Beech Tree News Network

            In Romans 8:1, we read, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” This passage is one that is misused and abused by many in the religious world. Some read this passage and suggest that this is teaching the “once-saved-always-saved” philosophy. After all, since there is no condemnation for those in Christ, then once you’re in Christ, you can never be condemned! Isn’t that right?

             However, this is not what Romans 8:1 is teaching at all. Tragically, many have died and gone to torment by believing and teaching such false doctrine! What does this passage really teach? We can know when we put this verse in its context, as well as in the context of the entire New Testament.

             First, notice there is “no condemnation” for those “in Christ Jesus.” Our first question must be, “How does one get ‘into Christ’?” Paul answers this question in Galatians 3:27 and says we are “baptized into Jesus Christ.” Furthermore, we see in Romans 8:1 that those “in Christ” must not walk “after the flesh but after the spirit.” Therefore, there is something those “in Christ” are doing. They are active. This theme will be emphasized for the next ten verses of Romans 8 as Paul shows the difference between the carnal or fleshly mindset and the spiritual mindset.

             As we study this text, we read the word “walk”. This word is used in a figurative sense because Paul says we need to “walk … after the spirit.” What does “walk” mean in this text? In Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, we find the term “walk” (peripateo) defined as: “to make one’s way, progress; to make due use of opportunities; to regulate one’s life; to conduct one’s self; to pass one’s life.” Therefore, it is the Christian’s manner of life under discussion in Romans 8:1.

             Putting this all together, we see that when one is “in Christ” (Gal. 3:27), he needs to “walk … after the spirit” in order to please God. In so doing, he will not be condemned (Rom. 8:1). This passage is not teaching “once-saved-always-saved” at all. Rather, it is encouraging faithfulness to God. There is “no condemnation” so long as we’re walking after the spirit. Yet, what happens if we stop walking “after the spirit”? Do we go to Heaven anyway? What happens if we stop walking after the spirit and walk after the flesh? While some may claim “nothing” will happen if we stop walking, this is not what is taught in Romans 8:6!

             Let us be cautious. We have much to do if we are going to be faithful to God. Also, let us be wise in our study of God’s word. Let us not teach things that God never taught. Romans 8:1 does not teach “once-saved-always-saved.” It does, however, teach that we can be a saved people when we are “in Christ” and then continue to walk “in the spirit”. Are you doing this? If not, then come to God while you still are able to do it (II Cor. 6:2; II Pet. 3:9; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38).

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167