Romans 8:1 (ESV)
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
The word “now” in Romans 8:1 covers the whole of the dispensation of Christ. In this final dispensation, sin can be overcome and salvation can be secured because Jesus has condemned sin in the flesh (8:4). Now, for those in Christ, there is “no condemnation.”
This is a great contrast from the first covenant God made with His people. Under the law of Moses, condemnation was all but guaranteed because it could not free a person from sin.
Acts 13:38–39 (ESV)
38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
Now that Jesus has condemned sin in the flesh, by dying on the cross, our sins can be washed away by His blood. The only thing man must do is obey the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). Listen to how Paul describes the gospel in the next verse.
Romans 8:2 (ESV)
2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
The gospel is called the “law of the Spirit” because the Holy Spirit is the revelator of it. It is called “the law of the Spirit of life” because that is what it does—it sets one free from sin and gives life. It is revealing that Paul refers to the gospel as law, teaching us that it is not law in general that he contrasts with justification by faith, but a specific law, namely, the law of Moses. Of course, what Paul says about the law of Moses would apply to any law except the gospel because only the gospel includes the blood of Christ. My point, however, is simply this—the gospel is law, and being a law it must be obeyed.
When one obeys the gospel, which demands baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 8:12, 38; 10:48; 16:33), he comes into contact with the blood of Christ by being baptized into His death (Romans 6:3), and his sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). It is at this point that one is set free.
Romans 6:17–18 (NKJV)
17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
I do not know of a more blessed state one can be in here on earth than the state of “no condemnation.” It is a state where God does not count our sins against us because the price for them was paid by His Son (1 Peter 2:24). Paul described this blessed state by quoting David.
Romans 4:6–8 (ESV)
6 Just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
No wonder Paul stressed that we are saved by grace. We are saved, not because we have never sinned, but because, by the mercy of God, we have been forgiven, allowing us to be in this state of “no condemnation.” What a powerful and impactful truth. I hope we always appreciate it.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.