No Condemnation
For Meditation
The book of Romans is arguably the Apostle Paul’s greatest letter, and Romans chapter 8, by common consent, is considered the greatest chapter in the book, and perhaps even one of the most spectacular pieces of writing in early Christian history.
Paul writes to the Roman Christians about their spiritual life and summarizes the whole redemption story. He teaches them about the freedom believers have from condemnation, (1-9); their privileges of being the children of God, (10-17); their hope in trials, (18-25); their assistance from the Holy Spirit in prayer, (26,27); the love of God, (28-31); and their final triumph, through Christ, (32-39).
Despite these many themes, at the very heart of this chapter is one big focus: Nothing can separate us from the love of God. The assurance of the Christian in the love of God, the total confidence we have in God’s eternal love and favor for us, is what this whole chapter is all about. Indeed, the inseparable unstoppable love of God is what the gospel is all about.
In this season of Lent, a season of penitence and renewal, we are seeking spiritual renewal and increasing freedom from our sin. We long to be the glorified people God has made us to be. And this chapter shows us the way: in union with Christ, in partnership with the Spirit, held forever by the love of God, we are able to become those we are truly and finally meant to be.
Romans 8:1–4
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.