“There is now and forever no condemnation for those who are in Christ. … Who then is left to condemn us? Though the devil will try and others pile on—no one is left to legally condemn us. Because Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and as our ‘righteousness, holiness, and redemption,’ and he is also interceding for us non-stop.” (Combination and paraphrase of Rom. 8:1; 8:34, 1Cor.1:30)
Lord Jesus, considering these staggeringly beautiful verses, why are we so easily sucker-punched by the devil’s accusations and lies, and disappointment and judgment from others? Why do we heap shame and contempt on ourselves when you only heap “grace upon grace” (Jn.1:16)?
Our sins cannot separate us from your love (Rm.8:38-39); but you now separate us from the love of our sin. And (Hallelujah!) you also separate us from sin’s guilt, shame, and power. We will never be more criticized than we were by your cross—for it revealed the depth of our need. But your cross, empty tomb, and occupied throne now show us we cannot be more saved, beloved, and yours.
We believe this Gospel; but we want to boast more, rest deeper, and rejoice quicker in it, Jesus. We want to live as those who are impossible to condemn but easy to be convicted of our sin by the Holy Spirit. Help us know the difference between the two. It’s your kindness that will keep on leading us to repentance—and into more humility and compassion for others.
Jesus, knowing you are at our Father’s right hand praying for us and ruling over every king, crisis, and crawdad, we enter this week palms up—in gratitude, peace, worship, and surrender. So Very Amen.
