READ: JOHN 3:15-18; ROMANS 3:21-30; 10:9-13

Last year, I went to traffic court after being cited for an illegal left turn. When the judge asked for my plea, I said, “Guilty with circumstances.”

I told him the sign prohibiting the left turn was obscured by tree limbs: “Your honor, I never saw the sign.” Despite my articulate defense, he dropped the gavel, found me guilty, and fined me $120, a hefty price for my ignorance.

An offense demands a consequence. But Paul announces in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” That’s good news! But note the qualifier. Paul doesn’t say there is no condemnation for anyone. This isn’t universal salvation. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

I see two takeaways. First, there is condemnation for those NOT in Christ Jesus. Second, Christ has paid the price for my offense. Remember, an offense demands a consequence. Someone has to pay the price for sin, just like I had to pay the price for breaking a law.

Romans 8:1 announces that, for those in Christ Jesus, the Judge (God) has dropped the gavel. The case is closed. God knew how guilty you were, but because He loves you, He paid the full price for your sin Himself. You will never appear before the Judge again—no charges will ever be brought against you. There is no condemnation today, tomorrow, or ever.

I paid a fine for my illegal left turn last year, but, if I am cited again, I have to pay again. If you’re in Christ, you will never pay the price—it’s been paid for you forever on the cross. That’s the good news: you will never be condemned by the heavenly Judge. • Mike Hurley

• When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the price for our sin. So now, if we’ve put our trust in Jesus, we are blameless in God’s sight! How is this justice similar to courtroom justice? How is it different?

• If you want to know more about what it means to be in Christ, see our "Know Jesus" page.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (CSB)