Comment on a Lectionary Reading: Romans 8:1–11

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But 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. Romans 8:1–11
    
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This reading from Scripture contains something tremendous, a life-changing declaration.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

So, what does this ‘no condemnation’ mean? It means what it says: no condemnation. But there are too many saints who do not grasp the power of this declaration. Some explanation is necessary.

Imagine the worst sin that you could ever commit. It will be different sins for different folk. What would be yours? The very worst sin. This is the act that, for you, would be totally shaming and absolutely unforgivable. And the fact is that that is exactly what it should be - totally shaming and absolutely unforgivable.

But consider that declaration. No condemnation. This ‘unforgivable’ sin is forgiven. The shame is gone. And why? As Paul goes on to explain, it’s because of what God has done in Jesus for you. It’s because of the Gospel. God will not condemn you.

Don’t stop yet. There is more to enjoy.

If this declaration is true - and it is - it means that not only will God not condemn you but also that there is no reason for you to condemn yourself. How many Christians beat themselves up because of some foul thing that they have done? Should they do this? Absolutely not! Why do that? What good does it do? It’s not what God will do.

What is needed instead? Repentance and faith. Repentance: be honest about what you did. ‘I sinned and because of that I deserve hell. I am so sorry that I did this.’ Faith: ‘I come again to You, Lord Jesus, as my Savior for forgiveness. I entrust myself again to You to provide forgiveness.’ And the result? As far as God is concerned, it’s as if you never did that terrible thing. He has forgotten it.

I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Isaiah 43:25

Is there any reason for you not to forget it also?

Believe this part of the Gospel and be freed from so much that has plagued you.