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“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1 (NLT)
Let us look at what the Word of God says, in its fuller context:
> “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
> For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
> For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
> so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
> — Romans 8:1–4 (NASB)
The song you’ve given is essentially a lyrical summary of this majestic passage. It touches four great themes:
1. No condemnation for those in Christ.
2. The law of the Spirit of life setting us free from the law of sin and death.
3. The inability of the law of Moses to save us because of our sinful nature.
4. God’s different plan to save us in Christ.
These are not small, sentimental ideas. They are the very core of the gospel. They deal with guilt, accusation, judgment, spiritual bondage, and God’s final remedy in Jesus Christ.
If you truly understand Romans 8:1–4, it will change your relationship with God, your battle with sin, and your stance in spiritual warfare. Many Christians live under a cloud of vague guilt, fear, and inward accusation. This passage, properly received, breaks that cloud and replaces it with clear light and firm assurance.
Romans is Paul’s most systematic presentation of the gospel. Chapters 1–8 form a logical progression:
Romans 7 ends with a cry of inner conflict:
> “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?
> Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
> So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God,
> but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin.”
> — Romans 7:24–25
The picture is of a man who agrees with God’s law in his mind, but finds another power at work in his members—what Paul calls “the law of sin.” He is trapped, condemned, and unable to attain righteousness by his own efforts.
It is precisely at this point that Paul declares:
> “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
> — Romans 8:1
The “therefore” connects directly with the conflict of Romans 7. Paul is not speaking of a theoretical condition. He is answering the desperate question of the believer who knows the struggle with sin, who feels the accusations, and who asks, “Am I still under God’s judgment?”
The answer of the Holy Spirit, through Paul, is emphatic: there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Who is speaking? The apostle Paul, under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit. To whom? Primarily to the believers in Rome—Jews and Gentiles together—but, through them, to the entire Church of Jesus Christ in every age.
The situation: a mixed congregation, some with a strong Jewish background, tempted to trust in the Law; others with a pagan past, tempted to return to their old habits. All of them needing to know how God, in Christ, has provided a different way of righteous living—not by self-effort under the Law, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
### 1. “Condemnation” – *katákrima* (κατάκριμα)
The word translated “condemnation” in Romans 8:1 is κατάκριμα (katákrima).
So when Paul says, “no condemnation,” he is saying, “no adverse verdict, no judicial sentence of guilt, no remaining penalty” for those who are in Christ Jesus.
This does not mean we never feel convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit. It means that in the heavenly court, where God is Judge, the ultimate verdict has been rendered in our favor because of the finished work of Christ.
### 2. “Law” – *nómos* (νόμος)
The word “law” in this passage is *nómos*. It is used in two distinct but related ways:
1. The Law of Moses (the written Torah—commandments, ordinances, requirements).
2. A principle or operative power—as in “the law of sin and of death” and “the law of the Spirit of life.”
In Romans 8:2 we read:
> “For the law (*nómos*) of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law (*nómos*) of sin and of death.”
Here “law” is not a written code, but a governing principle or operative power. You might say: a spiritual law functioning like a natural law.
This is vital: God did not merely abolish one set of rules and substitute another. He replaced an external code (which our flesh could not keep) with an internal power—the Holy Spirit—who enables us to fulfill God’s righteous requirement.
This deepens the song’s refrain:
“For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.”
The lyrics are essentially paraphrasing “the law of the Spirit of life” and “the law of sin and death” as two opposing powers.
Let us now take the lyrics phrase by phrase, and allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.
### Verse 1:
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
This is a direct echo of Romans 8:1.
#### 1. “So now…”
The word “now” in Romans 8:1 is important. It means in this present era of salvation, after the death and resurrection of Christ, and after you have been joined to Him by faith.
Before Christ, the Law could only reveal sin and pronounce condemnation:
> “Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;
> because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.”
> — Romans 3:19–20
The Law could diagnose, but it could not heal. It could condemn, but it could not justify. But now, in Christ, there is a new status: justified, accepted, not condemned.
#### 2. “There is no condemnation…”
Not “less condemnation.” Not “reduced condemnation.” No condemnation.
This is the same “no” we meet later in the same chapter:
> “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
> nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
> — Romans 8:38–39
This is absolute language. Why? Because the basis is absolute: the finished work of Christ.
> “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf,
> so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
> — 2 Corinthians 5:21
The holy exchange took place. Our sin was imputed to Christ; His righteousness is imputed to us. Therefore, the Judge has no further charge to bring.
#### 3. “For those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s phrase is “for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The Greek expression *en Christō* is one of Paul’s key concepts. It denotes union—being spiritually united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–5).
To “belong to Christ Jesus” means more than holding a belief about Him. It means you have been transferred from Adam to Christ, from the old race under condemnation to the new race under grace.
> “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”
> — 1 Corinthians 15:22
The critical question, then, is not: “Am I doing enough?” but “Am I in Christ?” If you are in Christ, God’s verdict over you is settled: no condemnation.
### Chorus:
“For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Here the lyrics are paraphrasing Romans 8:2:
> “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”
#### 1. Two opposing laws
This is similar to aerodynamics and gravity. The law of gravity is still there, but when a higher law (aerodynamic lift with sufficient power) is applied, a plane rises. Gravity has not disappeared, but it is overruled by a higher law.
Likewise, the sin principle is still present in our mortal bodies (Romans 7:23), but there is now a higher, stronger law at work—the Holy Spirit. He does not remove our capacity to sin, but He breaks its dominion.
> “For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
> — Romans 6:14
#### 2. “Has freed you through Christ Jesus…”
Note the tense: has set you free. This is not something we are gradually trying to achieve; it is an accomplished fact in the spiritual realm, based on Christ’s finished work.
