God is for me

08/21/23 – 08/27/23

No Condemnation

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  08/21/23

Read Romans 8:1.

This well-known verse should give you chills. It tells you and I plainly that we, as believers in Christ, are no longer under divine condemnation. However, we need to be sure to study this verse carefully because many have misunderstood it and fallen into confusion.

Misunderstanding Number One: Some believers think that Christ has saved us from divine judgment, including divine discipline. If you are in Christ, it is absolutely true that God will never condemn you. But Hebrews 12:6 also tells us, “[T]he Lord disciplines the one he loves.” If God is your heavenly Father, He is committed to your spiritual growth. And as any good father would, He loves you enough to discipline you if you walk in disobedience to Him.

Misunderstanding Number Two: Believers confuse divine judgment with divine accountability. My friend, you will never be eternally judged for your sins. But, you will be held accountable for how you stewarded your life—if you spent your time, talent, and treasure for God’s glory.

Now, we cannot obey God by our own effort. This is why He has given us the incredible gift of His indwelling Holy Spirit, by whom we proclaim that we are no longer condemned, but redeemed in Christ (see Romans 8:15). Let us therefore pursue holiness as a people set apart for God.

Prayer: God, I thank You for redeeming me. I know I will never be condemned. Give me the will to live for You, knowing that the quality of my work will be tested (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). Thank You that the Holy Spirit is with me to empower me to live for Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, . . .” (Romans 8:1).