I. No Condemnation and Freedom for Those Who Are in the Holy Spirit
Romans 8 is often considered the most majestic and beautiful chapter in the Bible that conveys the very heart of the gospel. It has long inspired many theologians, pastors, and countless believers. In particular, the opening verse, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1), proclaims the astounding truth upon which our salvation stands. Pastor David Jang has frequently emphasized the grace found in this passage, underscoring that even believers who continue to wrestle with sin and make mistakes throughout their sanctification process can still have assurance and freedom. The word “Therefore” at the beginning of Romans 8 is not a trivial connector; it directly ties back to the preceding chapter—Romans 7.
At the end of Romans 7, Paul confesses, “In my mind I am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin” (Rom. 7:25). This vividly shows that even a saved Christian still faces the allure of sin and often succumbs to it. Paul himself struggled and groaned between the law of God and the law of sin, crying out, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7:24). But he does not end in despair. On one hand, he laments; on the other hand, he boldly proclaims, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Many might expect the verse to say “However, there is now no condemnation,” but Paul deliberately chooses “Therefore.” This implies, “Whenever you stumble in your battle against sin, do not forget that you have already been saved and declared righteous. Upon this unshakable foundation, continue to pursue sanctification.”
The declaration, “There is now no condemnation,” is not confined to a one-time event; rather, it speaks of an ongoing truth that unfolds throughout the passage of time. It is true not only when we first step through the door of salvation but also throughout the entire process of sanctification—even in those moments when we occasionally stumble because of sin. That is the gospel. In John 8, when the woman caught in adultery was dragged before Jesus, He said to her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). God does not wield a rod of condemnation toward sinners; instead, through His Son, He pours out forgiveness and love. This does not mean we should treat sin lightly. We should remain keenly aware of sin and fight against it, yet even if we are momentarily defeated by sin, we must not lose hold of the gospel’s assurance: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Pastor David Jang also counsels believers to hold firmly to the heart of the gospel amidst their struggle with sin, reminding us to contemplate Paul’s confession that what is impossible with human strength, “God does.”
Paul describes us as those who are “in Christ Jesus.” Being “in Christ” is a phrase loaded with meaning—our forgiveness, freedom from sin, and the secret to our new life all reside in that expression. In John 15, Jesus says, “Remain in Me, as I also remain in you” (John 15:4), referring to our union with Him in love. By being united with Christ, we are liberated from sin and experience freedom and joy. In Romans 8, Paul explains this more concretely: “Through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2). The blood Christ shed on the cross for us, and the power of the Holy Spirit who came to dwell within us after Christ’s resurrection, rescue us from the law of sin and death. Consequently, we are no longer bound by our old status as slaves to sin and death, but have become entirely new beings. The declaration that we are “no longer condemned” before God signifies that a radically different path has opened up for weak humanity, once destined to follow sin in a fallen world.
Because of our fleshly weakness, the Law could not save us; instead, it heightened our awareness of sin and brought great torment (Rom. 8:3). Yet God, seeing our predicament, sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to deal with sin so that we might escape its snare. This can be understood through the concepts of justification, redemption, and atonement. While we deserved death because of our sin, Jesus became our sacrificial substitute, paying the penalty and delivering us from the chains of sin. In many of his sermons and teachings, Pastor David Jang emphasizes that in order to truly appreciate the greatness of this salvation, we must first recognize the depth of our sin. When a sinner realizes the hopeless darkness of sin, only then can they fully grasp the depth of God’s love. That love is the love of Christ’s cross, which never abandons sinners but rescues them to the very end.
Because of the cross, the law of sin and death is broken, and the law of the Spirit begins to reign within us. Paul contrasts these two “laws.” Those who live according to the flesh think about fleshly things, but those who follow the Spirit set their minds on spiritual things (Rom. 8:5). The mind governed by the flesh is death, while the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Rom. 8:6). By “flesh” (Greek sarx), Paul does not simply mean our physical bodies but our fallen human nature corrupted by sin. Thus, living according to the flesh inherently means opposing God (Rom. 8:7), which can never please Him (Rom. 8:8). However, if the Spirit dwells in us, we are no longer controlled by the flesh but by the Spirit (Rom. 8:9). The statement that “if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ” may sound stern, but it underscores the paramount importance of the Spirit’s indwelling.
