receiving or enjoying blessings is not the same as being free from condemnation.
as we have clearly read and seen, it is our identification with Christ in His death that removes the condemnation of sin - because we have already died to it. that is not annulled just because we have not taken hold of the One who has taken hold of us, and fully comprehended His salvation, and are 'skillful' at walking in Him. it is a matter of the mercy of God, not a matter of human will or exertion.
if we truly believed the gospel, then we were sealed with the Spirit of God. and so we are no longer in the flesh.
this is not a "choice" -- it is an inevitable result of having been shown His mercy and grace. Romans 8 is not presenting a "choice" at all -- it is describing who we were and who we are now and contrasting the two -- so that we will 'wake up' and walk in a way that befits reality.
if you don't comprehend this, i wonder how well you understand the gospel at all -- and wonder if indeed you have received it at all, or if you are still trying to establish your own righteousness?
would you mind describing for me ((and for all)) what you think the gospel is? what have you received? because i'm puzzled by you.
if you think Romans 8 is a "choice" -- read Romans 9. God is the one who makes the choice. God alone.
as we have clearly read and seen, it is our identification with Christ in His death that removes the condemnation of sin - because we have already died to it. that is not annulled just because we have not taken hold of the One who has taken hold of us, and fully comprehended His salvation, and are 'skillful' at walking in Him. it is a matter of the mercy of God, not a matter of human will or exertion.
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit,
if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you.
(Romans 8:9)
if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you.
(Romans 8:9)
if we truly believed the gospel, then we were sealed with the Spirit of God. and so we are no longer in the flesh.
this is not a "choice" -- it is an inevitable result of having been shown His mercy and grace. Romans 8 is not presenting a "choice" at all -- it is describing who we were and who we are now and contrasting the two -- so that we will 'wake up' and walk in a way that befits reality.
if you don't comprehend this, i wonder how well you understand the gospel at all -- and wonder if indeed you have received it at all, or if you are still trying to establish your own righteousness?
would you mind describing for me ((and for all)) what you think the gospel is? what have you received? because i'm puzzled by you.
if you think Romans 8 is a "choice" -- read Romans 9. God is the one who makes the choice. God alone.
Receiving and enjoying the blessings of God, is part of the "No condemnation ", in Rom 8: 1.
This is the only time that the Greek adds, "NO dividing or separating from God or His blessings", to no condemnation.
The very end of Rom 8: 1 proves you wrong, because it's for those who walk in the Spirit, and not for those who walk I the flesh, "the carnel ones"
You know very well that not all Christians are walking in the Spirit all the time.