Day 24 - Not Guilty

The Spirit sets us free from our life of sin. We can’t do that on our own.

It is so comforting and encouraging to know that God, through Christ, pronounces us “not guilty” in regard to our sin. It’s the total opposite of the words “no hope.” Because of Jesus, we are declared righteous in God’s sight. But who has not felt the sting of repetitive sin? Most of us have probably felt like giving up, or at least that God is ready to give up on us. We imagine that God is ready to say, “Good riddance to bad rubbish,” because we continue to struggle with sin. We are especially plagued with self-condemning thoughts. We think, “How could I have sinned like that when I know better?”

As adults, we become fairly conversant with the law of our country. In some cases, though, we don’t know about a law until we’ve broken it. But just as there are laws that condemn us, there are laws that keep us safe and secure. It’s the same for sailing. There is a specific branch of the law for the sea. While it can condemn, it also can protect and help. It is true in most arenas of life that if we are looking for a way around the law…it will lead to trouble.

Romans 8:1-17 begins with the words “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” The Spirit of life is the Holy Spirit. Not only was the Holy Spirit present at the creation of the world (see Genesis 1:2), but He is also the power that frees us from the grip of sin. From Him, we receive the power we need to walk the Christian walk and live the Christian life.

Have you ever worried whether or not you are really saved, whether or not you are really a Christian? A Christian is anyone who has the Spirit of God living in her or him (Life Application Bible, notes on Romans 8). If you have demonstrated your love and obedience to Christ, acknowledged Him as Lord, been baptized into His death, then the Holy Spirit has come into your life—you are a Christian. Oh, if you’re waiting for a “feeling,” you may have to wait a long time. You can know that the Holy Spirit has come into you because Jesus promised us that He would. You can believe that eternal life comes through Christ, you can live like He has directed you, you can find help and comfort in prayer, you can be empowered to serve God, and you can be a part of God’s plan to extend the borders of His Kingdom.

Is this a comfort to you? Or does it make you anxious?

Are you sure of your salvation and your Christianity?

If not, what do you want to do about it?