“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2, KJV
Condemnation is an expression of strong disapproval. Why would there be strong disapproval? Well, disapproval comes when walking after the flesh—the sinful nature. The works of the flesh are adultery—sleeping with someone else’s husband or wife, fornication—sleeping with anyone and you’re not married, uncleanness—morally defiled, lasciviousness—lustful or lewd, idolatry—placing anything above God, witchcraft—sorcery and its branches, hatred, variance—strife, emulations—jealousy, wrath—vindictive anger, seditions—rebellious of peace, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, reveling—carousing, and other things of such. We cannot please God in the flesh for those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth.
The good news is that there is no disapproval of those in Jesus Christ walking after the Spirit. Walking after the Spirit yields things that are most longed after: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. Against these things there is no law because those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, the Godless human nature. So, if we live by the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit, helping one another, not tearing each other down and ready to give and not always expecting to receive. Let us aim to have an attitude that is Christ-like, you can never go wrong there. The Bible states in Romans 8:6, KJV, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
How many of us desire peace? I know that I do. Peace of mind away from the things of this world. Peace from death (spiritually dead separated from God), peace from those who hate you, peace from those who love sin, peace from those who ridicule or challenge God. God is not mocked, but some still live in the ignorance of not knowing the path they travel. And then there are some who know exactly what they are doing and the fact that it is indeed wrong, yet choose to do it anyway. The seriousness of their condition escapes them, expecting another day that has not been promised.
As revealed in scripture, to be carnally minded is death. We are mortals, held in this body by breath that was given to us by the Almighty God. How fragile the human life. If we considered on a daily basis those on life support, those who die in car accidents, plane crashes, robberies, childbirth, or even in sleep, the perspective of our existence may change from complacency to thanksgiving. We thank people who open doors for us, who pull out a chair, who allow us to cross the street while they sit in a stopped car, and who compliment us on our clothes, but what about thanking Jesus? What about thanking Him for dying for us?
In Jesus Christ, there is no condemnation, that’s not why He came to earth. “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved,” John 3:17, KJV.
Are you saved?
Additional References: Romans 8:1-11, Galatians 5:16-26, John 3:16-21
4 comments:
One thing I have noticed is how many take that little bit of Scripture out of context. In the NAS is says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". The KJV says: 1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Either way, if you read the whole passage talks of walking according to the Spirit and the flesh. But people only want to hear that first little bit to justify doing what they do. That little bit is what is preached today. Many do not often hear, it is death to walk according to the flesh.
I appreciate your message and I pray others will see this.
Hello Kim,
I totally agree. The part that is most left out is "in Christ Jesus". It's sad. Just as my husband said, one would be deceived if not reading the Bible for themselves. Many things I heard as a child I find are quite different when I read the Bible for myself. I see what the scripture means by saying, "Study and show thyself approved."
I pray that others will see it as well. I don't want to shove anything down anybody's throat, but Jesus commanded us to go out and tell others. And I value what He thinks of me over what any man or woman may.
Thanks and feel free to share this blog with friends if you think it may help them.
Amen, Renee. Great blog entry. You are indeed a minister of the pen. Continued blessings to you.
Hey Renee:
You're doing a great job. Continue to be encouraged with your writing.
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