Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 8:1

1. THere is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus , who walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit .

Seeing things are so as I have said; since Believers do not allow themselves in Sin, chap. 7.15. and are in part delivered from it, as v. 25. therefore it follows as 'tis here.

Or no one Condemnation. He doth not say, there is no matter of Condemnation, or nothing damnable in them that are in Christ, there is enough and enough of that; but he saies, there is no actual Condemnation to such. vid. Iohn 3.18▪ and 5.24. there is a meiosis in the words, more is understood than is exprest; he means, that Justification and eternal Salvation is the portion of such. The positive is included in the negative; it is Gods Condemnation only, from which such as are in Christ are exempted; they are nevertheless condemned, and censured by men, and sometimes by their own consciences too.

So we fill it up, but in the Original '[illegible: 1 letter]is only to them in Christ Iesus. The Phrase imports, that there is a Mystical and Spiritual Union betwixt Christ and Believers. This is sometimes expressed by Christs being in them, Verse 10. 2 Cor. 13.5. Col. 1.17. and here by their being in Christ, see 1 Cor. 1.30. 1 Iohn 5.20. Christ is in Believers by his Spirit, and Believers are in Christ by Faith.

This Clause describes the Persons who are united to Christ, or who are exempted from Condemnation. They are such as walk not, &c. By Flesh understand the corrupt nature that is in man. vid. chap. 7.18, 25. Iohn 3.6. Gal. 5.17. to walk after it, is to be lead and guided by the motions of it. That is, it is not their Principle and Guide, there is another Nature or Principle in them, by which they are guided and acted; and what that is, the next words tell you. By the [illegible: 1 letter]pirit some understand the Person of the Spirit, others the Grace of the Spirit, the New or Divine Nature (as it is called) which is implanted in the Soul, in the work of Regeneration: This is called the Spirit. Mat. 26.41. Iohn 3.6. Gal. 5.17. To walk after the Spirit, is to be led and guided by the counsels and motions thereof. It is to regulate and order the whole conversation, according to the rule of the New Creature, or according to the line and square of Gods Word and Spirit. You have the same Phrase, Gal. 5.16, 25. To walk after the Spirit, is not only now and then to have some good Motions, or to do some good actions, but 'tis to persevere and go forward therein; walking is a continued and progressive motion. The connection of these two shews that Negative Holiness is not enough; we must not only abstain from evil, but do good.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 3 letters] ing after flesh.