No condemnation

Under Roman law a condemned person had no life of his own, no plans for the future, no personal agenda. He was the living dead. With that understanding, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Suddenly the past is gone; there is a future. That’s what Paul says happens to those who are in Christ Jesus; in other words, those who have a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

First, he says that the law (not Roman law, but the law of Moses) no longer condemned a person. He told the Galatians that the law was like a mirror that showed you your terrible failure, but could do nothing to erase that failure.

Then he says that there is no condemnation from the flesh, your old nature. When someone comes to understand that freedom in Christ, psychiatrists and pharmacists are often put out of business.

The law produced a conscience that constantly said, “You aren’t good enough. You are guilty before God.” But Paul says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” and that’s where you have to tell your old nature, your old enemy of guilt, to get off your back. Your heart can shout, “I’m free! I’m free!”

If you’ve been living like a condemned prisoner, struggling with your past, your old nature, your failures, it’s time to understand that if God has set you free, there’s no need to stay in your prison. You’ve got a new life, one that produces love, joy, peace and spiritual blessing. Live it. Rejoice in it, and let your heart cry, “I’m free! I’m free!” It’s the Good News of the Gospel that sets our hearts free. It’s time to come alive.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1