There Is No Condemnation for Those Who Believe in Christ Jesus

Lately, my diet has been mostly gluten-free, except for eating two slices of wheat bread daily. Gluten is a protein in rye, wheat, spelt, and barley. Many foods contain it.

We check labels on all food products before buying them because my daughter has celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that affects about 10 percent of the world’s population. ¹

Gluten-containing products cause an instant immune reaction in her digestive system. They have brought her considerable pain over the years.

Gluten damages the digestive tracts of those with celiac disease. Condemnation is just as damaging spiritually and emotionally. The hammer of guilt pounds the nail of condemnation into our souls.

Feeling a strong sense of disapproval weighs heavily on our spirits. I remember the condemning tone of a card I received after performing a funeral. Someone did not like the way I did it. It was the only such card I received in forty years of ministry.

The Bible addresses the topic of condemnation. A life of wickedness does not bring condemnation for those who repent (Ezekiel 33:12), but it does for those who do not.

We are all under condemnation for Adam’s sin. “Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people” (Romans 5:18 NIV). The last part of the verse addresses what Jesus did for us on the cross. His righteousness is credited to our account.

God prefers to save the world rather than condemn it (John 3:17). So, He sent His Son to be a sin offering and to condemn sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3).

To be saved, we must trust God’s provision for our sins. “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:18 NIV). God's grace saves us through faith alone.

On the last day, Jesus’ words will condemn those who reject Him (John 12:48). In their unbelief and disobedience, they align themselves with the prince of this world, who also stands condemned (John 16:11).

For those who believe in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1)! “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34 NIV).

In Christ, we are condemnation-free! Gluten-free has advantages only on this side of the doorway to eternity. Condemnation-free benefits us on both sides! What is your takeaway?

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1.     Celiac Disease Diet: What You Can and Can't Eat — Eat This Not That

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