April 14 – LD
15, Day 6: No More Condemnation
by Rev
Romans 8:1 “There
is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk
not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
How terrible it would be to go through life thinking that God is cursing
me because of my sins. The superstition that rules in many heathen cultures
results in great fear and terror. At each step, one is wondering if he has done
enough to please the gods. One’s whole life is lived selfishly in an
attempt to escape the wrath of the gods and earn favor.
God has delivered us from that superstition. Though we deserve to be
punished everlastingly, God put that curse on His own Son so that we could be
freed to live not for ourselves, but for Him. Jesus Christ died so that the
curse of sin would be forever lifted for all those who are found in
Christ. The catechism says that we are redeemed from everlasting
damnation.
Does this mean that we won’t suffer? We will suffer, but our suffering
is changed into blessing. God turns suffering for the sake of Christ into that
which is a blessing for us. We are purified and sanctified through that
suffering. God draws us closer to Himself as we experience the trials.
All kinds of blessings come out of that cup of suffering.
From the suffering of Jesus we learn that no suffering is without
purpose, even though at times it may seem to be the case in our lives. Our
suffering does not earn us anything. Nothing more is needed! Christ
earned it all for us so we can live unto Him.