Condemnation Holds You Back
Whenever we make a mistake, the devil is likely to pounce on us and point it out. Then comes the whispering in your ear about how you should feel. Shame, regret, remorse, guilt, ignorance, failure and so on. It’s an attack, and although we usually recognise it as such, that doesn’t necessarily stop its effectiveness.
But once we recognise this, we can begin to combat that attack, putting the devil in his place.
Scripture tells us in Romans 8:1
1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: {for sin: or, by a sacrifice for sin}
4. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
The born-again Christian has been given many gifts; one of these is the gift of forgiveness. Forgiveness for others and for the things they do or have done to you, but, most of all, forgiveness for self. We have to forgive ourselves as God forgives us. Unconditionally. Once this has been given and received, we can move forward on our journey because the burden is removed. It truly is a clean slate and an opportunity to freely move forward. We just have to choose to do so. Ask yourself what your role is, where your journey lies and ask the Lord for specific instructions how to carry out His will for your life. If you listen He will enlighten you and support you with everything you need to fulfill it.
The apostle Paul was forgiven for so many crimes against the Lord’s children. Many of them being murderous. But, once he had been forgiven, the Lord explained and commissioned him to do God’s will. Paul continued to serve the Lord, but this time, as a servant in the full will of the Lord. Paul is purported to have written two-thirds of the New Testament. So, he not only took the correction that Jesus gave him, but followed through the journey he was given to travel.
Set aside what has been forgiven!
We’re not saying forget it, for two reasons. The first is the fact that you have been forgiven. The second, as we’ve already seen is, the Lord does not condemn us. That means that the devil cannot use it against us!
Whatever is behind you, leave it there! Leave it in the past. When you bring it to the fore, you are virtually leaving it where the devil can pick it up and try to use it against you again.
It is entirely your choice, but when you truly understand and receive Jesus as your Lord, you will automatically be saved, forgiven, and offered the opportunity to spread the Gospel wherever you go. This opportunity is also a part of the Atonement for which Jesus paid. Sin debt was settled in full, leaving you with the opportunity to introduce others to our Saviour. They do not have to suffer condemnation either!
Mark 16:15-16
15. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;