There is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus.
—Romans 8:1
Minister Ken Stegall says that he would like the two words “But Now” etched on his gravestone.
Strange epitaph? Not if you’re acquainted with Stegall’s life-changing teaching about faith and grace. His desired eulogy is lifted from Romans 3:21: “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known.”
Those two three-letter words bridge a transition from the terror of verse 20 to the exhilaration of verse 21: from fear to faith, law to grace.
Law says, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law” (Gal 3:10).
Grace says, “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Rom 4:7).
Law says, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23a).
Grace says, “the gift of God is eternal life” (Rom 6:23b).
Be grateful you live on this side of the Cross.