LEARNING DAILY

Romans 8:1-3, So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So, God did what the law could not do. He sent His own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

There are days I need words of encouragement and comfort; I find them in the words written by Paul above. He has been writing some frustrating words in the previous chapters to the Romans. He is frustrated that “he did not do what he knew he should and did what he knew he should not do.” I relate to that statement! Do you? But then he writes, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” This is a statement why the gospel is such “good news,” the best news ever, for all who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

This is an assurance for all Believers that there is no condemnation awaiting Believers because Jesus Christ has set them free from the guilt and punishment of their sins. It is a reminder that our past mistakes and shortcomings do not define us nor separate us from the grace and love of God because we are united with Christ. Believers do not have a license to sin; when they do, the sin must be confessed knowing that the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross has forgiven their sin. Knowing this and knowing that God sees me as righteous takes a heavy burden from me. It should you as well! This allows us to embrace the unconditional love and acceptance of God.

The New King James Version goes a little further adding this clause, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” The command to walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh is communicated in verses 4 and 9. Paul is explaining that those who believe in Christ are those who walk according to the Spirit. I will examine what it means to do that in the next page of the blog.

Look at the next verse. The Holy Spirit always gives or brings life. Romans 5:1 tell us that Jesus Christ sets us free through faith. That faith in Him brings us peace with God. Because of being justified with God the Believer receives the Holy Spirit who brings life. This results in being set free from sin and death. The law could not do this – no one is able to set themselves free from their sinfulness and be acceptable to God. He had to step in and save us. He did that through His Son.

It seems I need to be reminded of this truth more each day. Too many aspects of the “old self” seem to be rising to the surface. At those times I need to remember that there is no condemnation because of the grace and mercy God extends to me each day. No more guilt, no more shame – just freedom that comes from surrender and trust in the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me. Let this truth be your guide today.