“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1)

This happy condition of not being damned comes only to those in Christ Jesus. Being in Christ evidently refers to those who are obedient to the Gospel having been baptized into His death (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:36-27).

Sin condemns us. In Romans 7, Paul describes mankind’s struggle with sin and the bondage it produces. Sin separates us from God and through it we have sold ourselves into bondage (Rom. 7:14; Isaiah 50:1). But now, through Christ our redeemer, there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Him and walk after the Spirit.

The Law of Moses condemns us. Paul wrote, “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Rom. 7:7). The law itself was holy and good (Rom. 7:12), but it exposed sin and made men conscious of their guilt. Through Christ, however, those who are in Him are freed from the condemnation that comes from transgressing the old law (Rom. 8:2-4).

Satan, is called the accuser (Rev. 12:10; Job 1:9; Zec. 3:1), and there are many who oppose the gospel of Christ and seek to condemn God’s people. “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Rom. 8:33-34). Through Christ, the accusations of the adversary cannot condemn those who remain faithful to Him.

Romans 8:1 specifies this freedom from condemnation is for those “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” It is not a one-time event only, but a continuing walk. To walk after the Spirit is to live according to the teaching revealed by the Holy Spirit through Christ’s Apostles and prophets (John 14:26; 16:13-15; Eph. 3:3-5). Those who are led by the Spirit are those who submit themselves to the word the Spirit revealed (Rom. 8:13-14). Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17), and the written testimony of the Apostles was given so men might believe and have life through Christ (John 20:30-31).

This spiritual blessing provides comfort for those who are in Christ, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1John 5:13). Some may interpret this as once saved always saved, but don’t be confused. We can leave Christ (1Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:12; 6:4-6; 10:26-29) and stop abiding in the doctrine of Christ (2John 1:9-10; John 6:66).

But now, through Christ, there is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ and walk after the Spirit. We are imperfect people, and we have access to forgiveness through Christ. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1).

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