If you could only have one chapter of the Bible, which one would you choose? I can think of several, and Romans 8 might be top of the list!
Ask, “What is “therefore” there for?
Romans 8 begins with the famous word, “Therefore,” and one of scripture’s sweetest, most encouraging sentences!
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus —
Romans 8:1 NIV
In Romans 3, Paul writes that we all are under condemnation.
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. (Romans 3:20 NIV)
In Romans 5, he explains —
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. (Romans 5:18 NIV)
Why, then, is there NOW no condemnation?
Paul built a strong case for condemnation against wicked humanity, including the Jews, because they could not keep the law and against us when in Romans 3, he teaches that no one is righteous, no not one!
In Romans 3 – 4, Paul explains how justification is all about faith. He uses Father Abraham to illustrate the message of salvation and how it was credited to him. Paul specifically tells us that this message is for us who believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. He was delivered to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification.
Then in Romans 5, Paul pivots to the good news of the work of Jesus on our behalf. And in Romans 5 – 8, he develops his theme of our peace with God and clarifies the results of our salvation. We are saved from God’s wrath, delivered from sin, set free from the Law, and as we will see in chapter 8, we are rescued from death, too!
Scripture Bookends – “Condemnation”
Romans 3:18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. -*- -*- -*- -*- -*- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! Romans 8:1
Paul is closing his argument between Romans 5:18 and 8:1 by stating that while there was condemnation for all people, NOW there is NO condemnation for those who receive the gift of life through the work of God’s son! Bottom line, chapter 8 is all about the assurance we have in Jesus through the power of the Spirit!
The Law of the Spirit
The law of the Spirit conquers the law to which we once answered. Notice how Paul describes our life in the Spirit – we have new lives, new minds, a new relationship with our Abba father, and a glorious inheritance!
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Romans 8:11 NLT
A Hymn of Praise!
“No condemnation!” Precious word!
Consider it, my soul!
Thy sins were all on Jesus laid;
His stripes have made thee whole.In heaven the blood forever speaks
In God’s omniscient ear;
The saints, as jewels on His heart,
Jesus doth ever bear.“No condemnation!” O my soul,
‘Tis God that speaks the word,
Perfect in comeliness art thou
In Christ, the risen Lord.Teach me, O God, to fix mine eyes
Robert Cleaver Chapman
On Christ, the spotless Lamb,
So shall I love Thy precious will,
And glorify His name.
