September 29, 2002

NO CONDEMNATION

Romans 8:1-4

 

   "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus...God sending His son...condemned sin in the flesh" (Romans 8:1-3). The words "who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit" are not in the best Manuscripts in verse 1 but properly appear only in verse 4. Not only that, but if placed in verse one, they make "no condemnation" conditional and dependant upon the believer's walk. This cannot be, for our justification is dependent solely on the work of Christ, not our sanctification!

   This particular Greek word for condemnation appears but three times in the Bible. Twice in Romans 5 we are told "for the judgment indeed of one (Adam's sin) was unto condemnation, but the free gift is of many transgressions unto justification" (5:16), and "So then as by means of one transgression sentence came upon all men to condemnation, even so by means of one righteous act also (the free gift) came upon all men to justification of life" (5:18). The over abounding grace of God shows this condemnation done away through the work of Christ, " therefore now no condemnation..."! That which Adam's sin brought in is done away through Christ.

   All three times condemnation is contrasted with justification (or righteousness), for "the righteousness requirements) of the law are fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit" (8:4). There must be freedom from condemnation before one could think of walking in the spirit. While in slavery we were in the flesh, and could not please God. Without assurance of our acceptance before God, there could be no growth in grace or thought of walking in newness of life or serving in newness of spirit.

   Romans 8:33 asks, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifies. Who is he that condemns?" The only one whose judgment really matters in this case is God, and He is already on record declaring our justification! Even the intercession of our risen glorified Lord is the added assurance that nothing could possibly be charged against the believer "in Christ Jesus."

 

Ivan L. Burgener