is peace; not only the peace of pardon for the past, but the peace of perfect assurance
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
There still remain three trumpets, the greatest and most grievous of all, and therefore discriminated from the former by the appellation of Woes. For after the conclusion of the fourth trumpet, "I saw and heard," says he, "an angel flying in the midst of heaven, and saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth, by reason of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, which are yet to sound." Also, c. ix. v. 12, and c. xi. v. 14. Doubtless, since the Christian
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

Thus Much Will Suffice to have Treated on Behalf of True Continence against The...
26. Thus much will suffice to have treated on behalf of true Continence against the Manichees deceitfully continent, lest the fruitful and glorious labor of Continence, when it restrains and curbs the lowest part of us, that is, the body, from immoderate and unlawful pleasures, be believed not healthfully to chasten, but hostilely to persecute. Forsooth the body is indeed different from the nature of the soul, yet is it not alien from the nature of man: for the soul is not made up of body, but yet
St. Augustine—On Continence

Letter xxxi (A. D. 1132) to the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from which the Prior had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him.
To the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from Which the Prior Had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him. [50] 1. You write to me from beyond the sea to ask of me advice which I should have preferred that you had sought from some other. I am held between two difficulties, for if I do not reply to you, you may take my silence for a sign of contempt; but if I do reply I cannot avoid danger, since whatever I reply I must of necessity either give scandal to some one or give to some other a security
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

September 29. "Call not Thou Common" (Acts x. 15).
"Call not thou common" (Acts x. 15). "There is nothing common of itself" (Rom. xiv. 14). We can bring Christ into common things as fully as into what we call religious services. Indeed, it is the highest and hardest application of Divine grace, to bring it down to the ordinary matters of life, and therefore God is far more honored in this than even in things that are more specially sacred. Therefore, in the twelfth chapter of Romans, which is the manual of practical consecration, just after the passage
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the Gospel.
Text: 1 Corinthians 1, 4-9. 4 I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus; 5 that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and all knowledge; 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; 8 who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreprovable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, through whom ye were called
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
The divisions of the chapter are,--I. The rule which permits us not to go astray in the study of righteousness, requires two things, viz., that man, abandoning his own will, devote himself entirely to the service of God; whence it follows, that we must seek not our own things, but the things of God, sec. 1, 2. II. A description of this renovation or Christian life taken from the Epistle to Titus, and accurately explained under certain special heads, sec. 3 to end. 1. ALTHOUGH the Law of God contains
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

Further Journeying About Galilee.
^C Luke VIII. 1-3. ^c 1 And it came to pass soon afterwards [ i. e.,. soon after his visit to the Pharisee], that he went about through cities and villages [thus making a thorough circuit of the region of Galilee], preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God [John had preached repentance as a preparation for the kingdom; but Jesus now appears to have preached the kingdom itself, which was indeed to bring good tidings--Rom. xiv. 17 ], and with him the twelve [We here get a glimpse
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Perseverance Proved.
2. I REMARK, that God is able to preserve and keep the true saints from apostacy, in consistency with their liberty: 2 Tim. i. 12: "For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." Here the apostle expresses the fullest confidence in the ability of Christ to keep him: and indeed, as has been said, it is most manifest that the apostles expected
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom.
(Borders of Samaria and Galilee.) ^C Luke XVII. 11-37. ^c 11 And it came to pass, as they were on their way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. [If our chronology is correct, Jesus passed northward from Ephraim about forty miles, crossing Samaria (here mentioned first), and coming to the border of Galilee. He then turned eastward along that border down the wady Bethshean which separates the two provinces, and crossed the Jordan into Peræa, where we soon
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
THE TORMENTS OF GIANT BAD FEELINGS I am just a bundle of feelings. I never imagined one could have such a variety of them as I am now experiencing. Most of them are bad ones and I am greatly disturbed by them. Really, I doubt whether I am sanctified, on account of the feelings I have. Do sanctified people always feel joyful? I have heard that they do, and if it is true that they do, then I am not sanctified. Big doubts take up company with me every morning, and so long as I feel as I do I do not
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle Lii. To Natalis, Bishop .
To Natalis, Bishop [1463] . Gregory to Natalis, Bishop of Salona. As though forgetting the tenour of former letters, I had determined to say nothing to your Blessedness but what should savour of sweetness: but, now that in your epistle you have recurred in the way of argumentation to preceding letters, I am once more compelled to say perhaps some things that I had rather not have said. For in defence of feasts your Fraternity mentions the feast of Abraham, in which by the testimony of Holy Scripture
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect.
^C Luke XI. 37-54. ^c 37 Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. [The repast to which Jesus was invited was a morning meal, usually eaten between ten and eleven o'clock. The principal meal of the day was eaten in the evening. Jesus dined with all classes, with publicans and Pharisees, with friends and enemies.] 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first bathed himself before dinner. [The Pharisee marveled at this because
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Death of the Righteous
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2. No medicine like the blood of Christ; and in the text, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' I. For to me to live is Christ. We must understand Paul of a spiritual life. For to me to live is Christ, i.e.' Christ is my life; so Gregory of Nyssa; or thus, my life is made up of Christ. As a wicked man's life is made up of sin,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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