«There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus» (Romans 8: l).
IF YOU WANT TO HEAR GOOD NEWS to begin the day, today’s verse contains the best of news: that there is no condemnation for those of us who have accepted Christ as Savior, because God sent His Son, not to condemn the sinner, but to condemn the sin (Romans 8: 1, 3).
Let us now place the declaration of Romans 8:1 next to Romans 5: 1: «Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.» Why is this the best of news? Because «justification» is the opposite of «condemnation.» In the justification, «God acquits a man who has been guilty of wrongdoing or treats as righteous someone who has been unrighteous.» In other words, saying «justified by faith» is the same as saying «forgiven» by the blood of the Lamb. And if the Judge of the whole earth declares us free from all guilt, who can accuse us? If the King of the universe acquits us, who can condemn us? (Romans 8:33, 34).
A story told by J. R. Spangler illustrates this idea well. The account tells that Nicholas I, the tsar of Russia, used to dress as a private when he was going to inspect military camps. In one of those camps, the finance manager was the son of an officer friend. Following a series of bad decisions, and his passion for gambling, the young man had become indebted. He had even embezzled army money. His debt had grown so much that the young man contemplated the idea of committing suicide.
When night came, the young man went up to his office, calculated the amount of his debt, and wrote on a piece of paper: «Who can pay this large debt?» Then, placing his gun on the table, he lay on the desk, and fell asleep.
When the tsar saw the office light on, he wanted to know why his friend’s son was still awake. As he entered the room, he saw him sleeping, and read the note. He immediately realized what was happening. Then he wrote, «I will pay it. Nicholas I, Tsar of Russia.» When the young man awoke and read the message, his joy knew no bounds. His debt had been paid!
I don’t know how much your debt has amounted to (mine is huge), but this I know: when Jesus saw this enormity, He said, «I will pay it!» Praise God! If the blood of Christ has forgiven us, who can condemn us?
“The perishing sinner may say: ‘I am a lost sinner;’ but Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. . . I need not remain a moment longer unsaved. He died and rose again for my justification, and He will save me now. I accept the forgiveness He has promised.» —Select Messages, Book l, ch. 62, p. 392.
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
