“Therefore, there is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus”
(Romans 8:1)
Reflection:
For those who have entered into the new life in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour there is now no condemnation – we have been set free from the law of sin and death. Sin has been dealt with and forgiveness established for our sins.
- “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Isaiah 43:25)
- “In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7)
- “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28)
Jesus died for all sin and sins – past, present and future – of all humankind – past, present and future. Having fully dealt with the reality and penalty of sin no further action was needed. His was a ‘full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice.’ All that is left for us is to enter by faith into the salvation that He provided in His death and resurrection.
He recognised that we would still continue to sin and fall short of God’s standard of holiness – but having dealt with sin itself He likened this to the dirt that we would pick up as we walk through the world. This was part of the significance of the washing of the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. He told them that through their association with Him they were already ‘clean’ and only needed their feet to be washed, not their whole bodies.
- “Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean” (John 13:10)
- “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9)
When as Christians we sin our response then is to turn to God in repentance – which is acknowledging that we have sinned. We ask for forgiveness – which is acknowledging both that He alone can forgive sins and also that such forgiveness has already been provided in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We then acknowledge our entry into that forgiveness by thanking Him.
Jesus made it clear that in this life there is no limit to the forgiveness of God – by teaching that there must be no limit to our own preparedness’ to forgive others.
- “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21-22)
The reality is that Jesus Christ has provided total forgiveness for me – and He expects me to live by faith within that forgiveness. When sin occurs in my life, or is recognised, it can and should be dealt with in terms of what He has already done for me –not what I hope He will still do!
Response:
Amazing and wonderful God!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus help me to put my complete faith and trust in You –and to live and walk in the liberating knowledge of the forgiveness of my sins. Amen.
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The Soaring Eagle 