One of the most treasured and comforting verses of Scripture is Romans 8:1, and as well it should be for us who believe in Christ! “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This verse has freed many a believer from living miserably under the accusations of the evil Accuser! However, clinging to this verse apart from the context in which it is found could lead to serious error in the Gospel message!
Remember that Romans 7 precedes Romans 8. In Romans 7 Paul is describing his present state as a believer because he speaks in the present tense. He concludes that even as a believer, he continues to sin and this grieves him so. He longs for the day when he will be freed from his fallen flesh! However, even as a continuing sinner, through faith he is now in Christ. The result of union with Christ is that Paul’s sins no longer condemn him because Christ has done away with his sins.
At the same time, remember what follows Romans 8:1! The rest of Romans 8 is a defense against the belief that if there is no condemnation in Christ, then we can live as we please! Paul screams a resounding “NO!” Living a life of indulged sin is NOT the purpose of Christ’s work! Living a life that glorifies God is why Christ died for you! Actually, when one lives according to the flesh, he proves that he is not a believer because he does not have the Spirit, no matter what he professes! Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” 8:1 frees us from unnecessary guilt but is not an excuse for us to dwell in a lifestyle of fleshly sins! It is actually the very reason why we will continue to fight and hate sin! If we are “in Christ,” the Spirit is “in us!”
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