No Condemnation
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
This is probably one of the most reassuring verses in all of scripture. No Judgment. Sounds almost too good to be true. What does it mean?
This statement is the starting point for an extended section in the book of Romans where the apostle Paul explains the absolute security of the believer. This doctrine, also sometimes referred to as “the perseverance of the saints”, was hotly disputed in the early 1600’s by the followers of Jacob Arminius and John Calvin.
In dueling documents, the Remonstrants and the Canon’s of Dort, the essential points of dispute were laid out. In the Canon’s of Dort there is a whole section that summarizes the Biblical teaching on this issue. Below are several of the truth’s they expressed:
Whom God calls, according to his purpose, to the communion of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and regenerates by the Holy Spirit, he delivers also from the dominion and slavery of sin in this life; though not altogether from the body of sin, and from the infirmities of the flesh, so long as they continue in this world.
Hence spring daily sins of infirmity, and hence spots adhere to the best works of the saints; which furnish them with constant matter for humiliation before God, and flying for refuge to Christ crucified; for mortifying the flesh more and more by the spirit of prayer, and by holy exercises of piety; and for pressing forward to the goal of perfection, till being at length delivered from this body of death, they are brought to reign with the Lamb of God in heaven.
By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength. But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.
Amen!!
Because of grace,
Tim
