Romans Chapter 8 begins with this wonderful declaration of what Christ has done for us. These few verses and in fact the rest of the chapter are very precious to me. As followers of Jesus, we no longer have to be trapped by the schemes and plays of Satan. No longer do we have to believe the lies he might tell us about how unworthy and unrighteous we are. Because as Christ declared “It is finished” on the cross, so we have been set free from the “law of sin and death“. In the twinkling of an eye through Christ Jesus we have been made worthy in God’s sight.

When God looks at us he sees no more the blemishes of our human nature. Rather, he sees a glorious perfection made possible by the incredible sacrifice of his son. The law having been fulfilled, no longer do we have to live in fear of condemnation. Instead as Christians we can begin to enjoy the wonderful freedom given us by his grace. Our obedience transforms from being merely a requirement of the law to an expression of our innermost, deepest love for Jesus, and what he has done for us.

As we enter into this love relationship God cannot help himself but bless us. Romans 8:15–16 goes on to say: “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the spirit of sonship. And by him we cry ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

Having had our slates wiped clean, our grounds for future condemnation removed and having been welcomed as God’s children, we have the opportunity to live as “more than conquerors” whereby, God, working all Things for the good of those who love him, promises us that “There is nothing that will be able to separate us from the love of God.” Surely it is as we grasp the implications of these simple yet deep truths that, as a body of Christ, we will be able to take hold of the victory that Christ has already won for us. For through this we will experience a transformation in our lives and as we go out in the world around us.

Jonathan Newbery