Freedom!

So, let's take yesterday’s point one step further today.  As I was reading in my Bible this morning, I came once again to Romans 8:1 where the Apostle Paul boldly proclaims that “those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned.”  (God’s Word ©)  That truth gives us another indication as to why we can hear the sounds of joyful singing and victory emanating from the lives of those who are in right standing with God. (See: Psalm 118:15)  I think the critical balance of this verse in Romans is found in the tiny preposition “in.”  According to Strong’s it “denotes a fixed position in place, time or state (and ) is a position of rest.”

Those of us who are firmly “fixed” in our position with Christ can therefore no longer be brought under condemnation or judgment by those who may criticize our actions or beliefs, by the lying insinuations of the enemy, or by any physical evidence that is in contradiction to the truth found in the word of God.  The adverse convictions and/or sentences that are put upon us can have no effect as long as we are “in” Christ Jesus.   The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary says that we “who believe in Him, to all legal effects, (are) made the righteousness of God in Him and thus… there is NO CONDEMNATION.”  Then it goes on to further define by saying “But this is no mere legal arrangement: it is a union in life…”  The key thought being “union in life.”  It is a place that we need to purposely pursue and stay in throughout the course of our daily lives.

I have mentioned on many occasions about some of the accusations that were brought upon me at the revelation of my wife’s health concerns.  (I am revisiting this incident because there may be readers who are dealing with similar situations)  Those few detractors made comments based on faulty information that hurt to the core, but if it had not been for the security of my standing “in” Christ and the foundation of the love that He has for me, I might have agreed with them and still be walking in defeat and condemnation to this day!

And that, my friends is exactly where the enemy of our souls would love for us to be!  Playing right into his adverse plans, by living in defeat, depression and fear instead of singing joyful songs of victory as a vibrant example of God’s love for the world around you to see.  The sounds of joyful singing and victory will draw those in need to you as a dinner bell would bring the hungry to a table filled with delicious foods and deserts!

Isn’t that the kind of life that you want to live?  No condemnation means a life of freedom.  Freedom to live the life that He has destined for you fulfill.  Don’t let the mis-informed words of a few distracters draw you away from God’s joy and victory that He has pre-arranged just for you!  Have a carefree day.  Stay in tune to His word and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”