“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)
The story of American independence reminds us of the huge sacrifice that was paid by so many in order to secure our nation’s freedom. Still, that reality can never compare to the greater freedom declared by God, purchased by the blood of His Son, and secured for His people from eternity.
Before the world was formed, God ordained that a people would be set free—not from earthly tyranny but from the greater oppression of sin and death. And this liberation was not secured by ink on parchment but by the blood of the spotless Lamb of God. Christ bore the full weight of the law’s curse, and in doing so, freed His people from condemnation forever.
That means believers are no longer under wrath. “Immediately on his receiving Christ by faith, God declares in the court of heaven, that he is no longer under wrath, but under grace.”[1] They are no longer slaves to sin’s dominion. They are not defined by their failures, nor left to earn favor by keeping a law they could never satisfy. Rather, they are in Christ—joined to Him by faith—and so stand before God justified, accepted, and free.
Yet many Christians live as though they are still condemned. Though Christ has won the victory, they continue to live as prisoners, shackled by guilt and shame, forgetting the finished work of the cross. But Scripture declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation….” None. Even now.
Moreover, the believer’s freedom cannot be earned by moral effort or religious achievement. It is a gift. And if the Son has made us free, then we are free indeed (John 8:36). That includes freedom from fear of judgment, freedom from bondage to sin, freedom from the tyranny of guilt, and freedom to walk in newness of life by the power of the Spirit.
What God has declared, no enemy can undo. What He has signed with the blood of Christ cannot be erased by Satan’s accusations or by our lingering doubts. Believers have been made alive by the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, and this Spirit is the guarantee of eternal life to come.
So we must not live as if we are still under condemnation but rather rejoice in the liberty that cost the Son everything to secure. We are no longer slaves, we are sons. We are no longer condemned, we are beloved.
Contemplations:
- I Forget What I’m Free From. There are days when I carry guilt as though Christ never died. But “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). Why do I live as though the verdict is still out?
- I Treat Grace Lightly. Jesus paid the ultimate price for my liberty, yet I sometimes treat sin as if it’s small. I forget that freedom in Christ was not cheap. Lord, teach me to tremble at the cost You paid to make me Your own.
- I Resist Living in the Spirit. I still struggle to surrender daily because my flesh wants to take control of my choices. But Your Spirit calls me to walk in step with Christ, to yield in obedience, and to live as one made new. Help me embrace the freedom You’ve secured for me, Lord, and not keep returning to the yoke of bondage.
- I Fear Future Judgment. Though I believe Your Word, Lord, fear still creeps in. But You have said, “There is therefore now no condemnation.” That is a present and unchanging truth. Help me live in that peace and assurance.
Prayer
[Confession to the Father]
Righteous Father, You have declared freedom for those who are in Christ Jesus, yet I confess how often I live as though I am still enslaved. Though the law of the Spirit of life has made me free, I still often walk with the weight of guilt, with a heart prone to fear judgment. I forget the victory that was purchased at so great a cost, and I doubt what You have plainly said: “There is therefore now no condemnation.”
Lord, forgive me. Forgive me for treating lightly the cross of Christ. Forgive me for listening to the accusations of the enemy more than I trust the voice of Your Spirit. Forgive me for the pride that insists on trying to earn what You have freely given. You secured my liberty with the blood of Your Son. Teach me not to return to the law of sin and death from which You have delivered me.
I confess that I often walk in the flesh. I forget that Your Spirit dwells within me, longing to lead me in righteousness. I am quick to give in to temptation and slow to yield to Your voice. I live as though the power of sin still rules me, when You have broken its grip and raised me to walk in newness of life. Lord, have mercy.
I confess my blindness to Your grace. I forget how rich a gift You have given me in Christ, and I neglect the promises that are mine. I look for hope in my performance rather than resting in the finished work of my Savior. Father, wash me afresh in the truth that Christ is enough—that His death has paid my debt in full, and His life secures my eternity.
Let me never treat lightly the freedom You have declared. Let me never presume upon Your grace or ignore the cost. Cleanse me from self-reliance, from fear, from forgetfulness. And renew a steadfast spirit within me—a heart that walks in confidence, peace, and joy, knowing that I belong to You forever.
You have said that I shall never perish, that no one shall pluck me from Your hand. Help me believe that truth, Lord. And help me live it. As I look to the day of resurrection, give me hope that I will be raised not to judgment but to everlasting life with You.
Through Christ alone, my righteousness and my peace, I confess and pray. Amen.
Further References for Romans 8:1–2
Psalm 119:45; Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; Romans 6:22; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1, 13–14; Colossians 1:21–22; 1 Peter 2:16.
[1] Herman Witsius, The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man, 3:8:59.
