What is condemning you? Being “condemned” means that there’s something against you, a judgment against you, something you’re liable for. In other words, there’s something you have to prove to avoid condemnation. Perhaps you feel you need to prove that you’re a good employee at your job, or maybe it’s proving that you’re a good parent by having successful and obedient children, or maybe it’s being the best in a certain skill or ability you have. What is condemning you?

We can so easily live our lives being driven by trying to avoid condemnation from others or from ourselves. But notice what this verses says! “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Do you realize what that means?

In God’s courtroom the punishment has already been paid, the sentence has already been served. Jesus Christ was condemned by God, not for His sin, but for yours and for mine. Jesus was already condemned for you and me! Because Jesus went to the cross in our place the righteous requirements of God’s law are fully met in you and me.

Because of Jesus God has already delivered the verdict for you and me: acquitted, innocent, forgiven, not guilty. That’s how you stand before God! There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! The court is adjourned. What’s condemning you? Why keep going back into the courtroom? It strikes me that if God says there’s no condemnation for you or me, we can live with incredible peace and joy, love and service!

Living with no condemnation from my God, just like you,

pastor