There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 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: Romans 8:1-3

So while in the previous chapter, the Apostle Paul was revealing to us the “bad news”, that we are all wretched sinners that are condemned by The Law. In this chapter, Paul is bringing us the “good news” or the gospel, that we are saved and redeemed through Jesus Christ!

The first verse is a great proclamation, “therefore there is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” The first observation of this text is if you compare this scripture in the different English translations, the second part of this verse is missing “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” Now some will make the arguments, this second part didn’t exist in some manuscripts, however I think the second part is important and most likely was there. While there is No condemnation in Christ, this doesn’t mean we can live as a sinner with no consequences. 

Notice the scripture states “In Christ Jesus” do you abide in The Lord? As Jesus said “Abide in Me, and I in You” (John 15:4) If you are abiding in Christ, you are not following the flesh, but the Holy Spirit. Those who say they are in Christ yet follow the flesh are deceived. The flesh and The Spirit are in complete opposition to each other. So we walk not after the flesh, which is carnally minded, but we walk with The Holy Spirit

The Apostle Paul then continues “For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus as made me free from The Law of Sin and Death” Again we seen the contrast, The Law of the Spirit vs The Law of Sin. You can’t be following both, “Nobody can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24) Notice also the Apostle Paul states again “In Christ Jesus” we are made free. Again do you abide in Christ and Christ abides in You. Are you yoked to The Lord? Do you truly love The Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength?

So how are we set free? How is there no condemnation in Christ Jesus? The Apostle Paul states “God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh” Jesus Christ became flesh and died in our place on the cross! Christ said on the cross “It Is Finished”, there is no condemnation for those who repent and put their faith in The Lord for salvation, Abide in Christ, and Christ will Abide in You! Amen!