KATAKRIMA: Understanding Biblical Condemnation

Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died, – Rom 8:34

“Katakrima” is a unique word in the Greek New Testament (occurring three times and only in the Book of Romans – 5:16, 5:18 and 8:1) which Paul used in explaining crucial aspects of the Gospel message. Traditionally translated as “condemnation,” “Katakrima” is better understood in its fuller denotation of “sentence of condemnation”, or “punishment following a judicial sentence”. It is an “adverse sentence or verdict” from a courtroom.

In other words, the Greek Katakrima is more limited in meaning than our English equivalent. “Katakrima” is used fundamentally of a finding of a COURT against a defendant. It’s the prerogative of a Judge, NOT of subjective emotions, people, or even of the Devil. Misunderstanding this crucial fact will cause – indeed, has caused – serious damage to many a Believer’s walk and relationship with God.

This Gospel phenomenon, (that condemnation is God’s sole prerogative, along with His decision to withhold it from the Believer), does not and cannot make sense to the Natural, unregenerated mind. That’s why Rom 8:1 (There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus) and John 8:11  (Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more), have suffered some of the most sustained tampering throughout the centuries of manuscript copying. Nevertheless anyone with basic understanding of the principle of the Gospel message will see this as only the natural consequence of the Cross.

“Who is he that condemns? It is Christ that died,” – Rom 8:34.

As the famed Greek scholar A.T. Robertson wrote in his “Word Pictures” Bible Commentary, “The fire has burned on and around the Cross of Christ. There and there alone is safety. Those in Christ Jesus can lead the consecrated, the crucified, the baptized life.”

Are you living under guilt and condemnation? Find solace in the Cross of Christ today.

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.
GREG ELKAN