"Those Who are in Christ"

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.” (Romans 8:1-3 ESV)

The eighth chapter of Romans is probably one of the best chapters Paul wrote. The opening verse is very clear on our standing with God upon our salvation by grace through faith in Christ. D. L. Moody pointed out that while Paul tells us there is no condemnation in Christ, Paul does not say there would not be “faults or infirmities.”1

There is no condemnation in life or death. God has forgiven our sins —past, present, and future. Yet millions live in condemnation every single day. For some in Christ, there is still apprehension because they understand their sin but are not sure of their salvation. How can it be that God would forgive my sins after I have devoted my life to Christ? After all, I am still a sinner. Am I not the very hypocrite Jesus detested?

The answer to this is found in verse two, “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” This means that those in the world live under sin and the law. The law exists so that sin may be revealed, but it cannot save; the law kills. If you are under the law, you are dead in your trespasses and sins. (Ephesians 2:1)

For those in Christ, they are no longer under the law. They have been freed from the law. While we are still sinners, in our repentance, we are forgiven, as Christ has borne our sins, all of them. There is no condemnation for a believer in Christ Jesus. This assurance of forgiveness should bring you a deep sense of peace and security in your relationship with God.

If you try to deal with your sinful nature on your own, you will fail. What can a dead person do for themselves? Nothing. Paul wrote in verse three that it is the flesh that weakens us all and, in turn, weakens the law. But God did what the law could not in sending Christ in the flesh, a sinless propitiation that appeased God’s wrath against our sin. This act of sacrifice is not just a historical event, but a powerful force that can bring hope and renewal to your life, leading you to salvation.

Everyone knows the verse John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” However, many do not know or forget John 3:17: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Christ was judged in place of me. His bearing of my sins happened before me, not in front of me, in my future. Therefore, by paying for my sins before I came into the world, in my faith in Christ, I am proclaimed not guilty of my sins. I am no longer dead in my sins; God adopts me as His child. He is no longer my judge but my Father. I am an heir with Christ, which means I share in His inheritance, His glory, and His victory over sin and death.

While there are many types of “religions” in the world, not all have a belief and understanding of grace in their creed. What good is a belief in a deity without the doctrine of grace? For it is by grace that we come to faith in the risen Son of God. It is by grace that we come to understand and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is by grace that a sinner can find salvation from their sin and worldly desires, trading death for life.

It is by the love of God that we come to salvation. Our name does not save us, or that we are a Catholic, Protestant, or any other denomination; no, we are saved by the love and grace of God. This love is not exclusive to a select few, but it is extended to all, fostering a sense of inclusivity and acceptance in our faith community.

So, why are you worried about where you are with Jesus? If you have been truly saved and transformed by Christ through grace and faith, in your salvation, you are made righteous before God. You will know, and others will see this transformation through your love of God. Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) 

Is the love of Christ in your heart?  Is Jesus your treasure, the pearl you have searched for, the treasure you cherish? If you do not know Christ, ask Him into your life and no longer walk in death but receive eternal life.

Grace and Peace.

1. D. L. Moody, The Eighth of Romans, Preached August 12, 1899.