No Condemnation

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 8:1

In courtrooms everywhere, the gavel crashes down–guilty! Next comes the penalty phase, determining the punishment for the transgression. And though I have never perpetrated a crime that landed me in front of a human judge, it is my lot to one day stand in front of the Judge of all the earth–Almighty God. In fact, it is the lot of each member of the human race to do so (Romans 3:19). It is our ultimate destiny at the end of our lives to answer for our sins (Hebrews 9:27). God can look at every one of us, and justifiably say, “Guilty, guilty, guilty!”

Yet, He doesn’t. Paul says there is no (lit. none, absolutely nothing at all) condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. See that it is Christ, His work on the cross and our faith and trust in Him, which makes the difference. Many will still be condemned by God at the end of their lives, but none will be who are true believers in Christ.

Now, here is my favorite part of this verse- its context. Paul has just finished being very transparent about his own walk with God- “I don’t do what I should, and I do what I shouldn’t!” (Romans 7:15-20). Who can’t identify with that? Of course, we all can! Guilt racks our hearts and minds as we struggle with sin and selfishness. We love God and we want to obey Him, yet we often fall. To which Paul says, “Brother, sister–God forgives you; He does not condemn you!” There is work to be done, no doubt! But because of Christ, you are not condemned.

-Pastor Mike