When we receive the Holy Spirit and unite with Christ, our bodies, once dead because of sin, are made alive (Rom. 8:10–11). This holds within it the hope of our future resurrection. Just as Jesus became the firstfruits of the resurrection, we also will one day share in that resurrection power and be transformed into new life. Because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Father who raised Jesus from the dead, all who receive that Spirit live with the confident expectation of resurrection life. Paul then says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it” (Rom. 8:12). Having been bought with the blood of God’s Son, we no longer need to live as slaves to sin. The proclamation in Romans 8:13, “if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,” reveals the core principle of sanctification. The path to a godly, holy life is impossible through human determination or legalistic effort alone. Only by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit can we decisively abandon sin and repent, gradually being transformed into a holy image.
Scripture continually urges us to remain sensitive to sin and eliminate it at its root. Since the wages of sin is death, we cannot treat it lightly. At the same time, we must realize that this battle can only be fought “by the Spirit.” Once again, it is entirely dependent on divine power—from above—that we are able to overcome sin. Other religions may teach that through self-cultivation or moral effort a person can become pure or reach enlightenment. Christianity, however, clearly states that we cannot conquer our sinful nature by mere human effort. It shows how deeply ingrained our old nature is, and how desperately we need God’s grace. This is why Paul encourages us to be confident that “the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4), urging believers to realize that they possess a power greater than that of the world or sin. In numerous sermons, Pastor David Jang similarly exhorts Christians not to remain paralyzed by fear or condemnation over sin but to fight boldly in the Holy Spirit’s power. That is the “freedom of those who are in the Spirit,” and the driving force that makes the declaration “there is now no condemnation” possible.
II. Adoption, Salvation, and God’s Children
The second major theme in Romans 8 (verses 14–17) is that of “those who are children of God.” Paul clearly states, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Rom. 8:14). When the Holy Spirit leads us, we are no longer children of sin or slaves to the flesh, but members of God’s household. In John 10, Jesus refers to Himself as the “good shepherd” and says, “My sheep listen to my voice.” In the same way, we are called to live by following the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
This truth points to a change in our core identity at the heart of salvation. Salvation does not end merely with the forgiveness of sins; rather, it entails that we, once belonging to sin and death, now receive “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). In Romans, Paul systematically explains how God’s righteousness is revealed through Jesus Christ to justify sinners and, further, to adopt them into His family. Here Paul emphasizes the concept of “adoption” as crucial. The Roman Empire had a well-defined legal system for adoption, in which the adopted son received exactly the same legal, social, and economic rights as a biological child. Pastor David Jang often points out that understanding the Roman legal background of adoption helps us see more clearly the certainty of salvation and the inheritance we receive as God’s children, as described by Paul.
Indeed, Roman adoption ceremonies involved a complex set of legal procedures, and once completed, adoption was irrevocable. Through three symbolic transactions (mancipatio), the adopted son severed all former legal responsibilities and debts and entered a new family, beginning a “completely new life.” Paul is essentially saying, “You were once enslaved to sin, indebted in the lineage of evil, but by the ransom of Jesus Christ, you have now become adopted children of God.” Consequently, every debt or obligation you once owed in your old lineage of sin is nullified. You are now under the absolute protection and love of God the Father. That is why Paul proclaims in Romans 8:15: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
Notice the phrase “so that you live in fear again.” While under the dominion of sin, people lived perpetually in anxiety and dread because the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23), and the specter of the Law and judgment loomed over them. But Jesus’ atoning work on the cross sets us free from that fear. The Holy Spirit within us now bears witness to this reality. Hence, Paul says, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom. 8:16). This testimony is not a fleeting emotional feeling; it is an eternal and certain legal proof. Just as Roman adoptions required multiple witnesses, in our spiritual adoption, the very Spirit of God stands as witness. Could there be any stronger assurance?
