“There is therefore now no condemnation to them that 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 made me free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1-2, ASVBT)
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is explaining that for those who are in a relationship with Jesus Christ and live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, there is no condemnation. “Condemnation” refers to the judgment and punishment for sin that humanity deserves according to God’s law. Therefore, repentant sinners would not be condemned. Those who remain “in Christ Jesus” and who follow the leading of the Holy Ghost are free from this condemnation. This means that through their faith in Jesus and their submission to the Spirit’s guidance, they are no longer held guilty for their sins and do not face eternal punishment.
Paul contrasts this freedom from condemnation with the “law of sin and death.” This refers to the power and consequences of sin, which lead to spiritual death. However, the “law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” has overcome the law of sin and death. This means that through faith in Jesus, believers have been set free from the power of sin and its ultimate consequences.
