NOW Is the Time

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” – Romans 8:1

Last week, I had the wonderful experience of meeting with two other churches in town for a Saturday morning leadership conference. Six different speakers – three pastors and three laypersons – spoke for fifteen minutes each on different aspects of the word “Harmony.” I’m sure you’re impressed by the fact that pastors and members from three different churches in the same town actually get along well enough to fellowship on a Saturday, and you should be. However, the real miracle is not that three churches got together, but the fact that not one speaker went beyond their fifteen minute time limit and spoke for twenty minutes. And three of those speakers were preachers! I know you think I’m making that part up, but I was there and it’s true, my hand on a Bible so help me God.

Still, after three hours of fellowship, questions, comments and lots of laughter, this one Scripture from Romans stands out in my mind. Like you, I’ve heard this verse hundreds of times, reminding me that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” However, the part that really struck me was the word “now.”

You see, I’m all ready to stand before God after I’ve died and, knowing that Jesus has washed away my sins, enjoy eternity in His presence. My faith assures me this will be the case.

But what about now? NOW there is no condemnation, Paul says. NOW I stand before Him clean. That’s hard to wrap my brain around.

But in case I think the NOW in Romans 8:1 is a fluke, I read in Colossians 1:22, Continue Reading