THE GOSPEL OF NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE
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The Scripture says that there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
What is Condemnation?
It is simply a state of being condemned; the act of pronouncing to be wrong or adjudging guilty; unfit for use; disapprobation or punishment.
WHY THE GOSPEL OF NO CONDEMNATION?
According to the Old Testament, it was “the soul that sinneths shall die”. The people were punished because of their sins, although the forgiveness of sins was based on the sacrifice of animals.
But under the New Covenant of Grace whereby Jesus paid the price on the Cross for our sake, the Old became obsolete.
John 3:17 says that God did not send His Son into the world to CONDEMN the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
The New Covenant of Grace centers on God’s love for humanity and how He intends to save His people.
THE PLACE OF BELIEVING
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We can only reap the benefits of “no condemnation” when we act upon the principle of believing. The next verse explains it better.
John 3:18,24 says:
he that believes on Him is not condemned, but He that does not believe in Him is already condemned because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Verily verily I say unto you, he that hears my word and believes on Him that sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.
BELIEVING is key here. Not just believing, but believing on His name. The absence of this great factor displeases God.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ.
The Question is who are those in Christ?
They are those that believe in Him.
SAVED BY BELIEVING
Unlike the Old Testament where the experience of blessings was dependent on self efforts, we are saved by Grace under the New Law since Christ has died for us.
Even if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart for He knows all things (1 John 3:20), then we have confidence toward God.
For the Scripture says: “Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed and whosoever call on the name of the Lord shall be Saved” (Romans 10:11, 13)
First is ‘believing on Him’ which precedes the next to it – ‘calling in His name’. Faith becomes that supernatural substance for our salvation.
If believing in Him brings us into Christ be which we are saved, contrarily, doubt (and fear - the absence of faith) would bring one into condemnation of the devil by which such individual is doomed.
DOES THAT MEAN THAT WE ARE GIVEN THE LICENSE TO SIN SINCE WE ARE CONDEMNED NO MORE?
Apostle Paul in reaction to this question in the Book of Romans said:
GOD FORBID
In conclusion, Grace is not the license to sin; rather it gives us the power over sin.
We must learn to submit our intentions, will and emotions to God, so that we can work under the influence of His Spirit, having His direction as the compass of our lives.
Rest On His Love Today!
While we were yet sinners, He died for us. Will he who has died for us even when we don't deserve it still delight in condemning us?
A question we too must ponder upon. Thanks for sharing this message with us.
Good to hear from you GSAINT, Thanks for sharing with Us!
..TH
@STEEMCHURCH
We all should tend towards perfection and aspire to be like our messiah, and if we fall short of his glory by sinning, we should ask for forgiveness