UncagedSample

PROMISE 2: There is no condemnation in Christ.

Too often, we can slip back into old patterns—the residuals of thinking rooted in guilt and self-condemnation. Sometimes, I fall back into these patterns after I screw up, like when I’m short with my kids or lose my patience in traffic; when I don’t get my way and pout like a two-year-old in a grown-up body; or when I stick to my health plan for a few days only to gorge on chicken nachos instead of hitting the gym. Afterwards, I’m disappointed in myself and guilt and condemnation rise up.  

God’s presence may be the promise, but sometimes it feels like I deserve to be cut off from his presence because of my own stupidity. I fear that I’ve disqualified myself from his grace, and selfishness has put me on probation. Can you relate? Do you believe that God forgives others, but you still wonder if he forgives you? Do you get that God loves you, but you still feel like a failure? As a fellow struggler, I can only remind you of what I tell myself: there is no condemnation in Christ.

Nothing—past or future—can cut you off from God’s presence through Jesus. This restoration promise makes it clear that God knows all about the mind games we play and the ways our enemy can exploit them. But God’s gift of grace is a precious gift. Paul describes it as the chain of actions that lead to our salvation.

“For those whom [God] foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:29-30 ESV).

The power of the past and the penalty of your sin have been utterly demolished by this golden chain of salvation. You’ve been foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. Our old habits might keep us feeling caged, but God has blown the door wide open. God’s mercy is new every morning. His grace is fresh every day. Great is his faithfulness! He does not treat us as our sins deserve!

Live free in the promise: there is no condemnation in Christ.