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Romans 8:1
The Apostle Paul gives us a statement in Romans 8:1 (NKJV) that speaks for itself, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” The most important part of this verse is that we must acknowledge that it has two parts: (1) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1a). This is the celebration of our salvation in Christ Jesus, but we must also recognize the part that comes after the comma. (2) We must realize, understand, and acknowledge that the first part of this statement is only true for those who adhere to the second part of the statement. This is a truth that has a stipulation. The stipulation is the part after the comma which states, “who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1b).
This is a promise that those who have opened their hearts to Christ Jesus are set free from condemnation.
This is a promise that being set free from condemnation is only for those who walk in a way that is reflective of Jesus.
We must not overlook the requirement in grasping the desired result. We must not believe falsely that we can be assured of our salvation in Christ Jesus if we are not striving to live lives that are reflective of Him. John 1:12-13 (NIV) declares, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” When we are “born again”, we are born into a new life – a change is made from the life that we once lived in the sinful nature to a new life that is different in our daily walk as living for Christ Jesus is different than living in the sinful nature.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to see that living for Christ Jesus is having a change of heart that is a change of direction in the path of life that we are living. Our “works” or “actions” are reflective of who we are following in our hearts. Please help us to, “not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” Romans 8:1b (NKJV). In Jesus name I pray, amen.