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No Condemnation

             Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2)

                I know I’ve opined on Romans 8 before, but it’s one of the passages that has come to mind to revisit. Backing up to the end of chapter 7, we are told that God has delivered us through Jesus Christ, making us both a slave to God’s law and a slave to sin. Naturally, we will hate one or the other, but if we (as Paul did) desire to follow God’s law, we will be progressively set free from sin. The no condemnation part isn’t universal. That addresses the “Therefore.”

                One of the next three words is vital: now. There’s no waiting until we get to heaven and magically become unable to sin. There is no condemnation now, while we are still slaves to sin as well as to God’s law. Now, when we still sin. Now, when we make a mistake, which might be worse than a sin. Now. Right now. There is no condemnation

                 No condemnation, not because we don’t deserve it, but because of Jesus and because of the Spirit that sets us free from the law of sin and death, even though we’re still slaves to sin, we condemn ourselves, and other people condemn us. God doesn’t. But we must keep in mind that no condemnation does not mean no correction or no criticism. In fact, true criticism and correction could be the opposite of condemnation, because the one who stands condemned is beyond criticism and correction.  

                Now, if we could just get this through our thick skulls.

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