ADDRESSES ON ROMANS
Moreover, this verse means exactly what it says. It is in reality the conclusion of chapter seven, as we see from the connecting word "therefore." It is the summing up of what Paul has set before us about the believer's relationship to the law. When we remember that the original text was not divided into chapters and verses by the apostle, we see plainly that here he was drawing the conclusion to what he had said in the preceding verses. , In other words, we have died to the first Adam, the old federal head of the race, to be united to the second Adam, our Lord Himself; we have died to sin, the old ma~ter, to be raised with Christ, our new Master; we have died to the old husband, the law, to "be married to another," our heavenly Bridegroom. A~because of all the Lord has done for us, "there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are ii(.Chrlst Jesus." Because we have been identified with Christ and are seated with Him "in heavenly places" ( Eph. 1:3;2 :6), we are beyond the reach of condemnation. God sees us iden- tified with Him. And Christ is now at the right hand of the Father. Do you think condemnation could ever reach Him? He is alive forevermore! And because He lives, death shall never again have dominion over us. You and I may feel con- demned at times, but it is not how we feel: it is what God says that determines our condition. And this is His testimony. When is it that we stand uncondemned before God? Is it after we have struggled with sin for years? Is it after we die, or just at the moment of dissolution of body and spirit? No, my friend. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." This is assurance of sal- vation. I wonder if I am talking to some doubting soul. someone who is full of misgivings. If so, my friend, please look away from your weak frame; look away from your feelings; look to the risen Christ. See yourself in Him. He settled the sin question forever. If He had not, He would not now be seated in heaven. He settled the sin question according to divine [Page 135
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