"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
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
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