A couple of days ago as I was studying, I came across an old familiar passage, Romans 8:1. We have all quoted this verse on countless occasions I am sure. And maybe like me, not necessarily quoting out of King James Version (KJV). Now in all honesty; I do not particularly care of this version on most times. I think my favorite is the English Standard Version (ESV). But as I was studying this passage, I realized my favorite version was not revealing all.
Romans 8:1 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Simple, effective and the meaning is conveyed that condemnation is not of GOD; right?
Well now read the same verse again:
Romans 8:1 (KJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Whoa! There is more to the Scripture. “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” This is probably well known to most of you. However; even though I have read it in other Scriptures, and probably have even read the KJV of this, still it is enlightening to say the least. The “no condemnation” part is conditional?
Here is my take on this. YES! But not to the effect we immediately go to. Let me build my case before you shoot me down please. First and foremost, we know the Bible is according to Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
If we look closely, even in the Old Testament there is a statement about condemnation.
“Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ – Ezekiel 33:12 (NIV)
So then, what is repentance? And how do we as Christians go about it?
The sacrifices of GOD are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O GOD, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 (ESV)
“There is no peace,” says my GOD, for the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21 (ESV)
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2Corinthians 7:10 (ESV)
It takes more than just being sorry. As I have heard it put once, Judas was sorry. No, repentance is a heart altering, life changing act. For me, a time where I am on my knees or prone on the floor with true tears and a broken heart. But the grace, the love, the peace that comes after that is amazing.
Getting back to the original point, walking after the Spirit instead of the flesh. Just yesterday I had a co-worker tell me that he can easily get in the flesh. How this man is not saved and is struggling with that. But it spoke to my heart. I do not want to struggle with it. I want to choose the Spirit and stay in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25 ESV). But as Scripture points out, we all fall short of the glory of GOD. Repentance is our only alternative. But let us not continue to do nothing but walk around moping all the time. Repent and then enjoy walking in the Spirit of the Living and Loving GOD!
So live like CHRIST, walk in the Spirit and not the flesh. Thereby not hindering the grace of GOD.
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