January 29 - Romans 8:1 Monday

January 29, 2024
Romans 8:1

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk accord to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Condemnation: G2631 An adverse sentence - verdict

 The Apostle Paul gave this verse out to the believers in Rome after encouraging them that Jesus has set us free from all sin. No matter how weak we feel at times, the apostle keeps repeating that Christ has set us free.

So many Christians take on condemnation of their sins, believing they can never be set free from whatever sin that has beset them. They feel condemned by God, as they continue to condemn themselves, of which Satan is pleased because he is the one who did the condemning in the first place. So then what is the difference between condemnation and conviction? Condemnation leads to shame, taking you away from God, leading to death and judgment.  Conviction, on the other hand, allows the Holy Spirit to point out the wrongs that need to be identified and revealed in our life. Repentance can then happen, which draws us closer to God, which leads to life.

You must always remember, Jesus paid the price for your sins, and God will never convict you of your sins. The indwelling Holy Spirit within you leads you to all truth, which, in your blindness, which we all have, points out the wrongs that need to be identified, revealed and then repented of. Lovingly, the Holy Spirit keeps drawing you to Himself by pointing out where you have missed the mark so you can repent, which then brings you closer to God.

“Condemnation is for the unbeliever and conviction is for the believer”
“Conviction is about discipline and condemnation is about punishment”

God does condemn unbelievers, however, but as a warning because He does not want them to perish. For that reason, He sent Jesus to die for the sins of the world. But once a person has become a believer in Christ, he or she will never be condemned by God again.

We all have blind spots in our lives, and God gave us the Holy Spirit to point out those blind spots or when we are veering away from God’s path. The Holy Spirit searches our heart in order to convict us by our conscience, allowing us to repent. That way, the Lord can change us to become more like Christ.

I believe:  I choose repentance to God as a lifestyle to keep closer to Christ.

PRAYER:  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous ways in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23