Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is
lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our
sins. And in him is no sin.” (1 John 3:4-5 NIV)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, NIV)
Many years ago, I taught in a school where the principal blamed her teachers
for her own mistakes. As soon as she realized she had done something in
error, she would seek a teacher to blame it on. Fortunately the teachers
were united; but most of the teachers were extremely discouraged.
It is sad to say that when this principal retired, the staff were ecstatic.
Yahoo! No more condemnation, no more being blamed for things they didn’t
even do. It felt so good.
There are Christians who think that our Heavenly Father condemns us. They go
though life downhearted and discouraged.
When Jesus came to this world, He came to save, not to condemn. He came to
forgive our sins. Although He, Himself never sinned, He took our sins upon
Himself to the cross. He died for us, so that our sins could be forgiven.
The evil one could not stop this, and this means that anyone who trusts in
Jesus can be assured that there is NO condemnation. Jesus took our sins; we
don't need to even bring them to mind. We are forgiven!
“But, I do still sin. Am I condemned?”
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to
save the world through him.” (John 3:17 NIV)
Instead of feeling guilty, ask for forgiveness of those you have hurt.
There was one time that I got really annoyed at my vice principal because of
too many changes in our school.
That evening, I realized I was wrong. The next day, I went to see the
vice-principal and asked her forgiveness. She was amazed. We became friends
that day.
God forgives.
Remember: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of
sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” (Ephesians 1:7 NIV).
The truth is, you are completely and irrevocably forgiven. Jesus took your
blame, so that you could live free of condemnation. If you fail, don’t
condemn yourself. Come to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness. He will say: “I
have forgiven you a long time ago, while I was on the cross.
May we also forgive people who annoy us. They can become friends of yours as
well.
Who does our Heavenly Father justify? Did Jesus die to justify the godly or
the ungodly?
I assure you that He came for the ungodly: “For I am not ashamed of the
gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who
believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16 NIV)
Enjoy getting to know our Heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. You
are blessed!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.