What does it mean to be accounted as sheep for the slaughter in Romans 8:36?
This phrase describes the world's hostile view of believers as marked for killing and enduring tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword. It reflects an attitude toward those related to their Creator God that has existed since the beginning of time and still continues today.
Les teaches that Romans 8 is the tremendous chapter of our great salvation, not based on what we have done but on what Christ has done on our behalf. In verses 35-39, he says these truths are so beyond human comprehension that we have to read them, and read them, and believe them. The quotation in verse 36, "For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter," expresses the world's attitude toward the believer. Les explains that this has been the case ever since the beginning of time, even back in the Old Testament economy. The pagan peoples around Israel hated the Jew because of Israel's relationship with their Creator God, and Les says it has not changed; it is still the same way. Then verse 37 declares that in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us, and verse 38 says the apostle's words should be our words.
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
More Questions
What does Romans 8:36-37 say about being sheep for the slaughter and more than conquerors?
Despite being counted as sheep for the slaughter, believers are in all these things more than conquerors.