Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Condemnation and Christian are not synonymous. Christ came to set men free from the law of sin and death. As we see in the previous verses (Rom 7:23-25), we have victory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God condemned sin in the flesh by sending His Son to pay the penalty for sin through death. It was a once for all event that set men and women free from the need to be righteous by upholding the law. The law was never meant for us to use as a way to be righteous, rather, it shows us our unrighteousness and inability to be holy before the Father.

Many will try to keep the law and earn their way to heaven. But that becomes bondage to works and self righteousness. Paul teaches us that our performance is rubbish. (Phil 3:8-9) All of our accomplishments, all of our worldly desires, everything we do apart from Christ is simply garbage to God. Our righteousness can only be through faith in Christ Jesus.

Today I am reminded of the verse, “apart from Christ I can do nothing.” (John 15:5) When I begin to think that I am accepted because of what I can do for God I fall back into the condemnation that holds me in bondage. Today I will strive to live in Christ and remember it is His work on the cross that set me free sin and death.

Praise be to God for providing a way to freedom and eternal life for all who believe.

Blessings ~ Keith

PS Lori and I are traveling over the next ten days to Guatemala to spend time seeking the Lord and meeting with some ministry leader’s to pray and plan with us. We are so excited and blessed to take some time of planning,  prayer,  and refreshment as we seek God for his direction for the future. The first leg has been filled with travel changes and new flights and delays,  but we are moving forward with joy in our heart.  (And that’s just trying to get to L.A.)

Please pray for wisdom,  direction,  and courage as we continue living daily in Christ.