There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
What does Romans 8:1 mean?
Believers may be chastened of the Lord, but will not be condemned with the world. By their union with Christ through faith, they are thus secured.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Romans 8:1-5 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Romans 8:1
There is, therefore, now - This is connected with the closing verses of Romans 7 . The apostle had there shown that the Law could not effect deliverance from sin, but that such deliverance was to be traced to the gospel alone; Romans 7:23-25 . It is implied here that there was condemnation under the Law, and would be still, but for the intervention of the gospel. No condemnation - This does not mean that sin in believers is not to be condemned as much as any where, for the contrary is everywhere taught in the Scriptures; but it means, (1) That the gospel does not pronounce condemnation like the Law.
Key words
- not one condemnation
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not one condemnation.
- not one condemnation
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not one condemnation.
Context in Romans 8
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Romans 8 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as justification and Abraham. Romans is Paul’s fullest sustained exposition of sin, grace, righteousness, faith, Israel, the Spirit, and transformed life in Christ. Read this chapter with the wider themes of justification, grace, and faith in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.
Passages on the nature of sin, its consequences, God's judgment, repentance, and the way of forgiveness through Christ.