No Condemnation

​Romans 8:1-2 ~ “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
 
As we move into the month of December, with much anticipation for the celebration of the birth of the LORD Jesus, we look upon a text today that illuminates the purpose for which He came. In our text today we find the great promise of God is at hand! All sin and rebellion have been conquered, all necessary payments have been made and all of this has been done in Christ alone. There is not one drop of human righteousness that can satisfy the LORD God Almighty. Isaiah 64:6 testifies, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” Even our striving in our own righteousness is merely a filthy rag before the LORD, unclean and unholy. Paul spoke of such as these in Romans 10:3, “For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.” No amount of effort by anyone will bring them into a state of acceptance with the LORD. If we strive in the flesh to try and achieve what was done by Christ alone, we will find ourselves still in the judgment of the Almighty. Paul tells us in Romans 8:8, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Take this moment to read Romans 8:1-11.
 
Before we delve into this tremendous gift, we must first understand that this is not a universal condition for all of mankind. It is a limited group who can claim this promise. For this promise of God is, as our text reads, “for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is the great qualifier! Outside of Christ Jesus you remain in the condemnation of the LORD. Jesus says in John 3:18, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” What does it mean to be “in Christ Jesus?” Simply this: to believe on Him. To trust Him as your Savior and surrender to Him as your LORD is to be found “in Christ.” Do you know yourself guilty before God, condemned as a sinner, and that Jesus took upon Himself your full punishment that He could give you a full pardon from your sins? Because of Jesus your guilt is taken away and your sins are atoned. Now, beloved, yield yourself to the LORD Jesus. Paul says in Colossians 3:3, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Preach this gospel to yourself every day. Remind yourself that you have no righteousness of your own, but it is all found in Christ. Hide yourself in Jesus, be united with Him in life and you will be with Him in eternity.
 
Now, as we come to the opening text, let your heart be greatly encouraged by this wonderful promise. We read, “There is therefore now no condemnation.” Oh what heights of wonder this statement brings! The condemned sinner is redeemed. The prisoner is invited to the palace to take up residence with the King of kings. It is done “now” and not a promise to come later. If you are in Him, you are even now a child of God, an inheritor of glory and a wearer of the righteousness of Christ. 1 John 3:2 declares, “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” You may not see it in yourself as of yet, for your eyes are still dim and see only through darkened glass (see 1 Corinthians 13:12). But someday, my dear Christian, you will see it clearly enough—for you will stand in the very presence of the One who saved you. The condemnation that was yours, upon the moment of your faith, that judgment was paid in full upon the account of the LORD Jesus. There is no condemnation. You do not wait upon a lesser judgment, nor do you hope to have a lighter sentence given. The Divine Judge has dismissed your case upon the payment of Christ and you are set free.
 
Maybe you remember your old sins, or there are those remnants of the flesh that hang upon your life. The pardon of the Almighty covers them all. Every transgression and sin are propitiated by Jesus. Why? Our final text tells us, “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” The law of sin and death has been satisfied in the death and resurrection of the LORD. When you are in Christ Jesus, you come under the law of the Spirit, which is the gospel promise of Jesus. Under this law, you are set free.
 
Come to this text and look to the LORD daily. Remind yourself of what He has done and continue to anchor your faith to Jesus Christ. Let His promise be your strong defense against any lingering doubts concerning His great mercy for all who believe.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

---