Becoming children of God is an astonishing privilege, yet it also carries a profound responsibility. In verse 17, Paul states, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Being an heir of God means we have the right to inherit all that belongs to our Father. In 1 Corinthians 3:22, Paul confidently declares, “All things are yours, whether the world or life or death or the present or the future.” The heavenly inheritance granted to those who enter God’s family by faith is infinitely glorious.
How then should we live, having received such a privilege? Romans 8:17 continues, “We share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” In other words, we also walk the path of Christ’s sufferings. Many other religions focus on how humans can be delivered from suffering. But the gospel does not stop there. Rather, it shows that by following in the steps of Jesus Christ—specifically, the way of the cross—we fully live out our status as God’s children. When Jesus used the Aramaic term “Abba, Father” in Mark 14:36, it was in the Garden of Gethsemane, the most agonizing moment before the crucifixion. Though He trembled before suffering, He ultimately obeyed the Father’s will and thus entered into resurrection and glory. Likewise, being children of God does not promise worldly power or triumph alone; it also includes walking the path of suffering, the path of the Son.
Yet this way does not lead to misery. Our sufferings, in the life-giving Holy Spirit, carry a redemptive purpose and ultimately guide us to share in God’s glory. Throughout church history, countless believers have endured the world’s hostility for the sake of the gospel. Yet because they knew they were children of God and “co-heirs with Christ,” they viewed such suffering as the down payment on a glory beyond comparison. Pastor David Jang likewise emphasizes, “If we are truly children of the Father, we must never forget who we are in Christ even in times of affliction and temptation.” One who has been adopted as a son needs not return to a life of slavery. The legal and spiritual foundation has irrevocably changed.
In sum, believing in Jesus Christ is not merely about nurturing religious sentiment. It is about being freed from the tangible chains of sin and death, undergoing a complete change of status to become a child of God. The Spirit of Christ dwells in us, together testifying, “You are God’s child.” Holding onto this remarkable fact is the engine that powers us in our sanctification. Though we may stumble in our fight against sin, we cling to the truth that we are not condemned; this is the source of our strength to get back up. As we yearn more deeply for the Holy Spirit, we gradually overcome sin and move toward “holy transformation.” Living in loving fellowship with Christ—basking in the cross-driven love of God—enables us to live truly as adopted children of God.
III. Sharing in Suffering and the Hope of Glory
Throughout Romans 8, Paul explains the final goal for those who have been liberated from sin and become God’s children: it is “glory.” Put another way, through the Holy Spirit, we have already received salvation (justification), we are continuing to work it out (sanctification), and we will finally reach its complete fulfillment (glorification). “We share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Rom. 8:17) reminds us that the journey is difficult but also overwhelmingly blessed and glorious. Indeed, in the latter half of Romans 8 (verses 18–39), Paul provides a majestic depiction of cosmic restoration, the hope of resurrection, the perseverance of the saints, and the eternal love of God. While we are focusing on Romans 8:1–17 here, the immediate transition from “we are God’s children and heirs” to “we must also share in suffering to share in glory” is highly significant.
Without the gospel at its center, the word “suffering” is hard to understand. From the world’s perspective, if you have been elevated in status and made an heir, shouldn’t you be free from suffering and be able to enjoy life instead? Yet the very path of Jesus Christ was the way of the cross. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). As we follow such a Savior, naturally we will also bear a portion of His suffering.
Paul goes on to say in the next verse, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). Such suffering can include persecution for faith, personal trials, illness, economic hardship, relational conflicts, or physical weakness. Yet for those who have become children of God, suffering takes on an entirely different meaning. Everyone, believer or not, faces hardships in life. But Christians, as children of God, do not end in hopelessness or vanity; their suffering can be transformed into a pathway to glory. This is the mystery at the core of “the cross and the resurrection,” the central truth of the gospel. The cross of Christ—though a place of shame and agony—was also the greatest victory and the embodiment of God’s wisdom. Similarly, the suffering of believers ultimately emerges as a radiant, jewel-like glory.
