Romans 8:11 Meaning of Give Life to Your Mortal Bodies

Romans 8:11
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

Explanation and Commentary of Romans 8:11

This is a profound truth that should bring hope and joy to Christians. It not only means that our own bodies will be raised from the dead at the return of Jesus, but that even in this life, inhabiting our mortal flesh, we can have the life force of God flowing through us, giving us new life in Christ, what Jesus called, abundant life (Jn 10:10).

Paul will go on to say because of this that we have an obligation to the Spirit living in us to walk, not according to the flesh, but the Spirit. In this way, the life of the follower of Jesus is impacted and changed dramatically over time as he or she faithfully obeys this command. Where does the power for this new life come from? The Holy Spirit who raised Jesus Christ from the dead! The very same power that reanimated his life in the tomb and brought him out is more than adequate to empower our impossibly abundant lives in Christ.

If you have been saved by grace through faith in Christ, but have not seen a change in your life as a result, then you are missing out on powerful, and wonderful aspects of being a Christ-follower. Seek his kingdom and walk according to his righteousness. His Spirit who lives inside you will empower your new life in him if you only allow him to.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Romans 8:11

#1 “And if the Spirit of him…”
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Father, and of the Son.

#2 “…who raised Jesus from the dead…”
The Holy Spirit was present at the beginning of the creation of everything out of nothing (Gen 1:2). The Holy Spirit is the only person or force who is able to do such a thing, and he not only brought Jesus back to life, but he brought him back in a new and glorified body, just as he will with all believers at the resurrection.

#3 “…is living in you,”
This is so profound that we routinely underestimate the importance of it. The very same power is not only around us but in us. That we ignore the fact is one of the greatest tragedies in Jesus’ Church.

#4 “he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
“He,” being God, will give us life in this age through his Holy Spirit in us, in spite of the fact that our bodies are still mortal. One day we will receive an immortal body to go with our new spirit.

Bible Study on Romans 8:11

Expert Overview of Romans Ch. 5-16

Biblical Translations of Romans 8:11

NIV
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

NLT
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.

ESV
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

KJV
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

NKJV
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.