Guilty!? The Awesomeness of God’s Grace in the Letter to the Romansნიმუში

No condemnation in spite of sin

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:24-25a (ESV)

In Romans 7, the apostle complains that his existence is bound by death due to sin. Paul came to faith and he has turned to Jesus; however, he is still confronted by the power of sin. This grieves him and he experiences his impotence when trying to conquer sin. He doesn’t think, “everyone makes mistakes”. No, God is holy and He hates sin. So Paul sees his sin as a huge depressing problem for which he needs deliverance.

But then Paul focuses his attention on the Holy Spirit, who has the power over the sin that is burdening Paul. The Spirit grants new life in Jesus Christ. Paul thanks God, our Rescuer, and changes his tone and writes in chapter 8: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, ESV).

Paul continues to address the topic of the Law. Its objective is to give us life, but the Law fails. Thus Paul calls the Law “the law of sin and death” (v.2) We don’t receive life by means of the Law, but through God’s Spirit, who freely gives to all who belong to Jesus Christ. Paul shares the good news that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

It is somewhat puzzling that Paul begins chapter 8 with condemnation. In the fifth chapter we read that we are justified by faith, so the relationship with God is healed through our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. We are no longer under judgment, and we cannot be lost. Why does Paul reintroduce condemnation? He experiences the power of sin in his life. Are we still being judged? Will God let him alone? Paul’s response is that God does liberate us through the strength of another power, the Holy Spirit. It is He who gives you life in Christ. As a result of the work of the Holy Spirit, you become part of the resurrection of Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ lives in your heart. The Holy Spirit prepares you to submit to Jesus Christ as your king. If you bow to Him, He will protect you from all sin and the influence of evil, against temptation and against Satan. Jesus Christ desires, through His Spirit, to live in you and to defeat the power of sin over you.