There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8: 1, NKJV
Heavenly Father, we ask that You will remind us that it is in You, that we have no condemnation. For Christ’s sake; Amen
What a way to begin the New Year! With no condemnation, free of all charges! With a limitless source of power to aid us in our spiritual growth! What more could we ask? It is interesting that the phrase “no condemnation” begins with the adverb “now” (at the present time, or, given the situation). Now, at the present time. Not at the end of the world, or in the very near future, not when we get to heaven but now, right now, there is no condemnation! Hallelujah! But how did we go from condemned sinners, to souls set free from condemnation?
You see, when we come to Christ, as we saw yesterday, Christ credits our account with His righteousness (imputed righteousness). And then He offers us a new supply of that righteousness daily (imparted righteousness), to enable us to live for Him, not in our strength (we have none), but in His. The use of the adverb now gives us the impression that something has taken place that makes this situation possible. Our text actually mentions three reasons:
“Those who are in Christ Jesus.” To be in Christ is to be united with Him. Christ in us, and we in Christ. That was Christ’s last prayer for His followers in the Garden of Gethsemane. ” ‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.’ ” Isn’t it exciting that Jesus prayed for you and for me (“I ask…also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word“)? We have believed in Christ through the testimony of His disciples that made disciples of others, who also made disciples of others, and their testimony kept increasing until it came down to us! It is also our privilege to be one with Christ and with the Father!
It also means that we are clothed in Christ’s garment of righteousness! So when the Father looks at us He does not see our sinfulness, He sees only the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ! Therefore, there is nothing to condemn! Glory to God in the highest! Oh, wonderful salvation!
“Who do not walk according to the flesh[.]” You no longer live the way you used to live before coming to Christ. His thoughts become yours; His likes your likes, His dislikes your dislikes. Everyday you are becoming more and more like Jesus, and less and less like your old self! Beautiful transformation!
“But according to the Spirit!” The Spirit leads, you follow. You have been made new! Remember what we said yesterday? You are born again! In the same manner in which light and darkness cannot exist simultaneously, the flesh and the Spirit cannot co-inhabit the same body. We will either walk after the flesh and live in condemnation, or be guided by the Spirit and live free of condemnation. There is no compromise! Glorious victory in Jesus!
As your New Year gift the Lord offers you a life free of condemnation. There could be no better gift! Will you accept it?