“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. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
-Romans 8:1-2
Yes! We have victory over condemnation, because we are in Christ Jesus! This is the heritage of those who put their trust in God: every tongue that might want to rise against you on the day of judgment shall be condemned (Isaiah 54:17). Though Satan, also known as the accuser, might try to make us dwell on our mistakes, shortcomings and flaws, reminding us that we are unworthy to stand in God’s Holy presence, let us remind him that our righteousness is Christ! And who the son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36). We have victory over condemnation not because we deserve it, but simply because the Son, to whom all authority has been given (Matthew 28:18), has declared us free, chosen, a royal priesthood, and His special possession! (1 Peter 2:9)
Does it mean that we are perfect? Not at all. As long as we live in this earthly body, we will stumble, and even fall. This usually opens the door to another, very subtle form of condemnation, known as self-condemnation. It is often confused with conviction, which comes from the Holy Spirit, but the two produce very different fruits in our lives. While self-condemnation makes us dwell on our shortcomings and produces the fruit of mortification and guilt, conviction exposes our sin in contrast to God’s Holiness, producing the fruit of repentance and reconciliation with God. The former comes from the accuser, while the latter comes from the Holy Spirit. If we truly believe that Christ has the final say, then no matter who condemns us, Christ’s word is greater than them, even if the condemnation comes from our own heart.
“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
-1 John 3:20
So the next time that you are facing condemnation, either from yourself or others, remember and heed to Jesus’ words to the adulterous woman “I do not condemn you, go now, and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:1-11)
Let’s pray:
Victorious God, my Redeemer, I have decided to humble myself, and accept You as my Lord and Saviour, for I believe now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Lord, look unto me with mercy and if there is any self-condemnation or guilt in me, remove it. Also, if I have judged, condemned, or esteemed myself above others, please pardon me and forgive my ignorance and my iniquities. Father, change my perspective of others and myself, and let me live knowing that I am a new creature in Christ. Lord, enable me to testify and encourage others who are going through the same struggle with self-condemnation or who are feeling intimidated and condemned by others. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
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