We must align our faith and our confession with this fact. Many Christians say, “I’m trying to get free.” But Scripture says, “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free.” Faith says “Amen” to God’s Word, even when feelings and experiences lag behind.
> “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
> — John 8:32
### Verse 2:
“The law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature.”
This captures Romans 8:3:
> “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did…”
The Law of Moses is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12). The problem is not with the Law, but with our flesh—our fallen nature.
Our “sinful nature” (literally “flesh,” *sarx*) is the human person, dominated by sin, independent from God, ruled by self. When the holy Law comes to such a nature, it actually stirs up rebellion.
> “But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment,
> produced in me coveting of every kind;
> for apart from the Law sin is dead.”
> — Romans 7:8
So the Law could define righteousness, but it could not produce righteous people. It could pronounce death, but it could not impart life.
Hence the necessity of a different plan to save us, as the chorus says.
### Chorus (again):
“But God put into effect a different plan to save us.”
This line corresponds to the rest of Romans 8:3–4:
> “…God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin,
> He condemned sin in the flesh,
> so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us,
> who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
#### 1. “God did…”
What the Law could not do, God did. Salvation is not human invention; it is divine initiative. We could not climb up to God by our efforts, so God came down to us in His Son.
#### 2. “Sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh…”
Jesus came truly in flesh—fully human—yet without sin.
> “He condemned sin in the flesh…”
God passed sentence—not on you, but on sin itself—in the flesh of His own Son. There was a double transfer:
Once judgment has been fully executed, the case is closed. The Judge has no further claim. That is why there is now “no condemnation” for those who are in Christ Jesus.
#### 3. “So that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us…”
Notice carefully:
Paul does not say, “fulfilled by us,” but “fulfilled in us.”
The righteous requirement of the Law is fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit.
The Christian life is not an upgraded legalism; it is walking under a different governing power. The Holy Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10). He produces in us the very character the Law demanded but could not create.
> “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
> — Galatians 5:16
### Outro:
“No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”
The song ends where Romans 8 begins—and where the chapter ultimately leads: the total security of those in Christ.
Romans 8 starts with: “no condemnation” (v.1).
It ends with: “no separation” (v.39).
Between those two “no’s” lies the entire Christian life:
If there is truly no condemnation now, and no separation finally, then the accusations of Satan, the failures of the past, and the fears of the future lose their power.
> “Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;
> who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised,
> who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”
> — Romans 8:33–34
When God justifies, no one else has the right to condemn.
Truth must be applied. Let me offer four practical steps, each of which you can turn into a proclamation.
### 1. Renounce false guilt and accept God’s verdict
Many believers live under the burden of condemnation—a vague sense of being unacceptable to God—even when they have repented and confessed their sins.
We must distinguish between:
First, we must agree with God’s verdict: “no condemnation in Christ.”
Proclamation #1:
“I am in Christ Jesus. God’s Word declares there is now no condemnation for me. I reject every lie of accusation that contradicts the finished work of Christ.”
### 2. Shift from self-effort to Spirit-dependence
Second, we must stop trying to live the Christian life in our own strength, under a law-mentality, and learn to walk by the Spirit.
The law says: “You ought to, you must.”
Grace, by the Spirit, says: “I will enable you from within.”
Ask yourself practically:
Proclamation #2:
“I cannot save or sanctify myself. What the Law could not do, God has done in Christ. I choose to walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
### 3. Confess freedom from the law of sin and death
Third, we must align our confession with God’s declaration that the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death.
Freedom begins in the heart and in the mouth.
> “With the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness,
> and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
> — Romans 10:10
When temptation comes, when old patterns try to reassert themselves, you do not say, “I am a helpless slave of this sin.” You say what God says:
Proclamation #3:
“The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death. Sin shall not have dominion over me.”
### 4. Cooperate daily with the Holy Spirit
Fourth, we must cultivate a daily walk with the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit’s aim is not to leave you in a permanent Romans 7 struggle, but to move you into Romans 8 victory, where the righteous requirement of the Law is fulfilled in you as you walk by the Spirit.
Proclamation #4:
“Holy Spirit, You are the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. I yield my body, my mind, and my will to You. Fulfill in me the righteous requirement of God’s law as I walk under Your control.”
### Proclamation
Speak this out loud, thoughtfully and deliberately:
> “Through the blood of Jesus, I am redeemed out of the hand of the devil.
> I am in Christ Jesus. Therefore there is now no condemnation for me.
> The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.
> What the Law could not do, God has done for me in Christ.
> Jesus bore my sin in His own body on the cross.
> God condemned my sin in the flesh of His Son,
> so that His righteous requirement might be fulfilled in me.
> I do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
> Sin shall not have dominion over me, for I am not under law but under grace.
> I belong to Christ Jesus, and there is no condemnation over my life. Amen.”
### Prayer
Lord God,
We thank You for the clear, authoritative word of Scripture:
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
We renounce every lie of the enemy that would place us back under guilt, fear, and bondage.
Father, we acknowledge that what the Law could not do, You have done in Christ.
Thank You that You sent Your own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and, on the cross, You condemned sin in the flesh.
We ask that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, would now take full control of our lives.
Teach us to walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh.
Write Your law on our hearts.
Let the righteous requirement of the Law be fulfilled in us, practically, daily, in our thoughts, words, and actions.
For every believer tormented by condemnation, I speak the Word of God:
No condemnation in Christ Jesus.
Let the accusing voices be silenced.
Let the blood of Jesus cleanse the conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
We choose to believe Your Word above our feelings, above our past, and above every accusation of Satan.
We thank You for the finished work of Christ, for the indwelling Holy Spirit, and for the liberty of the children of God.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen.
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