The Journey of Salvation
Romans 8:1-4 NLT —
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
I have often struggled with the first part of this chapter. It begins with the triumphant line that ‘there is no condemnation’ for us; but it goes on to explain how we ‘no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.’ I don’t know about you but has not been my experience.
Why do I still sin? Jesus died and I have the Holy Spirit living in me yet, based on my actions, my mind is not firmly set on the same desires as the Spirit. If this resonates with you, be reassured – you are not alone.
The chapter starts ‘so now’; the ESV translation uses ‘therefore’. This continues from Romans 7 where Paul describes, in a real and relatable way, the daily battle he and we face with sin. In Romans 7:25 he says:
‘So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.’
The description of how we live free from condemnation and in accordance with the Spirit is framed by an acknowledgement of our desire to obey him, despite our sinfulness. Romans 8 does not contain an expected gold standard; rather, it shows God’s kindness in partnering with us to help us to live free from sin.
Jesus’ sacrifice means that our ultimate salvation is guaranteed. But our God is so good that he wants us to experience salvation now, with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:25 describes living by the Spirit’ as keeping ‘in step with the Spirit’. Stepping is not standing still but moving forward – on a journey.
Prayer- Father, I’m sorry for the sin in my life; thank you for your forgiving grace! Spirit, help me to walk with you, and grow day by day into the freedom promised to me.