Why There Is No Condemnation To Those In Christ Jesus?

Romans 8:1–2 Therefore, now, there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death.

Why is there “no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus” (v. 1)? Most Christians would answer: “Because Jesus took that condemnation in our place when he died for us on the cross!” Although this is certainly true, the Apostle Paul gives a very different reason: “Because the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the law of sin and death.” (v. 2)

“The law of sin” is the principle which causes a person to live sinfully. Therefore, for God to free us “from the law of sin” means that he empowered us to overcome practical sin and live a life of practical righteousness. Living in sin (living a life of practical sin) results in death (6:21, 23; 7:5, 11, 13, 24). Therefore, by freeing us from the law of sin, God also freed us from the death which would have resulted if we had remained in the sin.

“The law of the spirit of life” is the opposing principle through which God freed us from “the law of sin”. By empowering us with the law of the spirit, this life defeats the death brought about by the law of sin. This “death” is the “condemnation” spoken of in verse 1. This is why it is only “those in Christ Jesus” who can have no condemnation.

So, which is it? The answer is: both! There is no contradiction. In chapters 3–5 of Romans, the Apostle Paul teaches that Jesus saved us by dying for us on the cross. But that is not all. In chapters 6–8, Paul argues that Jesus saved us not only from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin. Therefore, if we really have been saved, it would be evidenced outwardly in a life of practical righteousness.