Freedom from Condemnation (Romans 8:1–4)
There is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus.
—Romans 8:1
Romans 3:20 declares the “therefore” of condemnation: “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law.”
Conversely, Romans 8:1 declares the “therefore” of no condemnation: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
We make mistakes that would bring us to condemnation under law. But being in Christ puts us in a relationship where we are “set free from the law of sin and death” (v. 2).
Jesus did what the law could not do: he became our sin offering (v. 3).
According to the “law of double jeopardy,” a person cannot be prosecuted twice for the same crime. Since Jesus took your place on the cross, the penalty for your sins has been paid.
The verdict: “No condemnation.”