Pastor David Jang often encourages believers going through trials big and small to “not only avoid or fear suffering but also reaffirm your identity in Christ so that this process leads you to glorify God.” He frequently proclaims that “if you are unwavering about God being your Father, you will see the outcome of His redemptive plan, no matter what trial you face.” We do not go looking for hardship intentionally, but when we follow Christ’s footsteps, we naturally share in His sufferings. Yet the Bible calls this “momentary affliction” a preparatory phase for eternal glory (see 2 Cor. 4:17).
When God adopts us as His children, it fundamentally means sharing in the life of Jesus Christ, the Son, who accomplished salvation through His cross and resurrection. Even so, the road we walk in a sinful and broken world is not an easy one. The world ridicules the values of the gospel and considers the message of the cross foolishness. Christians often find themselves in conflict with the world and can even experience pain and hurt within the church due to human failings and sin. Yet at such times, we must remember that we are “children of God” and call upon the help of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, every trial, lack, tear, and sorrow can be refined by the Spirit and can become a stepping stone toward deeper conformity to Christ.
In the three stages of salvation—justification, sanctification, glorification—we find ourselves still battling sin in the middle stage. Though we are already justified, we are not yet fully glorified, so remnants of old sin remain, and we still yield to temptations of the flesh at times. This is the inner conflict depicted in Romans 7. Therefore, we must daily depend on the Holy Spirit, shine the light of the Word on ourselves, and repeatedly repent and resolve to follow Christ. At the same time, we must grip tightly the assurance declared in Romans 8:1: “There is now no condemnation.” Without this assurance, we easily collapse under the weight of guilt and become vulnerable to Satan’s accusations. Paul adamantly rejects that outcome. He uses the connector “Therefore” to begin Romans 8, vividly illustrating the firm foundation of salvation upon which the believer’s sanctification is built.
Ultimately, Paul proclaims, “You have received the Spirit of adoption,” and “the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” This divine testimony outranks any earthly legal confirmation. As a result, we can cry “Abba, Father!” and no longer tremble in fear as slaves. Moreover, we receive the inheritance of God, while also embracing the suffering that comes with walking the Son’s path. This is precisely the “way of the cross,” and it is the only road that leads to the fullness of joy in Christ.
The glory to which Paul refers is far from the shallow glitter of worldly success. It is the “glory of the resurrection,” “perfect intimacy with God,” and “eternal life in the new heaven and new earth,” where sin and death have no place. In the latter half of Romans 8, Paul asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom. 8:35), and confidently answers, “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37). This unwavering conviction belongs to those who know the substance of that glory. It also directly relates to the “internal witness” of the Holy Spirit in us. Since the Spirit Himself testifies that we are children of God, we can hold fast to this truth—“I am a child of God and co-heir with Christ”—even in the storms and confusion of life.
Pastor David Jang frequently cites Romans 8 to remind believers, “The kingdom of heaven is already our inheritance, yet we continue to live within God’s ongoing kingdom work. Remember that you are called to that.” Because we are now God’s children, life on this earth is neither meaningless nor empty, and suffering can become a conduit for greater holiness. Humanity’s weakness is undeniable, but God’s grace overshadowing it is far more powerful. As Paul affirms, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). If we hold on to this declaration, we will not be defeated by sin, temptation, or despair, but will ultimately sing the song of victory.
Thus, Romans 8:1–17 encapsulates the essence of the gospel: that those who have been justified by faith experience freedom from condemnation, become children of God, and pass through suffering to enter into glory. Several dimensions of salvation are tightly interwoven here. Though we have already been justified, we must steadily be sanctified, and we will one day experience final glorification. At the center of this grand plan, Paul challenges us and also comforts us, saying, “You are children of God,” and he seals it with the words, “the Spirit Himself testifies.”
