Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 HCSB
Condemnation is defined as the expression of very strong disapproval; censure, or the action of condemning someone to a punishment, or sentencing. Shame, when used as a noun, is defined as a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. When shame is used as a verb, it means to make someone feel ashamed.
Our scripture passage today tells us that for those who are in Christ Jesus, meaning those who believe in Him as their personal Lord and Savior, there is no condemnation. There is no guilty verdict and no punishment. Therefore, if there is no condemnation then there is no guilt or shame.
As Christians, it is very important that we learn the difference. There is a difference between condemnation, which we receive from the devil himself, and conviction, which comes from the Holy Spirit. The devil likes to use condemnation because then he can make us feel ashamed. When he makes us feel ashamed, he can convince us we are unworthy of God’s love and God’s goodness. The devil wants us to believe we don’t now nor will ever deserve any goodness from God. Then he can convince us it’s hopeless and we may as well give up and get lost in our sin. So, as you can see, guilt and shame are two very powerful weapons in the devil’s arsenal. He can use them to keep us down.
If we aren’t careful we can fall into a very dangerous, vicious cycle. We allow the devil to tempt us into sinning, we feel guilty for our sin and feel that there is no use in repenting and trying to do right and BAM! The devil has us right where he wants us. Before you know it, we are headed straight to hell and the devil is thrilled.
But, it doesn’t have to be that way. When we accept Christ as our Savior, He can protect us from the devil and His schemes. When we ask Him to fill our hearts with His Holy Spirit, we can be stronger in our resistance through His strength. When we do make a mistake. the Holy Spirit gives us that gentle nudge telling us that we made a mistake. He encourages us to turn back to God and repent and receive God’s forgiveness. The difference here is that conviction gives us that gentle nudge letting us know that we messed up and encouraging us to make it right by repenting. Condemnation makes us feel guilt and shame and eventually hopelessness. Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and guilt and shame come from the devil.
Perhaps you are living with a sin that you feel is unforgivable. Perhaps the devil has convinced you that it is no use because your sin is so great that God will not forgive it. I beg of you today to please stop listening to the devil’s lies. 1John 1:9 tell us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. No guilt, no shame, His blood washes us white as snow, simple as that. Psalm 34 is a beautiful Psalm about how the Lord delivers the righteous and I encourage you to read the whole thing. But right now I want to quote verses 4-5 which tell us, “I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed.” Romans 10:11 tells us that everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50:7 says, “But the LORD GOD helps me, therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.”
Be assured we will have troubling times. We will mess up from time to time. We are not perfect. But, as long as we stay focused on God and trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we will not be condemned. We will not be shamed. Isaiah 61:7 tells us that instead of our shame, we will receive a double portion; instead of dishonor, we will rejoice.
If you have turned away from God because you feel that you have committed sin that cannot be forgiven and you feel hopeless, know that this is just lies the devil is telling you. Please, stop believing these lies. Turn to God, trust in Him, He is waiting for you. He wants to cleanse you and wash you white as snow. He wants to guide you on the right path and bring you joy and not shame. It’s time to let go of your guilt and shame and enter into a loving relationship with your Lord and Savior.
Have a great day!