Romans: Rooted in Jesus, No Condemnation

Each of the past few weeks I’ve asked a version of this question, “What would it be like to live as someone justified before God?” I dare say that none of us have thoroughly processed the answer to that question. We know this truth intellectually, but we still relate to ourselves, God, and others, based on our performance. We love control, we’re addicted to duty, order, our rights, and our outward performance. We gossip, complain, defend ourselves, boast, and criticize others. All of these are efforts to build and defend our own self-righteousness. (Thoughts taken from Jack Miller’s Sonship series.)

Since chapter one of Romans, the apostle has presented the reality of our sinfulness and God’s just condemnation; there are none who are righteous. As members of Adam’s dynasty, we are bound to sin, judgment, and death; we cannot produce or make ourselves righteous. Then, in chapter three, Paul presents God’s righteousness provided in Christ, and now, in chapter eight, presents the relief of grace in the precious words, “no condemnation.” What relief! Join us Sunday, as we worship our Savior and rejoice in divine acquittal.