NO CONDEMNATION!

NO CONDEMNATION!

Rom 8:1-4

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

           The words “righteous” and “righteousness” seem to refer to the conformity to some generally acceptable standard of being and doing. Thayer says that righteousness is “the state of him who is such as he ought to be.” Prior to the giving of the law, cultural custom established what was right and the general population either conformed or not. Non-conformists were “unrighteous.”

           The Decalogue, or the Ten Commandments, specifically spelled out God’s standard of acceptable behavior. Within the list are both dos and don’ts. “To be sure, in the days of later Pharisaism righteousness came to be so much a matter of externals that the inner intent was often lost sight of altogether (Matt 23:23); but, on the whole and in the main, Christian thought in all ages has recognized as the central element in righteousness the intention to be and do right.” (from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia.)

           Jesus came to change the paradigm of righteousness. Because man had failed in doing, Jesus came to introduce righteousness by being. Now the righteousness without the law is introduced (Romans 3:21). Yet Jesus explained that he did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-20). The Law promoted conformity to deeds and creeds while Jesus introduced righteousness through relationship. We who are unrighteous are declared to be righteous through relationship with Christ.

           Conformity to God’s standards, obligation to obey and accountability for disobedience has not been removed but Jesus has introduced a new means of reckoning (Ephesians 2:8-10). Salvation is by grace without conformity to the law but that relationship does not remove responsibility. We are His workmanship unto (epi) good works. So, while good works do not produce salvation, salvation should produce good works. I am unrighteous but I have been infused with the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This new relationship empowers me and enables me to progressively conform to the image of Christ.

Dear Jesus, once again I have failed to explain the incomprehensible. This is as it should be. The grace of God that brings salvation is contrary to every standard of man. Because you suffered I am released. Because you obeyed, my disobedience is forgiven. Thank you for your wonderful salvation. AMEN