Forgiveness in Christ: A Study in Romans 8Sample

In Christ There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. . . . [Nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (vv. 1, 39) As it begins and as it ends, Romans 8 leaves us in the same location: “in Christ.” “In Christ” is a spiritual reality for all who believe in Jesus as Lord and acknowledge him as Savior. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, he defeated the power of sin and death and created for us a new place to live. Christians now can be found at a new address: “in Christ.” Life in Christ begins with an act of God that is embraced by a faith commitment from each of us. It continues with a life submitted to the person and purposes of Christ in the world. It is incoherent to claim to be in Christ but to live in a way contrary to Christ, to “walk according to the flesh,” as the apostle puts it (v. 4). Our faith must be expressed through daily decisions of active obedience. To be in Christ is to pursue Christlikeness wherever we are: offering mercy to those who need mercy, speaking the truth to those living with lies, worshiping God in a world full of idols, giving ourselves for the sake of others rather than seeking self-satisfaction. To be in Christ is both a grace offered and a responsibility given. As you pray , thank God for offering you life in Christ and commit to living your life as Christ lived his.