"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in
Christ, because through Christ the law of the Spirit who gives life has
set you free from the law of sin and death." (Rom 8:1-2, NIV)
In
other words: "The Spirit gives life!" (Rom 8:10)
After WWII,
Nazis were prosecuted for their crimes. Former Gestapo officials accused
of murdering British, South African and New Zealand Air Force officers
who had escaped from Stalag III were sentenced to death and were
executed promptly. Heinrich Himmler, Hitler's successor, tried to escape
with false papers. He was arrested at a checkpoint near Bremervorde on
May 21, 1945, and eventually his identity was discovered. Faced with an
immediate body search, he bit on a cyanide pill concealed in his mouth
and died on the spot.
Not every Nazi had the same sentence, but
in the cases mentioned above, everyone was condemned to death, even
Himmler who condemned himself!
Unlike these condemned Nazis,
those of us who find amazing Grace from our Heavenly Father are assured
that there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ." In other
words, when we accept Jesus into our lives, we are automatically
forgiven from every misdeeds we ever did. This is why God's grace is
said to be "amazing"
Sadly, some doubt this fact and live
with their own beliefs that just maybe they are not saved. They believe
that just like the Nazis, they are heading for condemnation. This is
especially evident in legalistic churches where most of the members
concur that they do not know if they are saved. How sad! However, if we
base our salvation on our own merit, it's little wonder that we will
doubt our salvation. After all, "Salvation is found in no one else, for
there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be
saved." (Acts 4:12, NIV)
Those of us, however, who rely solely on
Jesus for salvation, are assured that there "is no more condemnation"
upon us. Why? Because Jesus has paid the price for ALL of our sins. Once
paid, we have no debt any longer. We have been completely and throughout
forgiven.
Our Heavenly Father even confirms this fact through His
Holy Spirit who has taken residence within us. He confirms that we are
now sons and daughters of God, and thus, we are heirs of the Kingdom:
"Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our
hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no
longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his son, God has made
you also an heir. " (Gal 4:6,7 NIV) Hurray! The Holy Spirit gives life
(See Rom 8:10), and once He lives in us, we truly become alive. No more
fear of death; in fact, no more fear of anything! (See Heb 2:14,15)
I must now ask you a personal question: Do you fear facing God as
your judge? If you tremble at the thought, you may be missing the
unforgettable experience of God's Spirit taking up residence in you. If
this is a fact, repent for doubting His grace, and invite His Spirit to
dwell in you. Experience Him personally and discover what real grace
looks like. It will knock your socks off, guaranteed. Only then will you
now for a fact that you are indeed saved for eternity.
Bye bye
fear; I am now officially a son of God, and there in no more
condemnation on my behalf. No more need for cyanide!
Rob chaffart