What, then, should our response be? First, we must hate sin and stay vigilant, yet when we stumble, we must seize hold of the gospel’s freedom from condemnation and the chance for a fresh start. Second, we should never forget our identity as God’s children. In times of fear or anxiety, we cry out to “Abba, Father!” through prayer and meditation on His Word. Third, we should not lose heart in suffering; rather, we should see how it shapes our character, making us more like Christ. All of this is made possible “by the power from above,” namely, the Holy Spirit.
Even at this very moment, countless Christians face harsh tests and temptations in their respective walks of life. Some see their faith waver, drowning in guilt and wondering if they are even saved at all. They may, like Paul in Romans 7, cry out, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” But for them, Paul declares, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” With “Therefore,” he urges believers not to remain in guilt and despair but to remember they are already justified and thus keep pressing on in sanctification. And by proclaiming, “You have received the Spirit of adoption,” he entreats them to live as children, not slaves.
The gospel message that Paul presents thus goes beyond setting us free from the chains of sin and death; it spurs us on to a more active, holy, and abundant life. As we move toward glory, we inevitably encounter suffering. Yet that suffering can be likened to birth pangs that bring forth new life. When Paul says, “Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies” (Rom. 8:23), he sees the cosmic scope of restoration and resurrection. The life of God’s adopted children is far from passive; it resonates with the cosmic groan for renewal, sharing in the spiritual struggle that ushers in the ultimate redemption of creation.
We are, in fact, God’s family, and our Father is the omnipotent Creator of all. Jesus Christ, the firstborn, has completed the work of salvation through His cross and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit teaches and testifies to all these truths in us, continually sanctifying us. The Triune God is of one heart in accomplishing our salvation. Therefore, no matter the circumstances, we must confidently declare, “I am God’s child, a co-heir with Christ. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ.”
Pastor David Jang, aware of how many temptations and confusions haunt our daily lives—and how many people remain trapped in guilt and despair—repeatedly exhorts believers to cling more firmly to the message of Romans 8. The Christian life is both glorious and far from easy, yet it promises us complete victory and joy as children of God. In the Holy Spirit, our souls grow stronger through suffering, ultimately being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, and awaiting the day of glorification.
In conclusion, the core of Romans 8:1–17 can be summarized in three points: First, those who are in the Spirit enjoy the gospel’s freedom—“there is now no condemnation.” Second, through adoption, we have become children of God, and this new identity has complete legal and spiritual certainty. Third, though we cannot avoid suffering in the world, sharing in it is precisely what leads us to share in Christ’s glory. The foundation for these three truths is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whose testimony continually affirms that we are indeed children of God. When we grasp this firmly, our faith will not be shaken. Though we appear weak before sin’s temptations, we will never be utterly destroyed.
Finally, Romans 8 is the essence of Paul’s proclamation of the gospel and, at the same time, a precious chapter that compels us—believers today—to meditate afresh on “sin, the Law, grace, the Spirit, salvation, adoption, suffering, glory,” and the whole journey of faith. Whenever we or those around us question, “Am I truly saved?” or lament, “I still see so much sin in me that I feel hopeless,” we should turn back to this passage. And as Pastor David Jang repeatedly emphasizes, we must recall the heart of the gospel: “I am saved, and in the Holy Spirit, I am not condemned. I have become a child of God and an heir of His kingdom. Therefore, I can even endure suffering with my Lord.” That confession holds within it victory over sin, hope for life, and an unshakeable assurance of ultimate salvation.
This immense privilege and grace given to those who live in the Holy Spirit spring entirely from the love of God. No Christian can bypass the teachings of Romans 8. Indeed, when facing trials, when confronting sin, or when sinking into deep discouragement, we must cling to the fundamental truth contained in this chapter. Thereby, we will call on God as “Abba, Father,” claim our place as co-heirs with Christ, and sing of the hope of resurrection and redemption in the Spirit’s power. Even in this present life, though only partially, we will genuinely taste the freedom and joy promised to us. This is the “joy of the gospel” granted to every Christian, and it is the life-giving proclamation that begins with the single word “Therefore” in this grand passage of Romans 8.