February 9 – No Condemnation

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

        As a believer, this is one of the most encouraging verses in which we can trust and to which we should cling. We should memorize it and meditate upon it frequently. Here is why.

        Condemnation has to do with the end of second chances. It is final; it is utter ruin. It is being fit for nothing good, anymore. It is death, without any hope for a life in God's paradise. No one is finally condemned until after death. As long as persons live, there is hope for redemption. As believers, we are no longer self-condemned as John 3:17 puts it. And, since God himself does not condemn us, we should be thankful and excited to realize that God loves us more than we can imagine. Further in Romans 8, we read in verse 31, "...if God is for us, who can be against us?" Of course, lots of people and demons are against us. But Paul is stating that because we are in God's family, there is victory in life, now. and/or, ultimately. That in itself should encourage us to press on to know God more intimately, and to desire to be used for his purposes.

        Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35f). (Can you tell that Romans 8 is my favorite chapter in the whole Bible?) Not even sin! 1 John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins (at any point in our new life) that God is faithful and just to forgive us. And finally, Hebrews 4:16 gives us the confidence to always approach God, even when we have sinned. "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need."

        Thank you, God, for not condemning us, but purchasing us through the precious blood of Jesus, our savior.ca