"There is therefore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (Rom. 8:1)

Why is there no condemnation for those who are in Christ?

Excellent topic, Tom!

They who are in Christ have ceased from their own righteousness (religious or not) which condemns, and have become partakers of God's righteousness in which there is no condemnation.

Halleluiah!

If we walk in the Spirit, if we abide within the will of Christ, we have on the wedding garment of His righteousness and notwithstanding our past and present deficiencies of character, God views us as being perfect in His son, faultless and no accusation or condemnation of Satan is allowed to come up before God and heaven.

Is there a connection between unbelief and condemnation?

Absolutely. Tell us more about you thinking on this topic Tom.

No accusation or condemnation of Satan is allowed to come up before God and heaven.

This is true ever since the cross, regardless of ones condition.

Satan is down here like a roaring Lion seeking whom he can devour.

I'll get there Mark.

If the answer to the question, "Where does condemnation come from?" is unbelief, what is the answer to the question, "Who does condemnation come from?"

Very meaningful thought Tom!

There are three sources of condemnation - where feelings of guilt originate - for those who walk after the flesh rather than after the Spirit - the law of God, a guilty conscience, and Satan. The three interact with each other.

For those who walk after the Spirit, feelings of guilt/condemnation come from a combination of the same sources, but the difference is that we are to claim the promises of full acceptance with God and ignore our guilty feelings when we are tempted to doubt our acceptance with Him.

quote:

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3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God.
3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. I John 3

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There is no condemnation because the old man (i.e., defective traits of character) is dead and buried (not slowly dying). Jesus cannot, and will not, cover anyone with His robe of righteousness (i.e., justification) if they refuse to confess and crucify even one defective trait of character, even one moral imperfection. The grace of God does not tolerate or accommodate even one cherished defect or imperfection. We are either all of His and free of sin, or we are none of His and full of sin.