No Condemnation

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2

I have seen some disturbing things over the years that I have worked with underprivileged kids. One scene that stands out in my mind is from a time I visited the family of one of our kids. I never went inside the house, but I distinctly remember a sign on the front porch that said, “Condemned.” I found that very troubling.

I understand that people do what is necessary to survive, but, for some reason, that house was not fit to live in. It had been condemned. The word condemned carries a heavy weight. To be condemned means to be unfit for use. It can also mean to be disproved of or sentenced to death. 

This describes the condition of our hearts without Christ. But as believers in Christ, we are no longer condemned. Romans 8 tells us there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Sin no longer has power over you. Does that mean we do everything right? Not hardy. In the previous chapter, Paul describes the struggle we all experience as believers in Christ. He calls himself a miserable person and begs the question, “Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” “Thank God!” He says, “The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

You can take the sign off the porch. You are no longer condemned. It is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. (Gal. 2:20) There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.