What is the "therefore" there for? Romans 8:1
Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 The New Revised Standard Version 8 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
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Tim Maas
Supporter
In my opinion, by saying "Therefore" in the cited verse, Paul was referring back to the point that he had made in the previous chapter (in Romans 7:24-25) with regard to the reason why Christians were no longer subject to condemnation for being unable to fully comply with God's Law, since they had been saved through faith in Christ.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
The war with sin inside a Christian climaxes in Romans 7:24—"Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" The Answer: Jesus Christ (Romans 7:25) He immediately points to Christ: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 8: The Victory in Christ After that intense struggle, Romans 8:1 comes as a breath of fresh air: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” The key phrase: “in Christ Jesus”—our freedom is not found in trying harder, but in belonging to Christ. Then Paul builds on this: Romans 8:2—The “law of the Spirit of life” has set us free from the “law of sin and death.” Why This Matters The “therefore” in Romans 8:1 is Paul saying: Because of our struggle with sin (Romans 7), Because Christ has set us free (Romans 7:25), We are not condemned! (Romans 8:1) Instead of living under the fear of judgment, we now walk in the Spirit, no longer enslaved to sin. So [in] "Romans 8:1. 'Therefore now' connects with Rom. 7:25. Being freed through Jesus Christ, there is therefore no condemnation now." --Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament. Here's a great recommendation! Scripture memory songs are a fantastic way to internalize God's Word, especially powerful verses like Romans 8:1-2. Could I recommend "No Condemnation - Romans 8:1-2" Scripture Memory song? Look for it: Scripture Memory Songs - No Condemnation (Romans 8: 1-2)
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