News

Scripture Minute - Romans 8:1-2 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2) In this passage, the Apostle Paul is explaining that for those who are in a relationship with Jesus Christ and live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, there is no condemnation. "Condemnation" refers to the judgment and punishment for sin that humanity deserves according to God's law. Therefore, repentant sinners would not be condemned. Those who remain "in Christ Jesus" and who follow the leading of the Holy Ghost are free from this condemnation. This means that through their faith in Jesus and their submission to the Spirit's guidance, they are no longer held guilty for their sins and do not face eternal punishment. Paul contrasts this freedom from condemnation with the "law of sin and death." This refers to the power and consequences of sin, which lead to spiritual death. However, the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" has overcome the law of sin and death. This means that through faith in Jesus, believers have been set free from the power of sin and its ultimate consequences.

He “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14, KJV) In his epistle to Titus, here Paul is writing about Christ’s sacrificial act for humanity. The Holman Christian Standard Bible reads: “He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works.” This verse speaks about the fact that Jesus willingly offered Himself on behalf of humanity in order to redeem us from sin and condemnation. Through His sacrifice, Jesus Christ seeks to cleanse and purify us, creating a distinct community of believers who are faithful in the Word and zealous for righteousness. This particular verse focuses on the life-changing power of Christ’s selflessness and its impact on shaping a righteous and sanctified body of believers.

“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:2, KJV) In this particular verse, James is writing about the power and challenges of controlling one’s speech and the significance of doing so. We all make mistakes and stumble in many things. Humans are prone to making errors and offending others in various ways. However, if we are able to avoid causing offence through our words, we are considered a “perfect” or mature person. In this context, “perfect” refers to a level of spiritual and emotional maturity rather than absolute flawlessness or being without sin. James also highlights the importance of controlling our tongue and the impact it has on a person’s character. If we can effectively control our speech, then we have the ability to control our whole body. In other words, the ability to govern our words is a significant indicator of self-discipline and mastery over our actions.

“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.” (1 John 1:6) If someone claims to have fellowship or a close relationship with God, but continues to live in darkness or sin, they are not being truthful. “Walking in darkness” refers to living a life characterized by sinful behaviour, ignorance of God’s truth, or a lack of moral integrity. In this verse, John is focusing on the importance of living in accordance with the truth and the teachings of God. If someone claims to have a relationship with God but their actions contradict this claim, they are not genuinely following the truth. This verse is a reminder that we are to live a life that aligns with God’s will and to avoid hypocrisy. As members of the Body of Christ, it is our duty to pursue a genuine relationship with God, characterized by righteousness, holiness, sanctification and truthfulness in both words and deeds.