No Longer Condemned: Motivated by Love

Romans 8 begins with an important truth:

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2

Great! That means since I’m a Christian, I can do whatever I want without fear of punishment or criticism. Right? Wrong. 

Condemnation is the final sentence of death for unrepentant sinners, and Christ-followers are no longer under that death sentence (Romans 6:23). Instead, we are under the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21), filled with the Holy Spirit who equips us to obey (John 14:15-17), and passionate about maturing in our faith (Philippians 2:12-13). 

Being free from condemnation makes us more responsible for our behavior, not less. Why? Because we represent Christ (1 Peter 2:9), and we prove our love for Christ through obedience to His commands (John 14:21). 

When we sin:

✔ Fellow believers confront us—Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1, James 5:19-20, 1 Corinthians 5:12. 

✔ Our Heavenly Father disciplines and punishes us—Deuteronomy 8:5; Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:6. 

✔ Our loving Savior rebukes us—Revelation 3:19. 

✔  We genuinely repent—1 John 1:8-10.

Romans 8:1-2 contain a wonderful message about our release from the sentence of death and our new life which is marked by loving obedience to our Lord. 

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These devotions can add to the information in this devotion:

God Punishes

Does God punish Christians or do we simply suffer from consequences? This 1-minute devotion shares the answer from Scripture.

 

Is Sin Its Own Punishment? 

This 1-minute devotion examines the false statement: "Sin is its own punishment." It's important to understand that this is only a half-truth.

 

Discipline, Punishment, Condemnation

A Scriptural understanding of three terms that are often used incorrectly.

Bible Love Notes