Freedom From Condemnation

Do you realize that the Bible does not differentiate between sins? All sin is sin, and one sin is no greater than another. Consequences do vary based on the type of sin you choose to participate in. You sin every day in your thought patterns, yet many Christians have certain sins that they beat people over the head while ignoring other sins, maybe less visible sins. The Bible says do not judge or condemn. The Bible does not say unless the person committed “this” particular sin.

Condemnation is not from God

 “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like;…” Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV

Note that depending on the translation of the Scripture phrases like sexual immorality and murder are listed beside hatred, jealousy, or discord. Thank God that when you repent, ALL sin is thrown into the sea of God’s forgetfulness.

 “He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19 NKJV

The minute you repent you are walking with God in agreement and with the Spirit. It is in changing your mind to agree with God that makes us teachable, righteous, and clean before Him. It is not based on your behavior or performance but on your agreement. This is good news to many of you!

Romans 8:1-2 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” NKJV

You are to discern and identify faulty behaviors, but separate them from the person. None of us could approach God if He hadn’t paid for our sins. No sin defines us; look at Paul. He killed Christians and yet was powerfully used by God. Your only reasonable choice is to forgive yourself, forgive others, and daily allow God to transform you into His image.

So when you sin or someone sins against you remember what the Bible urges you to do:

 “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV

You obey God in your response to all He did for you. He doesn’t motivate you through fear, but love. Be cautious of legalism. Christianity is not about rules and regulations, but a relationship with God. That relationship is what produces a response to obey and serve Him.

This does result in a change of behavior, daily you are being molded more closely into His image. You are a work in progress; therefore none of you have arrived and are without sin. Hence, you should be cautious not to hold offenses against people, judge, or condemn. When you are critical of others or yourself, you are sinning while looking down on others.

Being perfect before God is not about behavior, it is about a heart attitude and having a heart to be in agreement with God, His Word, and willing to repent.

Repentance in Greek is the word “Metanoia” and it means to change your mind. This gives you freedom from condemnation. You don’t have to be perfect, just willing to continually be molded into His image. This is what produces the character of Christ in you. If you won’t forgive, are critical, or you walk in legalism, you aren’t representing Christ.

Jesus warned us about the legalism of the Pharisees. You cannot be made clean by the law; Jesus would not have needed to be a once and for all sacrifice if the law was sufficient. So I warn Christians, don’t put yourself back under the law.

Let me be clear, I do not mean that as Christians we should become tolerant of sin and compromise. I believe in the message of repentance, but it is not judgment or rules that brings repentance. The Scriptures teach us, it is by God’s tender loving kindness that people are brought to repentance.

Romans 2:4 says, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance? NIV

As Christians, our goal should be to become Christlike. Daily walk with God in a process of sanctification to be transformed into His image. Choose to view yourself and others through the whole measure of the Word. Do not compromise truth, but balance truth with mercy.

 Dr. Michele

Copyright © 2013 by Michele Fleming, Ph.D.