Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.

This is the basis of what we celebrate on Christmas: Jesus was sent to make a way for us to God. He made a way where there was no other way. Many try to say there are many paths to God, and that is true. But every other path to God ends in a dead end, except the path through faith in Jesus Christ. Some paths operate on the premise that God is more human-like, or others that we are more god-like. Some try and earn their way to salvation; others negotiate with themselves to gain passage. Some use the scale method to weigh the good against the bad, others use the comparison method, and think as long as they are “gooder” than the average man they will be in heaven. But all of these are false paths and lead to eternal death. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ, and this passage tells us why: the law of the Spirit of life set us free from the law of sin and death. Through Jesus’ payment for our sin on the cross, the old covenant of requiring a blood sacrifice for sin is satisfied, once and for all. For those who accept this new life from Jesus, it is a free gift. And it is the only gift given that will save us. God made a way where there was no way, by sending Jesus.

And so I can live life without condemnation due to my sin because Jesus stood condemned on the cross in my place.

Thank you, Lord, for this incredible gift of Jesus you gave to so many … you gave to me. I am unworthy and so thankful for this amazing gift! I am free to serve you!