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The Cross Centered Life: Unloading Condemnation

September 4th, 30e by Brett Wagner

Do you struggle with condemnation?  Do you know your sins are forgiven but still carry around the baggage of forgiven sin?

 

“Some of us have been carrying so much, for so long, that we think it’s normal to go through life weighted down.  And the truth is that, apart from the cross, condemnation IS normal.  Without Jesus, we all deserve to be condemned and punished for sin.  But in Romans 8:1 the Bible tells us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

 

We don’t have to go through life under condemnation…

 

Condemnation is something we all deal with at one time or another.  It comes in different degrees.  It’s a mistake to think that condemnation is a problem only for people who have “major” sins.

We can become condemned over any sin, pas or present, great or small.  The common element is sustained sense of guild or shame over sins for which you have repented to God and to any appropriate individuals.

 

Are you allowing condemnation into your own life?  Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do you relate to God as if you were on a kind of permanent probation, suspecting that at any moment He may haul you back into the jail cell of His disfavor?

  • When you come to worship do you maintain a “respectful distance” from God, as if He were a fascinating but ill-tempered celebrity known for lashing out at His fans?

  • When you read Scripture does it reveal the boundless love of the Savior or merely intensify your condemnation?

  • Are you more aware of your sin than you are of God’s grace, given you through the cross? 

Do you see any traces of condemnation in your life?  Don’t be surprised if you do.  But don’t keep carrying the burden!  Because of the gospel’s power you can be completely free of all condemnation.  Not mostly free; completely free.

 

Don’t buy the lie that cultivating condemnation and wallowing in your shame is somehow pleasing to God, or that a constant, low-grade guilt will somehow promote holiness and spiritual maturity.

 

It’s just the opposite! God is glorified when we believe with all our hearts that those who trust in Christ can never be condemned…

 

Here’s how to beat condemnation. Confess your sin to God.  Then believe Him.  Exercise the gift of faith that God has given you to believe that Jesus died for the very sins you’re being condemned for.  The punishment He received was for you.  His resurrection is proof that God accepted Jesus’ sacrifice.  The sins of your past and the sin you just committed were all atoned for; you need carry their weight no more.”

 

Taken from “The Cross Centered Life” by CJ Mahaney

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Rom 8:33-34 ESV

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