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. (Romans 8:1 AMP)
The devil uses guilt and condemnation in an attempt to drive a wedge between you and God so that he can keep you from walking in the love of God. The Holy Spirit will certainly convict us when we need to change something, but that is far different from condemnation.
When the Holy Spirit convicts us, we must repent. The word repent in the Bible means, “to change one’s mind” and this involves a turning from sin. It is as if you headed out for a drive down the freeway but you went down the wrong way and are now headed in the wrong lane and the traffic is now coming straight at you. You need to turn around and go the other way. That is what “repent” basically means. You are headed down the wrong way…the way to destruction …and you need to change your mind and turn around and go the other way.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) When God forgives us, we must forgive ourselves and go on with our lives. If we do not forgive ourselves the devil will lie and say things like “you are such a failure … God will never forgive you for what you did … you deserve just what you got … you’ll never amount to anything.” When the devil comes telling you these lies, Just say “I plead the blood that was shed on Calvary.”
Those who live under this kind of guilt and condemnation will often cease to trust in the blood of Jesus as the only means to come to God and receive His love, His grace, and His acceptance. If you allow it, condemnation will cause you to focus on your failures. It will rob you of your confidence in God, making Him seem distant and cold.
Tell the devil you will no longer accept his lies and condemnation.
Confession: God has forgiven me and I have forgiven myself. Now I am the righteousness of God in Christ. A brand new creation in Him.
May God’s richest and best be yours,
Lanier Martin
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