Jun 4 – No Condemnation in Christ

“¹ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, ² because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

In the previous devotionals, we studied Paul as he shows some vulnerability at the end of chapter 7. Paul spoke plainly about the struggles against sin that Christians will face on a daily basis. At this point, it is easy to be left feeling saddened by the sinful reality of the human condition. Anticipating this, Paul begins chapter 8 with an uplifting reminder for the Christian: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus…,” (v. 1) Yes you will sin, for we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, yet don’t be disheartened, for those who are saved by Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, there is no condemnation. Later in the chapter, Paul tells us that there is no one left who is able to condemn us:

“Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.”  — ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬

Who is there who is able to condemn us? It is only God who is able to condemn us for our sin. And yet, rather than immediately condemn all humanity for their transgression of His law, God sent His Son Jesus Christ who died for us, and importantly, was also raised from the dead. This proves His perfect innocence. Christ would not have been able to have been raised if He had not remained sinless. God the Father would not allow anyone who had sinned to ascend to heaven and sit at His right hand.  And if Christ had not remained sinless, His sacrifice would have been made null, and we would still be dead in our trespasses and sins. So in this, it is proven that Christ Jesus is both sinless and that He has satisfied the wrath of God that was upon us for our sin. If Jesus has taken our condemnation, then there is nothing left to condemn in us, and there stands no one who is able to bring condemnation. 

There is a warning included in this text also. It is true that God has not condemned those who have repented of their sins and had faith in Jesus. Yet, if you are not one of God’s children, if you have not repented of your sins and do not have faith in Jesus to save you, you will be condemned! It is right for God to condemn you in your sin! You have transgressed the law of the one and only Creator, God! Let this text serve as a sober reminder that if you are not saved through Christ, you are not free from condemnation. 

There are many who would try to twist the words of Paul in these verses to justify their own continued sinfulness. It is easy for Christians to fall into a trap of thinking less of their sin than they ought to. Verses like this can lull one into thinking that sin is not a big deal, because Christ has already dealt with our sin and God has said that we will not face condemnation. This way of thinking could not be further from the truth! Anyone who has read the context of this verse, much less the last seven chapters, will understand that Paul is not treating sin lightly. He is simply reminding Christians that this is why Christ died, out of His love for us and for the glorification of the Father. Christ died for sinners, and that’s what we are, sinners. Not only has Christ erased our transgressions, and taken our condemnation upon Himself, but He has set us free from sin and death. We need not be slaves to sin any longer: “because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (v. 2) 

Why does Paul call it “The law of the Spirit of Life”? In contrast to the old covenant law, which could only provide knowledge of sin and bring condemnation and death, the new covenant law through faith in Christ and living in obedience to God, brings life! Paul tells the Corinthian church about the life-giving spirit that comes through the second Adam, that is, through Jesus.

“So it is written, The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” — ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭45‬