You know that feeling, the one you get when you have done something wrong and you have to own up to it. You feel like you’re going to be sentenced to some sort of punishment, that everyone around you is going to point fingers at you and you’ll be humiliated.
Sometimes we feel this way when we are dealing with a sin that we are too ashamed to admit and feel like we have to fix it on our own because of the shame that we feel when we talk about it or reveal it to others. We continually carry around this baggage and burden of guilt and shame that keeps us from being everything that we were meant to be, everything that God created us to be.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
We are no longer under the law of sin and death, we have been set free. When Christ died for us He took on all of our sins past, present, and future so that we no longer had to carry around the burden and shame and guilt and be controlled by sin and death. We are not condemned, we are free. I am free. You are free. You. Are. Free.
So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. John 8:36 (MSG)
I don’t even know exactly why I’m writing this post but I know that I have talked to several different people that have been wrestling with this, I have been wrestling with this. Accepting this free gift of life from condemnation from my Father even when I don’t feel that I am worthy enough or good enough to receive it. That’s a lie from the pits of hell itself and what is going to keep so many of us from living to our fullest in Christ.
I’m talking to you….I’m talking to me…I am declaring it over anyone who reads this post….YOU. ARE. FREE. No more condemnation, no more guilt, no more shame, only freedom.
Are you dealing with feelings of guilt, shame, and condemnation? How can I pray for you in this area?
Brandon,
This one is for you, my friend. Enjoy, and may our Father continue to slam this point home with you!
http://projectmathetes.com/2011/01/20/im-not-worthy-god-makes-me-worthy/
As a son, I do not feel condemnation or guilt or unworthy. He has shown me these things are not for sons. I lay claim to nothing other than His Fatherhood over me and my sonship under Him. Life is better this way.
Thanks man! God is doing great things…I am just continuing to lean into it and jump in head first. Got the book in the mail today, looking forward to starting it!
Hey Brandon,
Yeah, I’ve also been wrestling with this truth a lot lately. Last night I was thinking a lot about the first part of 1 Peter 2:16 where it simply says, “Live as people who are free…” I want the truth of who I am in Christ to penetrate all of my mind and heart and then I want that truth to leak out in how I live.
I don’t always understand why I make it so hard to live this way.
Ernie,
You said:
“I want the truth of who I am in Christ to penetrate all of my mind and heart and then I want that truth to leak out in how I live.”
Please allow me to ask: Who do you say you are in Christ?
Whatever answer you give me, this is now your starting point.
Blessings, Ernie, and Godspeed!
Absolutely, I completely understand what you mean. God has really been pounding this into me lately, in a good way! Praying that you continue to find this too, we’ll figure this out together!
THANK YOU! I so needed to hear this, bro. Thank you for listening to God’s voice, and for sharing with us all in your journey. The encouragement is much needed.