“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” — Romans 8:1-4
Greatest Chapter in the Bible
Sports fans love to argue. Who is the greatest basketball player ever, Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Who is the greatest quarterback ever, Tom Brady or Joe Montana? Who is the greatest hockey player ever, Mario Lemieux or Wayne Gretzky? Perhaps as a Christian, you’ve wondered what is the greatest chapter in the Bible. Could it be John 3? Ephesians 2? Some would argue that Romans 8 is the greatest. Romans 8 is full of God-glorifying, life-changing truth.
In Romans 8:1, we find that everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ is no longer condemned. The word “condemnation” is a legal term that means to be found guilty of an offense and receive a penalty for being found guilty.
I’ve been doing prison ministry for just as long as I’ve been doing sports ministry, and one thing I’ve found is that many inmates fundamentally understand this concept of condemnation. The state has condemned them because of a crime they committed, but if they have trusted Christ, God no longer condemns them.
At times, when we sin, we still may feel condemned, but the truth is, in Christ, we are no longer condemned. Remember that. Press into that. There is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus! We have an eternal relationship with a holy God because Jesus Christ has canceled the penalty of sin. Thank God that you are no longer condemned.
— Ikki Soma, Houston Rockets chaplain
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