The Believer’s Freedom From Condemnation
Rev. Aniekan "Mbomboyo" Okokon ·
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. — Romans 8:1
Condemnation is a verdict. It is what a judge says at the end of a trial, and it has consequences. Paul uses the legal word deliberately and then makes the most sweeping statement of Romans: for those in Christ Jesus, there is none. Not less. None. And not eventually. Now.
Where it comes from
Condemnation comes from three directions. From the law, which rightly convicts every sinner. From the accuser, whose name means what he does. And from ourselves, who know our own record better than anyone. All three are silenced by the same fact: the sentence they would pass has already been carried out on Someone else.
Who has the right to condemn
Paul asks the question in Romans 8:33–34 and answers it. "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." The only One with the right to condemn is the One who died for you and is praying for you now. He is not going to.
Conviction is not condemnation
The Spirit does convict believers, and the difference matters. Conviction names a sin and points to the cross; it draws you near. Condemnation names you and points to the exit; it drives you away. One is the voice of a Father correcting a son. The other is the voice of the accuser, and it has been overruled.
Living free of it
- When guilt speaks, ask whether it is leading you to Christ or away from Him. Only the first is from God.
- Confess quickly. Confession is what free people do; hiding is what the condemned do.
- Refuse the sentence. You are not permitted to condemn what God has justified, even when the defendant is you.
There is now no condemnation. It is the standing law of the kingdom for everyone in Christ, and you are in Christ.