Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

First. The “now” is after the work of Jesus Christ who died for us, set us free and to makes us secure in God.

Secondly, the promise is that we are not condemned, nor will we be condemned for in Christ we are safe and secure now and ever.  Our challenge is to stay in him.

Thirdly, this promise is for those who are in Christ Jesus, not followers of Christ only, but in Christ.  That is the safest place imaginable.

This letter, whose prelude we are examining, is the outpouring of Paul on the believers in the great city of Rome at the time of Christ. All Roman citizens had the full protection of the Empire on their side.  It is against this backdrop that we see the hand of God.

The believers in Christ did not even think of worldly citizenship – their intention was to lift us believers into a new category, not citizens of this world by birth or by earning.  Believers were simply but profoundly saved.  They are blessed beyond thought as they entered this new kingdom in which earthly citizenship meant absolutely nothing as far as God’s Kingdom is concerned.

What has changed?  In this regard, nothing!