No Condemnation
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
God never speaks with the language of condemnation toward his children. Even in his rebuke, the purpose is restoration and love. If my kid runs into the street, I am going to shout after him with every variation of, “No! Stop!” I want him to be safe.
I realize this morning that even in God’s no there is grace and goodness. Sometimes we need his rebuke to get ourselves aligned with the truth. At the edge of temptation to sin, there is nothing more gracious than a resounding “Stop!” from heaven.
God speaks to restore and discipline. He loves to train his children in godliness.
However, when we fear condemnation from the Lord, it causes us to hide and react. I think this is one of the reasons Paul is so clear we have to move past the fear of condemnation. Our freedom is found in abiding in the Spirit, but the fear of condemnation causes us to distance ourselves from that source of hope.
Paul is teaching us to look at the work of what Christ has done. He has destroyed the power of sin and death in his body on the cross. Now the journey forward is through the Spirit who gives us peace, freedom, and holiness. The love of God accomplished this.
We have to learn to open up to the Lord and abide even in our sin and weakness. This is the place where God can speak his word of truth. Interestingly, we tend to hide from God in the situations that we need him most. God is not interested in shaming you and ridiculing you. He is interested in training you and liberating you.
I know this is hard for many of us. Our relationship with our parents and other forms of authority makes hearing from God our Heavenly Father more challenging. I understand that, and God has grace for you.
As difficult or uncomfortable as it may be, today’s invitation is to stand on the truth that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Not for those who can do everything perfectly, but for those who are in Jesus. Maybe that is why Paul made this phrase so simple. So that in moments of doubt, we can claim these basic words over and over until we believe them and can step into grace once again.
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