I remember sitting in class and hearing the intercom buzz, "Mrs. Soandso, will you please have Seth Springs report to the office. Thank you."
No matter what the purpose of my visit to the office, those words made me shutter. And, worse than the squawking box was the walk of shame. On your way to the office you are forced to think about all the reasons that they may want to see you. Did they see you stick your gum under your desk? Had you been talking too much in class? Or, did you do something wrong, but didn't know, and they knew, but you didn't know. Oh man, a trip to the office was always pure agony.
I think some of us think about heaven like that. Fearing what the verdict is as we go through life trying to check off boxes on our to-do lists. Maybe we have doubts about our salvation, or we question if we have this thing right or not and fear the possibility of standing before God and being sent away.
Well, there's good news...
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:1
(NLT)
Do you know what that word condemnation means? It means "punishment." So the good news is that if you belong to Jesus, which means if you have believed on Him and trusted in Him, you are forgiven and free. And, Paul didn't say there was a chance of condemnation. He didn't say there is a little condemnation if we don't do this, this, and that. He said, there is NO condemnation for those who belong to Jesus!
So, Follower of Jesus, no more "sent to the Principal's office" feeling. I know we sometimes get in a rut. Honestly, there are times where I don't even want to pray, or can pray, because of guilt. But, in times like that I must remind myself that there is NO condemnation for me and that the bible teaches that I can approach God's throne with boldness because of His grace. Remember, we are not made right with God by our righteousness, but by His!
There is a flip-side to this though. What about the ones who don't belong to Christ Jesus? There is condemnation for them. God is love, but love is not God. Though God wants to show love, He must still punish sin. Therefore, if we have not trusted in Jesus our sin is still on us and we will have to pay the price. As a Christ-follower, my heart breaks for those who still face condemnation. I ask you, don't wait. Trust in Jesus today.
Today, I am glad that God has made a way. "There is NO condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." -Romans 8:1
ALL ABOUT JESUS!
