First of all, let us take that familiar passage at the opening of the eighth of Romans, "There is therefore now _no condemnation_ to them which are _in Christ Jesus_. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus _hath made me free_ from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son _in the likeness_ of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness [δικαίωμα] of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Ver. 1-4.) Now, we must bear in mind that verse 1 sets forth the _standing_ of every Christian--his _position_ before God. He is "in Christ Jesus." This settles every thing. He is not in the flesh; he is not under law; he is absolutely and eternally "in Christ Jesus." Hence there is, there can be, no condemnation. The apostle is not speaking of or referring to our _walk_ or our _state_. If he were, he could not possibly speak of "no condemnation." The most perfect Christian walk that ever was exhibited, the most perfect Christian state that ever was attained, would afford some ground for judgment and condemnation. There is not a Christian on the face of the earth who has not daily to judge his state and his walk--his moral condition and his practical ways. How, then, could "no condemnation" ever stand connected with, or be based upon, Christian walk? Utterly impossible. In order to be free from all condemnation, we must have what is divinely perfect, and no Christian walk is or ever was that. Even a Paul had to withdraw his words (Acts xxiii. 5.). He repented of having written a letter (2 Cor. vii. 8.). A perfect walk and a perfect state were only found in One. In all beside--even the holiest and best, failure is found.