There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit, ROM 8:1.
The verse before us for consideration begins with; "There is therefore..."
The word "therefore" directs us to take notice of what is said in preceding
chapter or verses.
In the previous chapter, ROM 7, Paul tells of the spiritual warfare that takes place in
his heart. There the apostle Paul explains how sin has become exceedingly sinful, but he
finds that sin still dwells in his heart.
In the previous chapter, Paul explains how the carnal mind strives against the Spirit
of Christ, and the Spirit of Christ strives against the carnal mind.
Paul says in ROM 7:18- 19, "For I know that in me (that is in my flesh,) dwelleth
no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I
find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I
do."
Paul goes on to describe this spiritual warfare in verses 24-25 where he says, "O
wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death? I thank God through
Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the
flesh the law of sin." Paul's heart's desire was to be delivered from the power of
sin.
This is what is meant in our chapter beginning with, "There is therefore now no
condemnation to them which are in Christ." It's telling us that Christ has taken the
penalty of that sin. Christ has suffered for that sin if we have the spirit of Christ.
