The Use and Placement of “therefore” and “now” in Romans 8:1:

Therefore…

The use of “therefore” means “consequently” or “as a result of” and is placed at the beginning of the paragraph to address what is to follow.

Consequently, because the law of the Spirit of Life set me free from the law of sin and death, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

Now…

The use of “now” refers to the present time and is placed at the beginning of the paragraph to address what followed.

Now, because the law of the Spirit of Life set me free from the law of sin and death, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

Significance to a believer’s spiritual development…

This should be encouragement to not give up on our struggle against sin. God is the only one who can save and he is the only one who can condemn. If God doesn’t condemn us for our sin nature then we should question the source of “feelings” of condemnation; reject the lies that hinder our spiritual development and accept the truth that frees us to grow.

Sheila Pearson