I’d almost defy any blood-bought believer to sit down with Romans 8, read it in one thoughtful sitting, and not be in a different place when they finish the chapter from where they were when they began it.

It is a chapter about the wonder of life in the Spirit and the way of the Spirit’s help in our weakness. How could anyone filled by the Spirit not be moved as their indwelling Comforter says, “Behold! That’s Me! In you!”

It’s a chapter about adoption and the implications. If we are children of God, then we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. It is a chapter about an unimaginable future, about the glory that will be revealed to us and the reminder that, not only are we longing for it, but all creation as well. And it is a chapter about a God, who for His own glory and purposes, is for us, loving us with a love that will never fail.

This chapter begins with NO CONDEMNATION and concludes with NO SEPARATION. Such are the promises of God for “those who are in Christ Jesus.”

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. . . .

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Romans 8:1, 38-39 ESV)

In Christ Jesus. Often heard, often repeated. As such, in danger of becoming commonplace. But pause, just for a moment, and consider again the basis for, and the benefits of being in Christ Jesus, and a compelling desire to bless God starts to flow forth.

What cost was paid that we might be in Christ? What mercy was shown to sinners at war with God that they might be in Christ? What grace was extended to lost, wayward sheep, that they would be sought and wooed to the Great Shepherd? So that they might be in Christ Jesus.

And that, in Christ, there is no condemnation — for the Lamb of God has paid, once for all, the debt of sin that was ours. That, in Christ, there is no longer any obligation nor subjugation to the old man and the flesh — for now we live in the power of the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead. That, in Christ, there is no longer any hesitation to approaching a holy, holy, holy God — His majestic, awesome throne having become a throne of grace providing help in time of need. That, in Christ, there is no longer any separation — for our great High Priest lives to ever make intercession at the right hand of the Father. That, in Christ, the work He has begun in us through regeneration, He will complete on that day of consummation when, as the Bride, we, the church, are received unto the Bridegroom.

And you could go on . . . and on . . . and on.

In Christ Jesus. What glorious words! What a mind-bending thought! What a praise invoking reality!

Oh, such grace, in Christ Jesus. To God be the glory, in Christ Jesus.

Amen?