Freedom from Condemnation in Christ: When Your Past Won't Let Go
Romans 8:1-3
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. ”
I have made some mistakes in my life, things that at the time I knew were wrong, but in that moment, I didn't care. I don't know why, to be honest; I know I didn't weigh the consequences either. It was stupid, it had major negative consequences, and it has haunted me ever since. The enemy loves this part of my past, trying to make me feel shame and guilt.
"The accuser" is constantly trying to convince us that we are not worthy of God's love, that we made an unforgivable mistake, and that God has turned His face from us. The father of lies wants to turn your forgiven past into a mental prison. This is an extremely effective way to knock us off our game, take us down, and neutralize our joy while we sit in those bad memories instead of moving forward in our faith. I know you've seen it and experienced it.
In those moments of attack, we need to fight with the truth we know from God's Word. We need to remember that there is freedom from condemnation in Christ.
The Accuser focuses on our identity and says we are a failure. The Holy Spirit focuses on our behavior, showing us what we did that was wrong. The Accuser drives us to hide from God in shame. The Holy Spirit draws us closer to God and His forgiveness. The Accuser brings the unbearable weight of condemnation. The Holy Spirit brings conviction to change our bad habits and be set free. Most importantly, the Accuser wants us to stay trapped in the past. The Holy Spirit points us toward our redeemed future and purpose.
This is part of taking every thought captive, and the consequences of not taking this seriously can be devastating. As soon as these bad memories come up, we need to recognize that they do not reflect our current standing with God. Is this leading me closer to God, or is this making me feel distant and dirty?
The enemy loves to use partial truths.
"Remember when you did that? Don't try and hide it. You're a terrible person."
Yes, I did do that. It was wrong. But that sin has been paid for by the grace of God! His blood covered it, and He remembers it no more! Thank You, Father, for Your grace and mercy!
That is freedom from condemnation in Christ. We don't have to pretend our past mistakes never happened. We can acknowledge them, repent, and accept the forgiveness Jesus has already paid for.
Turn that opportunity for shame into praise for God's grace.
Are you ashamed?
Thank You, Father, for one more day. Amen.
Romans 10:9-11
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
