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So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1, NLT)
Grace sets Christianity apart from the other world religions! In Romans 8:1, we find the greatest benefit of grace for followers of Jesus — no condemnation!
The Greek word for “condemnation” means “final judgment.” Have we told ourselves, “I will never change,” “I can’t do this,” or “I’m worthless?” Have we thought of others, “They always act that way” or “That person will never accomplish anything”?
How many of us have been damaged emotionally by the finalized judgment of others? From the bullying, abuse, and even parental demeaning of those with pre-conceived judgments about our worth or abilities. Fortunately, we learn that. . .
Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us (Romans 8:33-34).
Realizing that no final judgment exists for us, we might find ourselves in two errors of lifestyle. First, we might consider our sin with a thought of “God will forgive,” overlooking that finalized judgment comes into full fruition during eternity and doesn’t eliminate consequences for dumb decisions today. And second, we might burden ourselves with an attitude of “Yes, I’m forgiven, but I must be disciplined (work) to be like Jesus.”
We lose the full application, living with no “final judgment” by returning to either religious works or permissiveness as a response to dealing with our still-existent flesh.
Paul gives further insight into no final judgment or condemnation for us as Christians when he writes. . .
Because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death (Romans 8:2).
Without good theology and a living relationship with the Spirit, we will never know freedom from self-condemnation. We will continue to sin, creating guilt and doubts about our salvation, or we will justify illegitimate actions as acceptable because of God’s love for sinners.
Grace means both “no final judgment” and freedom from sin. Our confidence comes from the power of the Spirit.
If Billy Graham said that he couldn’t preach, Brandon Lake that he can’t sing, or Taylor Swift that no one wants to attend her concerts — we would suspect each statement as lacking common sense. And yet, as Christians, forgiven by the blood and empowered by the Spirit, are we still living in self-condemnation?
Do we say, “I can’t!”? The final implication of “no condemnation” is victorious Christian living.