Tuesday, June 11, 2013 "There is no Condemnation with Christ"

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1

"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

I was reminded of this scripture just today when a friend and I were talking together on the phone. I was sharing with her how so many believers suffer from self condemnation, which means self inflicted guilt. We need to truly grasp the truth in God's Word when He tells us our sins are washed away and we are left pure and white as the driven snow. Picture a gorgeous untouched mountain of snow. You know right after a snow storm but before the shoveling and plows and salt taint it and dirty it? Well that is how the Lord sees us, pure and white. Now picture every time we sin, a drop of red blood, like crimson red, is dropped on to that snow. It is no longer pure, but touched, dirtied by sin. The more we sin, the redder the snow and before you know it, the purity of the white snow is so covered by the red blood the snow is barely there. That is how the Lord sees us when we are covered in sin and filth. But all we have to do is confess our sins and repent of them to the only One who can forgive and save us and our sins are washed away ... picture every time we confess, he removes a spot of the red blood. And before you know it, the mountain is once more white and pure and that is all the Lord sees. He forgives us and it is as if we never sinned. Knowing this biblical truth should free every child of God that suffers from their own guilt. Whether it be they are still sinning or have not been able to forgive themselves for their sins of the past, condemnation is real and it can paralyze the believer into thinking they are not good or worthy of God's love. All lies to distract us. But we know we are forgiven by the blood of the Lamb and the veil of sin is removed leaving us visible to the One Who created us.  So lift up your brothers and sisters who struggle with sin and guilt. Share the love the Lord has for them and remind them it is as simple as saying they are wrong and they are so sorry. People tell me I make it sound so simple, that is because it is. Jesus is simple, pure, uncomplicated, honest, real, and truthful. Therefore trust in Him and not yourself and let the sins of the present time or past time go and enjoy a closer relationship with Him. You will be blessed with abundance of joy and eternal peace. What a wonderful gift of grace.