Romans 8 - Amplified Bible

1 "THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit." [also see John 3:18.]

"Oh my...how can this be?! No matter what I do I feel condemned. Every time I make a mistake, every time I fall in my addiction I feel like 'that's-it, I can never get it right, how can God love me, I feel condemned!' " I hear this almost every day from those who are continuing to struggle.

What is it with us? Why do we choose to believe that we are victims and that things will never quite be right? May I suggest that if you have accepted Christ into your life and have seriously repented of your past sin, whatever that may be, that God is living in you. If He is living in you, no matter what you've done or continue to do, Romans chapter 8 is for you!

One of the things I did was read that chapter in two or three translations. I must say that the Message really drives the message home that we can not be separated by anything from the love of God. Ok, the Word is clear that sin separates us but if you think of it, is it God who walks away from you...OR...do you walk away from Him? God desires us to run to Him NOT away from Him!

So what is it that seems to drive us 'away-from-Him'? That old condemnation! Oxford dictionary says:
1. express utter disapproval of; censure (was condemned for his irresponsible behaviour).
2. a find guilty; convict. b (usu. foll. by to) sentence to (a punishment, esp. death). c bring about the conviction of (his looks condemn him).

It's amazing that so many times we automatically take on 'condemnation' when in truth the Holy Spirit is only bringing 'conviction'. Oxford gives this definition of the word 'conviction':

1. a the act or process of proving or finding guilty. b an instance of this (has two previous convictions).
2. a the action or resulting state of being convinced. b a firm belief or opinion. c an act of convincing.

We are 'guilty' and the Holy Spirit's job is to 'convince' us that we have gone the wrong way and to turn back...still with the hope that Jesus has already taken on and been 'condemned' for our sin - interesting, even before we were born and committed that sin! Jesus did it for us over 2000 years ago...we know that, don't we? Romans 6:6 says, "We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin." His love for us (the human race) Jesus Christ took our sin/shame to the Cross...He took it to His death.

Why do we hold on to it any longer? What ever it takes, get the help/support you need to walk away and never turn back!