065. ROM 8:1. THE CHRISTIAN STATE AND CHARACTER

Rom_8:1. The Christian State and Character

"There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."’97Rom_8:1.

This chapter, which is full of the riches of experimental piety, commences with a clear description of the character to whom its interesting statements are applicable. This is of the utmost importance, and we ought carefully to discriminate and apply the promises of the divine word only to those to whom they are specifically and plainly made. We see the wisdom of the apostle, in carefully observing this in the instance before us. There are three things presented to us in the text.

I. The Christian’s State. II. The Christian’s Privilege. And III. The Christian’s Practice.

I. The Christian’s State.

"In Christ Jesus." This form of speech is often found in the pages of the New Testament, especially in the epistles of Paul: "If any man be in Christ," &c. "I knew a man in Christ," &c. "Who also were in Christ," &c. It signifies to be,

1. In his kingdom by a visible profession.

Christ calls his disciples out of the world, to be a distinct and separate people. They are publicly to appear as his disciples, as his witnesses. "A peculiar people," &c. They are to differ from others. "Living epistles, read and known of all men." They are to put on Christ’97live to Christ, &c.’97exhibit the spirit and conversation of Christ. But,

2. They are virtually united to him by saving grace.

Now this union to Christ is represented in Scripture,

(1) As resembling our union to the first Adam; 1Co_15:22, 1Co_15:45.

(2) As the branches to the vine; Joh_15:1.

(3) As stones in a building; 1Pe_2:5.

(4) As members in the body; Rom_12:5; 1Co_12:20.

The believer is in Christ as Noah was in the ark, and as the manslayer was in the city of refuge; the one secure from the desolating flood, and the other secure from the avenger of blood. This union to Jesus may be distinguished,

(1) As a supernatural and spiritual union.

We are not naturally in Christ, but in sin’97in condemnation’97in death. It is the work of God, the effect of divine power and grace, that makes this important and blessed change. This union.,

(2) Is mysterious. So is the union of the adorable distinctions in the Deity. Union of the divinity and humanity of Christ. Union of body and spirit in man. Paul says of the union of Christ to hi* church, that it is a "great mystery."

(3) Is highly honorable. Angels cannot boast of dignity like this’97sons of God’97heirs of God’97joint-heirs with Christ.

(4) Truly enriched "All are yours. "Begotten again to a lively hope, an inheritance incorruptible," &c. It is.

(5) The only saving union. Union to food men’97to the visible church’97to ordinances, &c., is desirable, is necessary, but not saving. We must be in Christ truly and virtually, by a living faith, and a real union to him. Notice, then, II The Christian’s Privilege.

"There is, now, no condemnation." It does not say there is no ground of condemnation, for in the highest state of Christian experience, there is a sufficiency of sinful infirmity and imperfection to condemn. Neither is it said there was no condemnation, for previously to believing, God’s people were condemned, children of wrath’97aliens’97without God, and hope, and Christ in the world. Neither is it said there shall be no condemnation, for this will depend on their steadfastness, and continuance in well-doing unto the end. If sin is wilfully committed, there must be condemnation. But, observe, there is now, at the time of being virtually in Christ, and walking after the directions of his Spirit, no condemnation. There is no condemnation,

1. From the law.

For they are in Christ, who has magnified it, and who is "the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." Nor,

2. From conscience.

For this is sprinkled from the evil of guilt, and is pacified by Christ’s blood, and in a state of peace with God, through Jesus Christ.

3. Nor from God For they are no longer enemies, but sons. Not far off, but brought nigh. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keeps their hearts and minds by Christ Jesus. Then notice,

III. The Christian’s Practice.

"Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." The Christian’s life is represented as a course of opposition to the flesh, and agreement with the Spirit.

1. It is a life of opposition to the flesh.

The flesh signifies the natural propensities of the carnal mind. This, in the believer, is crucified, put to a state of death. Does not live and reign over him. He is (reed from its tyranny. He mortifies it’97wages incessant war with it, &c.

2 It is a life of agreement with the Spirit, That is, the Spirit of God, who dwells in the believer He walks,

(1) Under his direction. He is led by the Spirit.

(2) Under his influence. In praying, singing, hearing, worshipping in general. Performing duties’97watching, conflicts, &c. He is sanctified by it’97sealed by it’97kept by it unto eternal salvation.

3. He walks exhibiting its transforming effects.

He bears the fruits of the Spirit; love, peace, gentleness, patience, &c. He is a spiritual person, and all his advances in holy things are by and through the Spirit.

Application

Learn, True religion is,

(1) A reality; not merely a name or profession, but being in Christ Jesus.

(2) It is a blessed reality. Freed from condemnation. No longer in a state of guilt and danger.

(3) It is a holy reality. Walking after the Spirit, and not after the flesh. Let sinners learn its desirableness, and devoutly seek it, and believers rejoice in its blessed enjoyments, continue to walk before God in all umblameableness and holiness of life.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS