April 28, 2024
Chris Freeland
Southwest
"Who then is the one who condemns? No one."
We all have something in our past that nags at us—a moment of guilt that seems impossible to erase. It’s like the infamous spot from Shakespeare's "Macbeth," haunting us in quiet moments, a persistent reminder of our imperfections. We’ve tried everything to deal with it: suppressing, compensating, or justifying our actions, but nothing works. That stubborn guilt lingers, making us feel about 90% acceptable to God, yet holding back that crucial 10% due to our past.
Romans 8:34 challenges us with a transformative question: “Who then is the one who condemns?” The answer is stark and liberating: No one. Not even ourselves. This isn't just a theological assertion; it's a life-altering truth rooted in the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus didn’t just die for our sins; He was raised to life, ensuring the payment was accepted, our debt cleared, and our guilt forever carried away.
This powerful truth is akin to a dry erase marker over a permanent stain. Just as the dry erase ink can absorb the permanent marker and remove it, Jesus’ sacrifice covers and eliminates our deepest guilt. This means our guilt isn’t just hidden; it’s entirely erased from our record.
Living into this reality changes everything. It emboldens us to share our stories truthfully, knowing we are fully forgiven. It fosters grace toward others, understanding that we, too, have been forgiven much. It gives us confidence in our prayers, knowing we approach a loving Father. And it cultivates authenticity in our relationships, freeing us from the need to hide or pretend.
Imagine a life where your past no longer condemns you. Where you can stand confidently, knowing your guilt is covered, carried away, and completely erased. That’s the promise of the resurrection: no condemnation, only grace. Embrace it fully and live boldly in the freedom Christ offers.
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