Forgiven and Free

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

"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 and God's wrath were fully satisfied in the sacrifice that Christ made of Himself for sins. The mission of redemption was accomplished. We shall never have to stand before the judgment of God for our sins. We've been declared not guilty for eternity. Not only that, Christ's righteousness is also imputed to us.

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're completely 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 1:7) Satan, the Accuser, has nothing to accuse against us any more. Jesus set us free from all accusations. It is so important for us to go to God's Word for truth and not rely on what feelings or others tell us. We must learn to distinguish between the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the condemnation of Satan. There's a difference between guilt and conviction. God uses conviction to draw us back to Him in repentance. Satan, on the other hand, uses guilt to drive a wedge between us and God...to draw us away from God...to render us dejected and useless. The devil loves to whisper lies to us God's children, trying to convince us that we're unworthy, unloved, and inadequate. When Satan tries to remind us of our sin/our past mistakes, we just need to remind him of his future and of Christ's blood that washes all our sins away & makes us white as snow (deemed righteous) before God. Be encouraged. Satan is no match for our God. Remember that our worth and identity are in Christ alone. Rejoice each day in God's gift of forgiveness and righteousness! Wrap yourselves in God's unending, unconditional love for you; live freely, unashamedly, confidently & courageously!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me, saving me, and forgiving me! I'm forever grateful that in You, I'm born again and blessed, forgiven and free. Please help me daily fill my mind with Your Word so that I can immediately detect and reject lies from the enemy.