There’s No Condemnation - Linda Bailey
This post is based on a sermon from One Church by Linda Bailey, part of our Romans 8 series.
The passage explored was Romans 8: 1–4, one of the most hope-filled declarations in Scripture:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
In this message, Linda unpacks why Paul can make such a bold claim — and what it means for those who follow Jesus today.
Below, you’ll find an accessible reflection on this passage and how it speaks into our everyday lives, along with discussion questions to help you go deeper.
The Big Shift from Romans 7 to Romans 8
In Romans 7, Paul describes the tension we all feel — wanting to do what’s right, yet constantly finding ourselves falling short. He writes, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” (Romans 7:21)
Then, without warning, Romans 8 opens with a breathtaking reversal:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
It’s as if Paul moves from despair to joy in a single breath. But what makes this possible? What changed between chapters 7 and 8?
Linda explained that the key lies in the word “therefore” — a word that always points back to what has come before and forward to what is now true because of it. The hopelessness of Romans 7 is met by the power of the gospel in Romans 8.
The Meaning of “No Condemnation”
Paul’s choice of words is striking. The term condemnation is a legal term, referring to a guilty verdict followed by punishment. Spiritually speaking, humanity stands guilty before a holy God — yet Paul says that for those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no longer any sentence to serve.
Why? Because Jesus, the Messiah, has already taken that sentence upon Himself. He fulfilled the requirements of the law perfectly and bore our punishment at the cross.
“Through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8: 2)
This means that the law — once a mirror revealing our sin — no longer condemns us. Instead, through Christ, we are invited into a new way of life: the way of the Spirit.
From the Law of Sin and Death to the Law of the Spirit
Linda reminded us that when Paul speaks of the law of sin and death, he isn’t criticising the Old Testament law itself. The law was good and holy — a gift from God intended to show His people how to live in relationship with Him. The problem wasn’t the law; it was our human weakness.
Because of sin, even God’s good law could only expose our failures — not heal them. But God did what the law couldn’t do:
“For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.” (Romans 8: 3)
Jesus took on human likeness — fully God, yet fully human — and became the once-for-all sin offering. On the cross, God didn’t condemn His Son; He condemned sin itself.
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the power of sin and death was broken, and the Spirit of God was released to bring life and freedom.
Love as the Fulfilment of the Law
Paul continues:
“…in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8: 4)
The “righteous requirement” refers to everything the law was meant to achieve — ultimately, love.
As Jesus Himself summarised, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind… and love your neighbour as yourself.” (Matthew 22: 37-39)
Linda noted that loving others — especially those who frustrate or hurt us — is often beyond our natural capacity. That’s why we need the Spirit. The Holy Spirit fills us with divine love that we cannot manufacture on our own.
“We don’t have to live by our own strength. The Spirit of God lives within us, assuring us that we are loved, forgiven, and free.”
When we live according to the Spirit, we’re not trying to earn God’s approval — we’re living out of the freedom He’s already given.
Connecting to Our Lives
Why Do We Still Sin If There’s No Condemnation?
Even though Christ has set us free, we still experience temptation and failure. We still live in what Paul calls “the flesh” — our human weakness. But there’s a crucial difference now: our failures don’t define us.
Jesus stands as our advocate before the Father, continually reminding heaven that the debt has already been paid. God is not a “dodgy cashier” charging us twice. His throne is built on righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14). The price was paid once and for all.
When we stumble, we don’t return to condemnation. We return to relationship.
Why Do We Still Ask for Forgiveness?
Linda used the image of a family to explain this beautifully. When a child disobeys a loving parent, they don’t cease to be part of the family. Asking for forgiveness doesn’t reinstate their position — it restores relationship.
In the same way, when we confess our sins to God, we’re not re-entering His family; we’re repairing closeness with Him.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”( 1 John 1: 9)
Living Free in the Spirit
When we truly believe that there is no condemnation, our lives begin to look different. We stop striving to earn God’s approval and start living in the assurance of His love.
This is the Spirit-filled life — not one driven by guilt or shame, but one marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5: 22–23).
“The Spirit is in the business of assuring you that you can’t lose Him — and He can’t lose you.” — Tim Keller
That assurance changes everything. It frees us to love God and love others wholeheartedly, confident that nothing can separate us from His love.
The Heart of the Gospel
Romans 8: 1–4 captures the heart of the gospel:
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, there is now no condemnation — only freedom, life, and love through the Holy Spirit.
We are no longer under the law of sin and death but are invited into the law of the Spirit — a life of grace, peace, and assurance.
One Way to Live It Out this Week
This week, take time to reflect on what it means to live without condemnation.
Reflect: Is there an area of your life where you still carry guilt or shame that Jesus has already paid for?
Respond: Pray and release it to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with freedom and assurance.
Act: Choose one person to intentionally show love or grace to this week — especially if it’s difficult. Let the Spirit’s power, not your own, guide your response.
A Prayer for your Week
Messiah Jesus,
Thank You for taking on the punishment I deserved and for setting me free from sin and death. Thank You that there is no condemnation for those who are in You. Help me to live by the Spirit — not by guilt or striving — but in the freedom of Your love. Holy Spirit, fill me again today. Teach me to love God and others as You have loved me.
Amen.
Reflection & Discussion Questions
For Personal Reflection
What does “no condemnation” mean to you personally?
Is there an area of your life where you find it hard to believe God has truly forgiven you?
How might living “according to the Spirit” look different in your daily life?
For Small Groups
When you hear the phrase “no condemnation”, what feelings or thoughts come to mind?
How would you explain the difference between “the law of sin and death” and “the law of the Spirit” in your own words?
Why do you think it’s still important to confess sin even though we’re already forgiven?
Have you ever struggled to love someone who has hurt you? How might the Spirit help you in that?
What stands out to you about God’s justice and mercy in this passage?
In what ways does living by the Spirit bring freedom rather than restriction?
How could your small group or community embody “no condemnation” in how you treat others?
Spend time praying for one another — that each person would experience the freedom, assurance, and joy of living in Christ.