I hear “The wait Is over, this Is the moment of your lifting!”

God’s Grace in Romans — No More Condemnation!

We saw from out last discussion that we are altogether wretched, completely impotent of serving God in our strength, however, blessed be God for the glorious life of Christ at work in us. Then the apostle continues;

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

You see, there are three words from the above verse that are needful in reconnoitering the subject of no condemnation right before us. The words; “therefore,” “now,” and “no,”

First; ‘therefore,’ which is a conjunction term used in drawing conclusion from a previous discussion. This word therefore means “For that reason” “consequently” or “in consequence of,” as defined by various English dictionaries.

So for what reason did Paul make the above conclusion of no condemnation? This is where we have to remember his previous discussion in the forgoing chapter. We saw him conclude in the last two verses about his wretched state, Romans 7:24-25;

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:24-25.

Where he differentiates his flesh from his spirit, that the flesh even after salvation is still under the effects of sin , however, his spirit is alive to God. This means that he is not totally free from the presence of sin – though free from its inherent nature (Romans 7:21).

This is why he concludes “I myself serve (present continuous tense) with the flesh – the law of sin.”

So how can he be guiltless before a perfectly holy God? He now finds the answer in Romans 8:1

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”

Therefore, this answer is not freedom for sinless people but absolute freedom from the guilt and condemnation of the presence of sin for wretched believer; those who are alive to their weak and hopeless condition in themselves outside of Christ.

Why do I say absolute freedom?

The word “now,” is from the Greek word “NUN” meaning “the immediate present” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). ‘Now’ is “a primary particle of present time; (Strong’s Concordance).

So this speaks of a present condition of guiltlessness and not a future state.

Then we have “no” from the Greek word “OUDEIS” a term of forceful emphasis meaning “not even one…i.e. none” (Strong’s Concordance).

Therefore, there is not even one jot, iota, whit, atom, bit, speck, title, dot, or mite of condemnation for the man in Christ. Once a man enters into Christ, though there may still be manifestations of the presence of sin, however, he is totally free from the guilt and condemnation of sin – from God.

Now you may ask; why did pastor emphasis – from God?

The next part of the verse explains it; “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Now remember Paul showed us clearly that he tried walking after the flesh, that is — he tried serving God by the power of his flesh but instead of finding freedom he discovered he was all the more condemned.

Believers don’t walk in the flesh, for we are not in the flesh but in Spirit (Romans 8:8), however, we can walk after the flesh.

Now if we walk after the flesh, that is; if we try to serve God under the power of our flesh, we will discover how wretched we are and we will be condemned, but “NOT BY GOD,” our heart will rather condemn us the same way Paul’s heart condemned him.

If we walk after the flesh in the way of sin, condemnation will “Never” come from God as long as we are in Christ, rather, God will deal with us to help us come out of the sin so we won’t be condemned rather (1Corinthians 11:32).

However, if we stay there long enough Satan will condemn us, and our heart will also condemn us even though God is not angry or counting our sins against us.

So we walk after the spirit, that is; we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for power, righteousness, holiness, wisdom, and all things, this way when we fail, our eyes are still on Christ as our righteousness so we are not condemned.

We were never looking to the flesh where there is no good thing so our hearts stand steadfast on Christ receiving forgiveness and righteousness, hence we are not condemned.

Our hearts receive the flow of the love of God; his forgiveness and perfect justification for the ungodly flows continuously into our hearts, enabling us to serve him acceptably in his unconditional and unmerited grace.

Confession

Blessed be God, the life of Christ is now my source of strength and righteousness.

I stand in Christ justified, qualified for every blessing. God’s nature of righteousness is at work in me, producing life and wholeness.

Every sphere of my life is invigorated with the miracle-working power of God.

I live continuously in favour, power and glory.

Praise Jesus!

Prophetic Insight

I see sons and daughters of The LORD who have waited on him for so long for the blessing. As I sat with The LORD in prayer, I heard The LORD say to many;

“The wait is over; this is the moment of your lifting.

I AM no longer resting, until I see My Glory cover your life as the waters cover the sea.

My Anointing will now burn as a flame bringing deliverance and lifting, just like I have promised.

It is time dear one, your wait is over”

“For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.” Isaiah 62:1.

 

Blessings in Christ,
~ Pastor Jahfas Victor Ahua
Living Hill Christian Church.

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Jahfas Victor Ahua, presiding pastor, Living Hill Christian Church with a vision to restore the earth to the Gospel of God’s Grace.
Books: A Sure Foundation, The Truth About The Gospel, Galatians Commentary

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