Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Strong in Grace: No more condemnation

  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1 NKJV






In our last study, we began examining the great gift of no condemnation Christ and His Finished Work procured for us. The Good News Gospel of Grace reveals there is no more condemnation in Christ. Man and religious tradition still minister condemnation but Grace speaks better things.

 God knew we all owed a debt we could never pay. We all were worthy of death because of sin and rebellion. We were all spiritually separated from God because of Adam's sin and transgression. What God did is send Himself to pay the debt in full so we who receive the free gift of Grace would never face the judgment for sin. 

 Christ paid the price in full. Yet religious tradition still believes we need to continue making payments. They feel we still owe on the sin debt. That Father God merely made a down payment and expects us to complete the payment for redemption by our performance and perfect works. 

 In fact, Paul called the ministry of Law the ministry of condemnation and death. Paul shows us the ministry of Grace is more glorious. The reality is the price is paid in full. Ministry of Law, which is a ministry focused on personal performance and the ability to get it right all the time, takes the focus off of Christ and the Finished Work and places it upon us, our doing.

 Therefore, now no condemnation awaits those who are living in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, Romans 8:1 Voice

Now, because of this, those who belong to Christ will not suffer the punishment of sin. Romans 8:1 NLV

 In Christ Jesus, under the New Covenant, there is no more condemnation for the believer. No condemnation, no matter what! Christ Jesus in the Finished Work, paid the price in full. Jesus took all our punishment and judgment. So why would God expect us to bear any punishment for sin when Jesus already perfectly paid for it all? 

 In John 8 we see this beautiful example of the gift of no condemnation ministering life in the midst of sin and brokenness. In this event we see Jesus ministering the Word. Then the religious leaders bring Him a woman caught in transgression. Jesus masterfully exposes each and every one of them. No one has the right to cast stones at anyone. 

 10 When Jesus had stood up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11 MEV

 Jesus approached her. He said where are your accusers? Note that Jesus distanced Himself from the accusers. Jesus will never accuse you before the Father. Jesus then gave her the gift of no condemnation. Then He said go and sin no more.

 What's interesting to note, though He never condemned her or accuse her He never said what she did wasn't wrong. That was never in question. She knew she had sinned. She was in shame. Yet Jesus ministered life and mercy to her. Ministering no condemnation doesn't mean we say all behavior is right and good. It's just that Jesus paid the price for the punishment for all sin and transgression and wrongdoing.

 Condemnation is defined in the Greek as an adverse sentence. It's a judgment of damnation. It basically says you've messed up too much. You're too far gone. It's hopeless for you.

 Jesus silences those accusations. He says I don't condemn you. I don't accuse you. In Christ Jesus, there is no more condemnation. This is the Good News of Grace.

 In summation, rejoice we have been fully redeemed. The price has been paid completely. The Finished Work perfectly paid the price in full. We just rest and receive all Jesus did by Faith. Peace and joy be to you, there is no more condemnation in Christ!


Image by Andrew Martin from Pixabay