No Condemnation

We continue with the personal triggers for exploits in the Kingdom of God. We say exploits because most Christians are happy to ride along, as long as they get to Heaven. And there is nothing wrong with that. But those who desire to enjoy the ride will aim for exploits. I know you are one of us as we move to the passage that promises no condemnation to believers.

That promise is one of the other categories of triggers to God’s promises, You may recall that it is the “them” and “those” category of triggers. We stay here for two important reasons. Nobody completes a course of study without a graduation ceremony. Secondly, the verse that speaks of now no condemnation is one of my favorite passages of the Bible. I get so excited about the verse that someone once remarked that I could hardly wait to get to its study.

And with good reason. Your past does not have to be wild like the Apostle Paul’s for you to appreciate this promise. It is possible to have no condemnation. I once had to preach impromptu, and without a second thought, I chose Romans 8.1. It emphatically says: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Those who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Hallelujah!

No Condemnation Is Our Graduation Message

This is our graduation passage. We have come this far; we are now acquainted with the Lord; we take instructions from Him. There is an understanding that our relationship to Jesus is the basis of our righteousness. God might now be directing our steps and stops. Quite possibly, most of us make our petitions to Him and even pay our vows. If we did not stop for this ceremony before moving on, discouragement might result.

“There is therefore now….” We pause to observe the ‘therefore” in that verse. It indicates that because we have done all the above, we can claim all that follows. Sweet! We have learned our lessons and are ready. Plus, it is for right now, not somewhere in the sweet by and by. It is a declaration of victory.

By now, you can (hopefully) pick out of the verse the triggers to this powerful promise of God. It is “those.” Let us take another look at the verse. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Those who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”  Sorry, but this promise is not for every believer, but that is okay if you are only riding along. But if you want to enjoy, pay attention

Are You In Christ?

Are you in Christ Jesus? True, you gave your life to Him, and He is in you, but are you in Him? It sounds confusing, but the Bible makes it plain. 2 Corinthians 5.17 says you are a new man if you are in Christ. How many aspects of your life have changed since you became a believer? Do you still use bad language, abuse people, or tell lies? You may not be in Christ.

John 14. 20 makes it plain that being in Christ is different from Christ being in you. It says, “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” Being in Christ means you do not do anything Jesus would not do. Are we saying some people are there yet? No, but it is useful to know the goal. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

This verse contains two triggers. Not only must you be in Christ Jesus, but you must walk according to the Holy Spirit. Romans 8.14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” It stands to reason that God will not condemn those who are His sons. With that, Paul declared no condemnation for those who walk according to the Spirit.

The triggers are clear. To start enjoying this promise of no condemnation, you must be in Christ and let the Holy Spirit lead you.

This Blessing is Not A Prayer Point

It is amazing how some charismatics take everything as a prayer, with a ready “Amen” for each sentence you speak. The fact of no condemnation is not a prayer point. Anyone who fails to see the triggers and takes it as someone praying for them may live in condemnation forever. So, are we saying we should not wish ourselves well by saying amen to promises? Yes and no. Yes, wish yourself well. No, you do not do so by saying amen to every promise.

You take the triggers and run with them. Am I in Christ? What can I do to live in Him? Am I walking according to the Holy Spirit? How can I start doing so? Then, whether you say Amen or not, there is no condemnation in your life.

Maranatha!