“Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus,”
— Romans 8:1
“Now” of this verse seems to be a static point in time, but since God is the author of time and space and is not confined to them, “now” is forevermore for people who have believed in Jesus as God’s Son and the Savior who died for their sins. Each Christian’s “now” of salvation is fulfilled now, but not yet. Not yet because he/she has not died and entered eternity’s door into the presence of God. That “not yet” is the present hope of believers that will be fulfilled. It’s a hope backed by God, the ever-faithful and never-forsaking God.
What is the promise upon which the present and future hope rests? Paul writes that no condemnation will occur to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Ultimate condemnation—judgment for sins (wrongdoing)—comes down from ever-holy God to sinful people. This judgment will render unbelievers in Jesus into a permanent separation from God, a state of torment of endless evil with no good ever to come. This state of being and place is called Hell. See how great is the salvation Jesus died to offer when compared to unending evil with no chance of goodness and mercy.
There is now no condemnation for whoever believes in and are in Christ Jesus.
On which side of that great divide between good and evil will you be? If you believe Jesus is God’s Son, who died as the ultimate and final sacrifice for your sins, you are saved and safe from ultimate and tormenting eternal separation from God. If you have not believed in Jesus by the time you die, your future does not hold any hope of goodness, mercy, joy, love, and peace. Your future will entail endless agony at not being able to taste, touch, hear, smell, and see God’s goodness. Your judgement—condemnation—will be sure and secure.
What prevents you from believing in Jesus, confessing and repenting of your sins, and asking Him to save you and be your Lord? What part of yourself are you unwilling to give up and, instead, let it lead to your condemnation? Is that really worth being separated from God’s goodness for eternity. Stop now and ask God to show you what separates you from Him. For the sake of your soul, confess, repent, and believe.
Come to know the “now” and “not yet” of the hope of eternal salvation and life with God.
