Romans 8:1

One of my favorite verses in the New Testament is Romans 8:1 – “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” There are at least six important elements in these thirteen words. I’d like to share them with you for further reflection on your own. 1. “Therefore”: This word ties directly back to what the apostle talked about in the last several verses of chapter seven. Essentially: “I do what I don’t want to do. I don’t do what I want to do. What a wretched person I am! Who will deliver me?” He answers that question in this first verse of chapter eight. 2.  “There is Now”: This word focuses us on the present. It is not something that will happen in the future. It is already accomplished. Now. As you read this. Paul tells us, “There is now . . .” 3. ‘. . . . No Condemnation”: Now we are now safe! Now we are now free. Now we are rescued from the eternal wages of sin the apostle wrote about in chapter six and verse twenty-three. God will not now condemn us for our past sins. There is now no condemnation . . . . 4. “. . . . For those”:  Paul begins to bring this message of promise to its climax – a promise only for a very specific group of people. This is a critical point. The promise is only for a specific group of people . . . 5. “. . . Who are in”: The assurance of “no condemnation” applies only to those who are ‘in’ (Someone). The assurance is only for those who have an intimate, obedient and personal relationship with the subject of this verse, who is . . . 6. “Christ Jesus”: No one escapes condemnation except in Jesus. No one comes to the Father except in Jesus. No one finds forgiveness except in Jesus. He alone is the way to heaven. He alone is truth. He alone is life. There you have it. Six elements in this one verse, each directly related to our eternal life in and through Christ. Perhaps, as we reflect further on these points, we will find deeper understanding of what Jesus has done for us.