No Condemnation

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1 NKJV)

The Law brings condemnation because it points out and condemns sin. Because of our sin, we deserve punishment, death, and Hell. But because of Christ, we've been set free from condemnation, punishment, and spiritual death. It's the no guilty verdict. We are now in Christ under grace, no longer under law. "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." (John 3:17-18)

"Thanks be to God, Who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25) Since the deliverance comes through Jesus Christ, there is no condemnation for us who are in Him. There is no punishment for us because Jesus took our judgment/ punishment for us on the cross. The Law was fully satisfied in the sacrifice that Christ made of Himself for sins. The mission of redemption was accomplished. We will be found innocent/righteous (because of Christ's righteousness imputed upon us) on Judgment Day. We've been declared not guilty for eternity. In Christ, we not only have all our sins forgiven, but also have a new birth/new life.

We, Christ's followers, have been saved from the penalty of sin, are being saved from the power of sin, and will someday be saved from the presence of sin. While on earth, we still struggle against our flesh/sinful nature from time to time as Paul describes in Romans 7:21-25. However, we do not need to fear condemnation when we stumble and sin. Condemnation is not the same as conviction. Conviction is from God; condemnation is from Satan. Conviction brings about God's sorrow, repentance, and change. Condemnation brings about guilt, shame, and despair. We are to hate sin and be thankful that Christ has set us free from bondage/slavery to sin. Though we struggle, we who have the Holy Spirit in us, do not live according to the flesh (we do not persist in a constant state of sinful living).

Jesus died to forgive all our sins and wrongdoings (past, present, future...every single one). "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36) We are forgiven and free! When we don't forgive ourselves and keep holding on to guilt & condemnation, it's like saying that Christ's blood wasn't enough to cleanse our sin. No sin is greater than the depths of God's grace and love. Guilt, shame, and regrets are not from God; they weigh us down and hold us back. Don't beat yourself up. If you've confessed and repented, God has forgiven you. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) The next time Satan tries to remind you of your sin/your past mistakes, just remind him of his future (Revelation 12:10) and of Christ's blood that washes all your sins away & makes you white as snow (deemed righteous) before God. Rejoice each day in God's gift of forgiveness and righteousness! Wrap yourself in God's unending, unconditional love for you; live unashamedly, confidently, courageously & fearlessly! You're no longer slaves to fear; you are a child of God.

Prayer: Thank You, Abba Father, for loving me and forgiving me! I'm forever grateful that because of Christ, I have been redeemed and justified. Please empower me to die to self (flesh) daily and walk according to the Spirit. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.