“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...” Rom 8:1
My brother had a goal of climbing the tallest mountain in each state of the United States. I was going to join him on the climbs in the states nearest New Mexico. We climbed Guadalupe Peak in Texas, Wheeler Peak in New Mexico and Humphreys Peak in Arizona. Each time, after much hard work, we would reach the summit full of joy and awe. We generally, would pause and rest there (unless there was a blizzard) and enjoy the views. This is how I feel upon reaching Romans 8. It’s a summit, highlighting lofty truth about our grace-based relationship with God. While we’re in this chapter, take some time and enjoy the views and find refreshment.
This summit chapter begins with a statement for all who have entered into a relationship with God based on grace. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” We do not try to avoid His wrath by our actions nor do we try to gain His favor by our actions. His favor toward us is not earned. We enter into this grace relationship by faith.
We’ve seen in the previous 2 chapters that this grace is not conducive to sinning more, rather it has the opposite affect. It delivers us from being ruled by the sinful nature that resides in every human being…the same nature that manifests itself to an even greater degree when under law. It results in being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ death for His enemies - that’s you and me - made this kind of relationship possible.
We learned the driving force behind the unearned actions of God on our behalf in chapter 5. It was love…passionate love…directed not only toward the masses but toward you and me as an individuals. Give the Lord praise for His love and grace!
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