8:1
From the gloom of chapter 7 we move to the delights of Romans 8. However, Rom 7:6 gave us a hint of the light, talking about serving in the new way of the Spirit. Chapter 8 also continues the theme of the futility of serving out of the flesh, out of our human nature. It is so vital that we appreciate this futility, for our default position is to try and please God by our own efforts.
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ”. Being “in Christ” is the key to everything, the foundation on which we must build”. Everything stems from Christ, and Jesus said “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). How is there “no condemnation”? I think this occurs in two ways. Formally, or legally, we are no longer under condemnation. Christ has paid the penalty for our sins, and His righteousness has been imputed to us. Paul has spoken about this in the early chapters of Romans, but now he is more concerned with the experiential side. Wanting to do the right thing, to please God, but ending up doing the exact opposite brings about feelings of hopelessness and condemnation (Rom 7:18). This chapter talks about a new way of living. We are not completely transformed in an instant, but we are set on a fruitful road.
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