There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus – a sermon on Romans 8:1 by Rev. Colin Pretorius.

In all of our lives there come certain moments that change everything. Sometimes these events occur on a global scale, like the Covid pandemic. Sometimes they’re on a regional scale, such as the devastation we see happening in Ukraine at the moment, or the floods we had recently. Sometimes things happen that have a major influence on one person’s life, but other people are not affected by it at all. If for example I were to tell you that in 1975 a 68-year-old railway worker died of a heart attack, it would most likely not mean much to you. If I told you his son tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate him, you’d probably think that it would’ve had a big impact on that boy’s life, and you’d be right, for it shaped a large part of my life. But it certainly didn’t have any impact on you. And I’m sure that in the same way there have been things that have happened that have caused upheaval in your lives but have had little or no impact on others’ lives.

Brothers and sisters, why am I telling you all this? Simply to draw the huge contrast with an event in another town, just on 2000 years ago.

• • This wasn’t just an event which influenced a few people.
  • It wasn’t an event that impacted on someone just for a few months or years.
  • It wasn’t an event that had implications just a few generations later.

This was an event that would shake the ancient world. It was an event and it is an event that continues to influence the world, even today. For many centuries there had been a promise of a Saviour. And some 2000 years ago, that Promised One had come. Not only had he come, He had also been nailed to a cross. Yes, the long awaited Messiah had come and He had died. But amazingly, gloriously, miraculously, He had also risen from that death.

And friends, in His death and resurrection, there is life! There is life for those who believe in Him, there is forgiveness and there is no condemnation. This is what Paul is on about in this magnificent chapter of his letter to the Romans: Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures! And because He died for our sins, there is no more condemnation! This is what Paul is on about, and what a brilliant message that is! What great news, it’s the best news you’ll ever hear! You can listen to as many sermons as you like, but you’ll never here a better message than what Paul is saying right here in our passage:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

This wonderful text of assurance opens up neatly into four parts:

• • Therefore
  • No condemnation
  • Now
  • Those in Christ Jesus

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