Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The apostle Paul certainly identified with the concerns expressed in the question. After all, he had approved of the killing of Stephen (Acts 8:1); had persecuted the church and caused Christians to be arrested (Acts 8:3); and was described as breathing out threats and murder against Christians (Acts 9:1).

Even after his conversion, he remained acutely aware that, despite his best efforts and intentions, he continued to sin, to the point of describing himself as serving the law of sin with his flesh, and calling himself wretched (Romans 7:15-24).

But, despite his despair, he could also say, "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!...There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 7:25-8:2) 

The words "no condemnation" mean that, as long as we recognize our need of the redemption and salvation that only Christ can provide, and we are relying totally on Christ's perfect righteousness for our justification, there will be no need to fear the kind of judgment that you are describing, since we will have had that same perfect righteousness imputed to us for Christ's sake (2 Corinthians 5:21).

And the words "set me free" mean that, in the same way as Paul, Christians today do not have to allow their lives to be consumed and their service to God impaired by continually thinking about (and dreading) coming judgment or condemnation. Instead, they are joyfully free to focus on how they can best show others the same love that God has extended to them in Christ.

Also, note the assurance found in Romans 8:31-39 to those who are trusting in Christ. 

Yes, some Christians will receive greater rewards from God than others in eternity, based on their service. But, since all Christians are free of the fear of judgment and condemnation, that should allow them to concentrate all the more on how they can use that freedom to love and serve others in gratitude to God, which will maximize the rewards that they themselves will receive.

January 17 2017 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Danny Hickman Supporter Believer in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ... Rom 8:1. That's good news if you can convert this truth from something that simply sounds encouraging into what it is in truth: God's irrevocable promise.
Whoever believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned... John 3:18. This is another great piece of revelation for those seeking asylum in the church, but how can this be so when a person has committed so many deplorable deeds?

There is no do-over in life, so the solution that Nicodemus came up with, to go back to your mother's womb and start over is not an option (John 3). Additionally, being born again doesn't erase the sinful record or the guilt of sin from the memory of the perps. So how can you get over the fear of facing the One who died in your place because of your sin? Not just the sins you committed before your conversion but the ones waiting back stage for their debut in the future. 

The only way to be reconciled to God in a way that causes your fear of condemnation and the guilt that supports your fear to fade away, is to TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD. BELIEVE HIM. See above scripture John 3:18. As long as we continue to BELIEVE that our behavior can determine the way the Lord cares for us, we will also continue to DOUBT His plan for redemption. 

Lastly: take care to avoid the counsel of those who "tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger." (Matt 23:4.) The law they promote is good, (Rom 7:16) but nothing good (the law included) dwells in us so we don't have the ability to do what is right Rom 7:18. 
What then can we say about this? (Answer) If God be for us, who can be (stand) against us? Rom 8:31.

Believe the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ; set your mind on the things of the Spirit Rom 8:5-8.

June 12 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Dale Casselman Supporter Christian/Circus Clown

There is nothing to fear, but fear itself. We are hidden in Christ Jesus.

The thing that I think you are missing is that after God the Father punished all of our sins in His Son Jesus. He chose to forget them completely.

I am not quite sure how an omniscient God can completely forget anything, but our God did that already. You are not going to be judged for your sins ever. That would make Christ's death a spectacle, and God's word a lie.

You will come before Christ at what is called the Bema Seat. There you will receive your reward.

Some people are hoping for all sorts of crowns. I personally do not believe those sorts of people are going to be there.

Hope this helped.

I love you, as do all of the brethren.

December 02 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report