There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4 NKJV
I wish I could share everything John MacArthur wrote about these four verses. There is so much packed in here. If you have a study Bible, will you take a few minutes and read what it has to say about this passage? Or, read what Enduring Word has to say about it?
Commentary
It turns out that “who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1b) was not in the original manuscript. I found that interesting. David Guzik wrote about this phrase, “These words are not found in the earliest ancient manuscripts of the Book of Romans and they do not agree with the flow of Paul’s context here. They were probably added by a copyist who either made a mistake or thought he could “help” Paul by adding these words from Romans 8:4.”
All I know is, that when it comes to salvation and justification and being a human, I can do nothing without God (John 15:5). I am so thankful.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy. Thank You for the free gift of salvation. Thank You for setting us free. I am not worthy, yet You bless me. Please help me to always focus on You, to always do Your will and not my own. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
