“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” Romans 8:10 (KJV)
“The law of the Spirit of life” (Rom. 8:2a) operates in and through Christ Jesus. The work of God in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection makes us “free from the law of sin and death” (v. 2b). This work of “God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh” (v. 3) was for the purpose “that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us” who desire to obey the Spirit (v.4).
Because those who “are after the flesh” will obey the flesh, and those who “are after the Spirit” will obey the Spirit (v. 5). This is important since a carnal life-focus produces death and a spiritual life-focus produces life and peace (v. 6). And we need to understand that “the carnal mind” (i.e., carnal, fleshly, worldly thinking) produces “enmity against God” because it is not and cannot be “subject to the law of God” (v. 7). A person whose life is focused on satisfying carnal appetites will never surrender and submit to the righteousness of God’s law. Here is an element of error that has crept into Christianity: people think they can operate the gifts of the Spirit, claim miracles, experience grace, and possess prosperity without possessing the righteousness and holiness of God. Yet, Paul is clear: “they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (v. 8) and therefore are not free from the law of sin and death as set forth in verse 2. If their refusal to submit to the righteousness of God’s law makes it impossible to please him, then we may properly conclude that they are not free from the law of sin and death since God’s work in Christ applies his righteousness to us.
But aren’t you glad that the “Spirit of God” dwells in you?! Because “the Spirit of Christ” identifies who is his and who is not (v. 9). And do not forget: on the one hand “if Christ is in you,” then sin has no power over you because you are crucified with Christ and therefore dead to sin (v.10a); but on the other hand “if Christ is in you,” then the Spirit rules you because you are resurrected with Christ and therefore alive in Christ’s righteousness (v. 10b).
Here in Romans 8, Paul’s total argument hinges on the context of Christ being in us and us being in him. Many people want to shout about non-condemnation and that is good, but remember: Without the righteousness of Christ, there is no freedom from condemnation. We must be in Christ and Christ must be in us! No condemnation because we are in Christ, but full of righteousness because Christ is in us!
Dear Father, thank you for your work in Christ that frees us from condemnation and gives us your righteousness. Grant that we may submit to Christ completely so that your righteousness may be fulfilled in us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in Christ and Christ in you,