WE come now to the 47th Chapter in Part 4 of The Complete Green Letters, – the study of “Romans Eight Reckoning.” I really like what our author says here, especially his opening first paragraph review and accurate analysis of Romans 8:1. I need to admit however, I still quibble somewhat in his view of Romans 7; believing there is more going on there then dealing with the principle of the law, although to be fair this is within the scope of his focus. However, I’ve already discussed that, so there is no need to plow that ground again.
BUT moving forward, Romans 8 is a favorite, rightly understood bringing comfort and encouragement to Spirit-fostered hunger and longing of heart followers of Christ. Pay particular attention to Miles’ explanation of Romans 8:1; he is dead on correct! I still recall early on in my Christian walk when a mentor explained this verse to me, correcting the text as it is done here, making clear the wondrous implications. It was one of those “milestone moments” that is hard to describe. I hate to call it a life changing moment, but in many ways it was. Understanding the depths of this short verse inalterably changed my directional thinking and path. I often tell the kids at school about little mnemonic devices I use – techniques to help improve my ability to remember something. One such device is what I call M&M verses – “Must Memorize.” I keep a list of M&M verses that are even color coded – blue = promise, green = growth, red = commands, and so on; colored M&Ms as it were. Romans 8:1 is at or near the very top of that M&M list!
OKAY, enough of my rambling. Let’s get to Romans Eight Reckoning. May the Lord bless your reading and Spirit enabled comprehension.
In the inexorable riches of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15, Jas 1:2; Prov. 21:30
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Chapter 47—Romans Eight Reckoning
There is a Spirit-fostered hunger and longing in the heart of every growing Christian for the heaven-on-earth walk of Romans Eight. The very purpose of reckoning is that we may live in this wonderful—and practical—realm of life in Christ. All that the Holy Spirit teaches us in Romans Six, and takes us through in Romans Seven, combines to prepare us for the walk of Romans Eight. This, in turn, brings us on to the blessed heights of Ephesians and Colossians.
Through the years, whether we realize it or not, the Holy Spirit is developing us “from glory to glory” (2 Cor. 3:18) along His prescribed path. Romans Six is the step that deals with the principle of sin, and is the answer to its power. Romans Seven is the struggle (usually years in duration) that has to do with the principle of law, and brings the answer to its bondage. Romans Eight is the walk based on the principle of life in Christ as ministered by the Spirit of Life.
In studying some of the truths of this heart-satisfying eighth chapter of Romans, we must once more give special attention to the very first verse. This is another instance where the King James Version might lead us into bondage, unless we study with care. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (v. 1). This text is actually stating that there is no condemnation for us if we do not walk after the flesh, and if we walk after the Spirit. Thus, our eternal safety would depend upon our present walk; this is law, rather than grace.
We can praise the Lord that the entire New Testament teaches differently—that we escape condemnation through our eternal position in Christ, not our present condition in ourselves. Once more we apply to the corrected American Standard Version: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” We are free solely because of our redemption and position in Christ, apart from “conditions.” The remainder of the King James Version’s verse (the conditions), belongs in verse 4 of this chapter and has to do with something else, as we shall see later.
Notice how correctly and powerfully the truth is now revealed, as these first two verses fit together without the erroneous interpolation. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death” (Rom. 8:1, 2, ASV).
There is actually a dual application in the truth of Romans 8:1 and 2. ….to be continued
