No Condemnation

 

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:20-28 ESV).

 

Having been able to minister for over fifty years has some advantages. Perhaps one of the most helpful of those advantages is that I have lived enough life that I can easily recognize my own failures. Like the Apostle Paul the older I become the more I realize I am not the “least of the apostles,” nor “the worst of the saints.” I am the worst of the sinners” (cf. 1 Timothy 1:15). I have also come to realize the greater the need, the greater the grace. Our reading today is the apostle detailing that principle. He says it more directly in his letter to the Roman believers: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2 ESV). This is just one of the “good” things about the Good News.

 

I have talked to hundreds of people over the years who simply could not imagine forgiveness this great. I remember one man who confessed his indiscretions in a session one day. In tears he said, “I know it’s too late for me.” He went on to ask what he could do to somehow make up for all the sin in his life. My response was both quick and decisive. I looked at him and said, “Nothing.” He wept all the more. After a few moments, I went on to say, “Everything necessary has already been done for you to be forgiven.”

 

Guilt can rob us of our peace of mind and take the joy out of our lives. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we can get rid of our guilt. We don't have to go through life looking over our shoulder, afraid that our past will catch up with us. If you are burdened with guilt, come to the Savior, confess, and accept the forgiveness He has won for you. There's no condemnation of all who are in him.