Your True Reflection预览

You Are No Longer Condemned:
The Greek phrase “no longer condemned” is οὐδείς κατάκριμα (oudeis katakrima). It is a powerful negating conjunction. It rules out by definition and leaves no possibility of punishment or condemnation.

The general definition of this word means “sentenced to a particular punishment, especially death; officially declared unfit for use.”

There are two ways to look at this verse and two types of condemnation:

1) Unfit for Use

God takes the old and creates the new. God changes what the past has done to us and gives us a future. God is about redos and do-overs, and we are his favorite projects.

2) Punishment

Certain forms of punishment do work. But God does not give out licks. He does not condemn us: “When we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:32, NASB).

When you are condemned, you are found guilty, and then comes the punishment. Well, we know we have all been found guilty before a holy God. There is no argument there. But because of God’s great love for us, He has chosen not to condemn us but to forgive us—and that includes you!

Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!”

Praise God, and thank You, Lord, for that one!